Plan a trip to puerto rico: Travel Advisors | Discover Puerto Rico
Facts about Puerto Rico | Discover Puerto Rico
Get to know some basic facts about Puerto Rico.
Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, locals are American citizens, and American travelers can enter the Island without carrying a passport. Nor do U.S. travelers require international calling plans for their phones. The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.
Languages
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States where the official languages are Spanish and English. You may come across people who speak a mixture of both, or “Spanglish,” given the influence of the U.S. on the Island.
Learn more about the People of Puerto Rico
Location
Puerto Rico is the smallest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean, located east of the Dominican Republic.
Currency
The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.
No passport needed for U.S. travelers
Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, American citizens do not require a passport to enter the Island. However, they must always travel with a valid ID.
Arriving to Puerto Rico
While your worries away at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa.
Transportation
You can get to Puerto Rico by air or by sea. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, Jet Blue, and Spirit Airlines have direct flights to the Island. To give you an idea, the Island receives over 1,300 weekly non-stop flights and almost 1,000 direct flights. Most of these flights come from cities like New York, Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Hartford, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Washington, and Chicago.
How to get around?
Weather
The climate in Puerto Rico is warm and tropical (i.e., expect an afternoon shower during the summer months). The temperature varies between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It can go down to about 60 degrees in the central mountainous area during December and January.
Miami-like, Condado is the center of entertainment in the metro area.
Phone plans
American travelers do not need to opt for international plans to make calls since their phones will work perfectly on the Island. In Puerto Rico, there is a 4GLTE network; 5G is available at some locations. In remote areas of the Island, cellular service and data coverage can be spotty, so always plan if you’re going into the mountains, for example.
Population
There are around 3.2 million people in Puerto Rico, and close to 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the U.S.
Explore like a local
Other facts
- The legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico is 18 years.
- The Island has almost 300 miles of coastline and nearly the same number of beaches.
- Puerto Rico has the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Américas, and the most extensive rum factory globally, Casa Bacardí.
- El Yunque is the only rainforest in the U.S. Forest System and is in Puerto Rico. The forest receives over 120 inches of rain every year.\
- Although Puerto Rico is an American territory, it competes as an individual country in Miss Universe’s contests and the Olympics.
- Flamenco beach, in Culebra, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world on multiple occasions.
- The piña colada was invented in Puerto Rico.
- The remains of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León are in a tomb inside the San Juan Cathedral.
Puerto Rico is full of beautiful hidden gems, culinary experiences and a culture as warm and welcoming as our tropical weather.
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Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico: The Step-by-step Guide
Putting together a Puerto Rico itinerary from start to finish can be super overwhelming—so use this step-by-step guide to plan your trip to Puerto Rico with minimal hassle. And if you have any questions, feel free to send us a message.
To take the stress out of travel planning, connect with a Puerto Rican local. Not only will they design a custom itinerary based on your interests, but they’ll let you in on a few of the island’s secrets. It’s basically like having a best friend in Puerto Rico. Learn more.
Step 1: Choose the best time to go
Palomino Island, Puerto Rico | Cliff N/Flickr
The best time to visit Puerto Rico really depends on your personal preferences. Puerto Rico’s tourist season runs from December to May because (a) these months tend to be a bit less rainy and (b) people want to escape wintery weather at home. On the flip side, peak season comes with more crowds, and there are just as many amazing things to do in Puerto Rico in the offseason. Plus, the weather is almost identical no matter when you go.
Pro tip: For the best prices, buy your plane tickets at least 2 months in advance of your trip, and don’t forget to look for special flight discounts (think senior citizens, students, groups etc. )
Step 2: Sketch out your itinerary
Make a list, check it twice—it’s time to find out which places to stay are the most…nice…
Sorry. We tried. Anyway, one of the best parts about traveling to Puerto Rico is the island’s size. Since Puerto Rico is only about as big as the state of Connecticut, it’s easy to hit all the tourist attractions—with tons of hidden gems in between—in a relatively short period of time. For this juggling act, we’d recommend getting some input from a local travel planner who knows the island inside and out. They’ll streamline your itinerary with all the sightseeing spots, hidden-gem places to go, and activities you could ever want.
