The Taínos

The Taínos were one of the first inhabitants of the Caribbean. Here are some things to know about their beautiful island:

• The Taínos named the island Borikén but today it is known as Puerto Rico.

• People living in Puerto Rico today are sometimes called boricuas in honor of the island’s original name.

• There are many different environments on the island. There is the lush mountain rainforest called El Yunque. There are many white, sandy beaches such as Luquillo and Boquerón. There is a desert-like area where cactuses grow called the Guánica Dry Forest. And spectacular underground caverns in Camuy.

• The Taínos left many petroglyphs or ‘stone symbols’ behind. They can still be seen on rocks all over the island. Learn more about these symbols on the Petroglyph Puzzle Activity Sheet.

• You can visit many places on the island where the Taínos used to live. There are ball courts and rock carvings in the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park in Utuado. At Tibes Ceremonial Park you can see examples of the huts or bohíos they lived in. There is also a museum with pottery and other artifacts. Make your own model of a bohío using our Bohío Craft pattern.

• The Taínos lived in harmony with nature, farming and fishing. Meet Guanín, a typical Taíno boy.

• There are a few special animals that only live in Puerto Rico and nowhere else, like the Coquí frog and the Puerto Rican parrot.