Puerto Rico travel guide
Puerto Rico Tourism | Puerto Rico Guide
You're Going to Love Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico has a beautiful combination of white sandy beaches, tropical rain forests and a melting pot of cultures.
What to do in Puerto Rico
1. Go to the Beach
Take a ferry over to Vieques to enjoy a less crowded, more tranquil beach experience.
2. Discover the Picturesque Architecture
Look for the old Spanish influence in the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Old San Juan where you will see blue cobbled streets and pastel houses or visit the San Juan National Historic Site to see the forts of the colonial part of San Juan.
3. Go on an Adventure Hike
Go hiking in the mountains and explore some of the limestone caves and forest trails that exist on La Cordillera Central, the central mountain range of Puerto Rico.
4. Explore Nature
El Yunque National Rainforest – one of Puerto Rico's natural treasures – is a fascinating tropical rainforest ecosystem with walking trails through the enormous trees, beautiful waterfalls and pools.
5. Discover a World Underwater
Explore the marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving. Head to Fajardo in the east for coral heads and reef wildlife or Isla Desecheo for some beautiful dives.
When to visit Puerto Rico
The best month to visit Puerto Rico is February. There is not much seasonal variation in the temperatures during the year, which range from 70-90°F. The hurricane season tends to take place between the months of June and November.
How to Get to Puerto Rico
Entry Requirements
Puerto Rico falls under the Mainland USA visa laws and visitors must travel under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows entry for 90 days. This can be done online using the Electronic System For Travel Authorization (ESTA) online system before traveling and costs $14 per application. Travelers not eligible for the ESTA must apply for a visa at a US consulate.
Plane
While Puerto Rico has no international carrier of its own, most of the international flights originate in the USA, landing at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
Boat
An alternative way of traveling to Puerto Rico is by cruise ship. Ships stop at the Port of San Juan, which is the largest port on the island.
Popular airlines serving Puerto Rico
Where to stay in Puerto Rico
San Juan has hotels from most of the major US hotel chains, such as the Ritz, Intercontinental and St Regis. Boutique hotels also exist in the capital. Another option is to stay in a parador, which is an independent lodge or villa that is sponsored by the government and often owned by a family.
Where to stay in popular areas of Puerto Rico
Most booked hotels in Puerto Rico
How to Get Around Puerto Rico
Ferry
Ferries run from the old town of San Juan to Cataño and Hato Rey, where the Plaza las Americas shopping center is located. There are also ferries from the Port of Fajardo on the main island of Puerto Rico to Culebra and Vieques island.
Car
Renting a car is one of the best ways to see the island. Companies such as Enterprise and Alamo Car Rental will rent cars for around $30 per day. Carry some cash on you to pay for parking and be aware that the conditions of the road may be affected by weather conditions and the mountainous terrain.
Plane
There are two domestic airlines - Cape Air, which has more regular flights, and Vieques Air link - that provide travel connections between the mainland of Puerto Rico and the neighbouring islands of Vieques and Culebra. The flight timetables are seasonal and flights cost anywhere between $200-300.
The Cost of Living in Puerto Rico
Most major debit and credit cards can be used in Puerto Rico and ATMs can be found across the island, meaning you can use cash to avoid card charges. Meals at restaurants range from approximately $12-50 while a quart of milk and a dozen eggs from the shops will cost around $4.55.