Step 3: Factor in travel time
Factor in travel time | Ashim D’Silva/Unsplash
The amount of time you spend on the airplane is an important detail that often gets lost in the mix. To get the max out of your PR adventure, consider taking an early flight to one of Puerto Rico’s 4 major airports. That way, no matter how long your flight is, you’ll arrive with plenty of energy for tackling some Puerto Rico must-dos. Keep in mind that many attractions are located within a two-hour driving radius of major airports like San Juan.
Pro tip: Most flights to Puerto Rico go through the island’s biggest airport, Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan. Other airports are located in Aguadilla, Culebra, Mayaguez, Ponce, and Vieques—smaller cities with fewer airline options.
Step 4: Assemble your travel documents
If you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico—just the same ID you’d need to fly anywhere else in the country (one of the many reasons why traveling to Puerto Rico is so easy). For peace of mind, make a photocopy of your ID before you leave, so if it’s misplaced you’re not in too much trouble (and feel free to check out this Puerto Rico travel guide for more helpful tips).
Step 5: Decide what to pack
Decide what to pack | Anete Lusina/Unsplash
Bring on the shorts, tank tops, and sundresses—you’re headed to the tropics, baby! Pack your comfiest walking shoes (preferably already broken in)—Puerto Rico’s best places to visit are all walkable. If you forget to bring a few toiletries don’t worry; it’s easy to find convenience stores like Walgreens. Many of Puerto Rico’s best vacation spots are also close to convenience stores or have vendors close by.
Step 6: Let your credit/debit card provider know you’re traveling
Since Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, you don’t need to worry about exchange rates (woo!). However, it doesn’t hurt to call your bank to tell them you’re going to Puerto Rico. That way, they’ll know you’re the one using the card and won’t freeze your account for suspicious activity. And don’t forget to call your cell phone provider too!
Step 7: Outline your budget
El Yunque | Doreeno/Flickr
Even if you’re trying to take a cheap trip to Puerto Rico (which is actually really easy), you might still be tempted to splurge. One of the best ways to save on Puerto Rico travel is by trying off-the-beaten-path options, like Airbnbs, street food vendors, and free attractions. No matter where you stay in Puerto Rico, you can find good deals.
Pro tip: If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Puerto Rico that’s both fun and inexpensive, consider one of these alternative ways to travel to Puerto Rico in 2022.
Step 8: Weigh your lodging options
Lodging in Puerto Rico | MariamS/Pixabay
While PR has the usual hotel chains found anywhere else in the States, some of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico are anything but usual (think one-of-a-kind lodgings like a treehouse in El Yunque or a seaside villa near Rincon). Don’t stress about finding the ideal place on your own—your trip planner will recommend the best lodging options to fit your budget and preferences.
Step 9: Know how to get around
Since Puerto Rico doesn’t have much by way of public transit, decide in advance how you want to get around the island. Uber is an efficient, cheap way to see some major sites—especially if you’re traveling around San Juan. That said, rental cars average just $25/day and are generally the best way to see Puerto Rico at your own pace.
Pro tip: Many highways were damaged in Hurricane Maria, but have since been repaired. It’s entirely safe to travel through Puerto Rico by car—for more information, check out this Puerto Rico tourism update.
Step 10: Prioritize the highlights you want to see
The Raices Fountain in San Juan | Ricardo’s Photography/Flickr
We all love our guidebooks and TripAdvisor tips. But odds are, your trip will be more fulfilling if you check off the Puerto Rican wonders that you most want to see. Granted, it doesn’t hurt to head over to vacation spots like El Yunque, San Juan, or any of Puerto Rico’s incredible beaches—but the island’s real wonders are gems only locals can show you.
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With this guide, you’re almost ready to start planning your trip. But to really take the stress out of travel planning, connect with a Puerto Rico local. They’ll design a custom itinerary based on your interests, budget, and travel style—so you’ll see the real Puerto Rico, your way. Why see Puerto Rico like a tourist when you could see it like a local? Questions? Send us a message!
- Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
- The 40 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico 2022
- Is It Safe to Go to Puerto Rico Right Now?
- Traveling to San Juan in 2022: What I Learned
- Puerto Rico Travel Advisory
- Travel Agencies in Puerto Rico
- Contact Us
YOU CAN WIN A TRIP TO PUERTO RICO JUST MARKING A WEEK ON YOUR CALENDAR
While you may not be able to board a plane today, Discover Puerto Rico wants you to at least start imagining your trips in the future.
