Visit Puerto Rico - Trips - Places to visit & Things to do

Everything you need to know for Puerto Rico

Geographical position and Climate of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin This island territory of the United States is approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. As for its geographical coordinates, Puerto Rico lies between 18 degrees north latitude and 66 degrees west longitude.

The climate in Puerto Hit the Tropics, which means it has a tropical marine climate with no real winter season. Throughout the year, temperatures are fairly consistent, ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). The island enjoys an average of 12 hours of daylight all year round.

The country benefits from northeasterly trade winds, which help to maintain a relatively pleasant atmosphere most of the time. However, it’s important to note that it lies within the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, which makes it susceptible to hurricanes from June to November. Rainfall can vary significantly across the island, with the rainforest areas receiving the most precipitation, while the southern coast is relatively drier.

Brief History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s history is a rich tapestry that intertwines indigenous cultures, Spanish conquest, African heritage, and American influence. Originally inhabited by the Taíno people, the island was claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Named “Rich Port” for its valuable resources, it became a Spanish colony for over 400 years.

The Spanish fortified Puerto Rico to defend against foreign invasions, but the island saw numerous attacks and occupations by other European powers. The African influence on the island grew as enslaved people were brought to work on plantations, contributing to the cultural mosaic.

In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. It underwent Americanization efforts, yet maintained much of its Hispanic culture. In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship, and in 1952, the island became a commonwealth, establishing its own constitution yet remaining a U.S. territory.

Today, Puerto Rico is a vibrant blend of its past, with ongoing debates about its political status, including statehood, independence, or maintaining the status quo.

Religion

The predominant religion in in the country is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. The island’s religious landscape reflects its historical ties to Spain, where Catholicism was the state religion during colonial times. In addition to Catholicism, there is a diversity of Christian denominations present on the island, including Protestantism with various branches such as Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, and Lutherans. Other religions practiced in Puerto Rico include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, although these communities are smaller.

Language

The primary languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English, with Spanish being the dominant language used in daily life, cultural practices, and media. Spanish reflects the island’s Latin American heritage and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English, which is also an official language, is taught as a second language in schools and is widely understood to varying degrees across the island. It is used in certain government functions, the tourism industry, and business settings.

Puerto Rico map and flag

The country is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. As a U.S. territory, it offers a unique blend of American and Hispanic influences, making it an accessible Caribbean getaway for U.S. travelers who don’t need a passport to visit.

Adventure tourism is on the rise, with activities like zip-lining, cave spelunking, and surfing. With its warm climate year-round, Puerto Rico remains a favored destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Places you must visit in Puerto Rico

Before you visit Puerto Rico

Travel to Puerto Rico

By Air:

Main Airport: The primary gateway to Puerto Rico is through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, which is the largest airport in the Caribbean.
Other Airports: Other airports include Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla (BQN), Mercedita Airport in Ponce (PSE), and Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport in Vieques (VQS), among others.
Airlines: Various airlines operate flights to Puerto Rico from numerous cities in the U.S., as well as international destinations.
No Passport Required: U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico; a state-issued ID is sufficient.

By Sea:

Cruise Ships: San Juan Port is a popular stop for Caribbean cruises, and many cruise lines offer trips that include Puerto Rico in their itineraries.
Ferries: There are also ferries from neighboring islands, although services can be limited and are more commonly used for inter-island travel within Puerto Rico (e.g., to Culebra and Vieques).

Visas for Puerto Rico

For U.S. Citizens:

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico.
Travelers must carry a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) if flying. A passport is not necessary but can be used as identification.

For Non-U.S. Citizens:

Visitors from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter Puerto Rico without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. They must have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a flight.
Travelers from countries not part of the VWP will need to obtain a U.S. visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of their visit (e.g., tourism, business, study).
All international visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure from Puerto Rico (U.S.).

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is typically from mid-April to June, right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer. During this period, you can expect:

Pleasant Weather: Warm and sunny days with less rainfall than later in the summer.
Lower Prices: Accommodation and flight prices tend to drop after the high season, providing better deals.
Fewer Crowds: With the peak tourist season winding down, attractions are less crowded.

The winter months (December to March) are also a popular time due to the cooler, dry weather, but this is the high season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Travelers should generally avoid hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the peak period from August to October. While the country is a year-round destination, it’s wise to monitor weather forecasts if planning a trip during these months.

Important Information

Capital – San Juan

Territory – 13,792 km²

Currency – United States dollar (USD)

Time Zone – UTC-4 (AST)

Population – 3,205,691

Demonym – Puerto Rican