This week, Discover Puerto Rico announced its new partnership with JetBlue and San Juan Marriott, who have teamed up to inspire travelers to plan their next trip and gift a vacation to one lucky person who actually takes part in the exercise.
‘Puerto Rico is a great option for travelers looking for warm temperatures, rich history, an abundance of natural attractions, delicious cuisine and international flavors,’ said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico in a statement. “The island is the ideal place to visit when responsible travelers are ready, given the priority given to health and safety measures, as well as current entry requirements to ensure a safe holiday.”
Here’s how it works: Three companies are asking travelers to pick any week of 2021 and lock their digital calendars for a “Puerto Rico vacation.” Participants are required to indicate the theme of the calendar event “Fly JetBlue to Puerto Rico”. Then simply enter [email protected] as a participant in the calendar invitation to qualify for the draw and click Submit.
High angle view of palm trees on a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico Credit: Marisa Ibirina / EyeEm / Getty Images
Three winners will win two round trip JetBlue certificates in Puerto Rico plus six days/five nights at the San Juan Marriott beach resort. In addition, 100 participants will receive a gift bag containing travel gifts to inspire them on their upcoming trips.
“As Puerto Rico’s largest airline, we’re thrilled to partner with Discover Puerto Rico to encourage travelers to choose their next vacation on the island,” said Elizabeth Windrum, vice president of marketing for JetBlue. “With so much pent-up travel demand, we look forward to welcoming customers when they are ready to fly JetBlue to Puerto Rico, knowing they can count on us to provide a safe journey and award-winning service.”
Even if you don’t win the trip, you still come out on top. That’s because, as Discover Puerto points out, research shows the simple first step of blocking time will increase your chances of fulfilling your plans, as well as your happiness levels. So take 30 seconds today to make a calendar invitation. Because right now you deserve some happiness.
To learn more about the draw, visit Discover PuertoRico.com.
Stacey Liaska is a journalist, photographer and media professor. Send tips and follow her on Instagram now.
Puerto Rico’s Top 10 Villas
San Juan
37 villas
Rincon
12 villas
Culebra
7 villas
Vieques
4 villas
Isabela
10 villas
Cabo Rojo
10 villas
Fajardo
5 villas
Aguadilla
6 villas
Dorado
11 villas
Arecibo
3 villas
Humacao
3 villas
Rio Grande
10 villas
Boqueron
3 villas
Aguada
7 villas
Luquillo
5 villas
Caribbean
4690 villas
North Puerto Rico
85 villas
South Puerto Rico
5 villas
9. 3
Perfect
138 reviewsVillas at Aguada Sea Beach is located in Aguada. It offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and free private parking.
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9.6
Fabulous
113 reviewsBoasting pool views, Beautiful Ocean Front Villa features accommodation with an outdoor pool and a balcony, around 2.9 km from Playa Colon Water Park.
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9.8
Fabulous
6 reviewsLocated 2.4 km from Shore Island Beach, 34 km from Rio Camuy Cave Park and 40 km from Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, Oceanfront Hideaway main floor features accommodation located in Isabela.
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ten
Fabulous
5 reviewsSunset Coast Loft & Rooftop Villas is located in Aguacate. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a garden with an outdoor pool.
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9.3
Perfect
20 reviewsCHILL SPOT is located in Ceiba, 3 km from Medio Mundo Beach, 38 km from El Yunque Rainforest, as well as 38 km from Bioluminescent Bay.
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9.3
Perfect
9 reviewsCasa del Sol -Unit B is located in Bayamon, 20 km from Fort San Felipe del Morro, 8.5 km from Fort Buchannan, and 11 km from El Canuelo.
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ten
Fabulous
6 reviewsSet in Rincon, Rincon Relax House Near Downtown with Private Pool offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant and access to a garden with a year-round outdoor pool.
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9.9
Fabulous
9 reviewsSet in Palomar, 33 km from Arecibo Observatory and 19 km from Rio Camuy Cave Park, Casita De Arte offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
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9.6
Fabulous
5 reviewsOffering a shared lounge and a garden, as well as a private beach area, “Lucor D-Eight House” New Entire Home in the Town… is set in Rincon, not far from Doña Lala Beach and Steps Beach.
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9.0
Perfect
24 reviewsCoral Guest House – Jobos Isabela, PR, a property with an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities and a terrace, is set in Isabela, 46 km from Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, 700 meters from.