Puerto rico official tourism website: Marketing and Events – Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Is it still too soon to visit Puerto Rico?

Miyo McGinn

October 27, 2022

To make sure your vacation helps—instead of hurts—the local economy, be ready to plan ahead, be flexible, and stay out of areas with already-overburdened infrastructure.

This September, slow-moving Hurricane Fiona rolled over Puerto Rico, causing severe flooding and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without water and over a million without power. A couple of weeks later, the island was in the path of Category 4 Hurricane Ian. Now, more than a month later, the lights still haven’t come back on for many—despite claims from the island’s private electrical utility that power has been restored to 99 percent of the island’s residents.

The intensity of the storms and damage they left behind was reminiscent of the one-two blow Puerto Rico suffered from Hurricanes Maria and Irma almost five years ago, in September of 2017. Recovering from the damage of those storms has been slow and painful, something many hope won’t be the case this time around.

In the last few years, headlines about Puerto Rico’s once-thriving tourism industry bouncing back started popping up on travel blogs and major outlets. Only a couple weeks after Ian, the message from tourism officials on the island stressed that major airports, hotels, resorts, and attractions were safe and open for business, even as they expressed solidarity with the many people still struggling to recover.

In fact, according to reporting from NPR-affiliate radio station WBUR in Boston, Massachusetts, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has obligated over $21 billion for public assistance projects to rebuild infrastructure in Puerto Rico since the devastation of Hurricane Maria. However, only 407 million — that’s 2% — has actually been spent.

But officials seem to be putting their best face on. Brad Dean, CEO of the territory’s official tourism organization Discover Puerto Rico, told the press that Fiona was “a setback for us, but not a reset. ”

The organization’s website has a list of the status of popular attractions, transportation, beaches, and lodging, so you can check what’s open while planning your trip. 

Visitors bring in a lot of money and support many jobs—around 10 percent of the US territory’s economy is related to tourism. But is the impact of your visit as simple as the dollars you’re bringing? Well, it depends on the disaster, location, timing, and your own priorities. 

If you have a trip booked to Puerto Rico in the coming months or are considering one, you may be wondering how soon is too soon, and what’s the best way to travel so that you help (or at least don’t harm) the people most affected by the storm. 

Short of a locality requesting that visitors don’t come vacation until further notice—which is obviously a clear and unequivocal “no”—it can be hard to know whether it’s the right time to make a trip to a disaster-stricken region.

According to Josh Dozor, a general manager at the risk assessment company International SOS, areas with limited accessibility due to damaged infrastructure like roads or bridges, downed cell towers, power outages, water advisories, and hospitals that are still getting back on their feet should all be seen as no-fly zones for potential tourists. “These are good indicators not to go,” he told the Washington Post.

This eliminates the chances that you’ll be putting additional stress on important overburdened or recovering essential infrastructure. Plus, regions that have sustained that sort of damage might be better off using hotel rooms and VRBOs for people whose homes were damaged during the disaster, or to house relief workers. 

As helpful as tourism dollars are at helping Puerto Rico’s economy recover from yet another devastating storm, it’s not the only way you can help. Supporting Puerto Rican-led aid organizations is the best way to get your money directly to the people who need it most. And if you’re politically inclined, making sure that your federal elected officials know you want them to support Puerto Rico’s recovery will help when they’re deciding how much government aid the territory (which doesn’t have any voting congressional representatives looking out for their interests) will receive.

This is all to say, if Puerto Rico’s government and official tourist organizations are saying that they’re open for business—which they are—you can believe them. But remember to check whether the destinations you have in mind are all operating at full capacity, and respect any areas that say they aren’t ready for tourists yet. And be sensitive to the hardship many of the locals may have undergone—Stephanie Murphy from the disaster recovery and preparedness firm Tidal Basin pointed out to the Washington Post that staff may be tired or new, and guests should be ready to be flexible with delays or inconveniences. Be ready to “be more patient than normal,” she says. 

“The people want to return to normal, and tourism is part of that normalcy. Seeing tourists is a sign that everything is going to be okay,” says Dozor.

***

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Miyo McGinn

Miyo McGinn is a writer, fact-checker, and self-described aspiring ski bum based in Washington. Her bylines can be found at Grist, High Country News, and Outside. She covers US News for Adventure.com.

10 Reasons To Visit Puerto Rico This Winter

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Last Updated 2 months ago

As wintry weather hits most areas of the United States, travelers are looking for options close to home that offer a break from the cold and a boost in mood from the sun. Puerto Rico has consistent sunshine with summertime feels all year round, and to make things even more enticing, its tourist board just released the best road trip itinerary to explore the island.

The route has been inspired by its official Pantone color, a red-orange hue that resembles Puerto Rico’s sunlight. Puerto Rican physicist Hector J. Jimenez calculated the color of sunbeams at different times of the day and locations using models of solar radiation and the atmosphere to identify the color.

The color has been incorporated into many of Puerto Rico’s businesses and attractions, and now the Sunshine Route points to various attractions where you can experience Puerto Rico’s sunshine color.

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“There has never been a better time, or easier way, to visit Puerto Rico, with new direct flights departing from across the U.S. daily, and no passport required. Especially as the cold settles in across much of the mainland, we encourage people to feel the warmth in Puerto Rico,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico, in a press release.

Check out some of the top 10 highlighted road stops below:

A Sunshine-Inspired Lightshow

Located in the San Juan metro region, Puerto Rico’s massive new entertainment complex DISTRITO T-Mobile will be putting on a unique light show inspired by the Pantone color using its 14,000 feet of LED screens, including America’s largest 4K horizontal LED screen.

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Frozen Treats

Senor Paleta is a specialty store in Old San Juan known for creamy and fruity frozen desserts on a stick, otherwise known as Paletas. The artisanal shop has created a Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired paleta with papaya and pineapple flavors. Make sure you take your paleta to-go so you can enjoy it during the sunset over San Juan Bay.

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Stunning Beaches

You’ll be spoiled for choice with Puerto Rico’s many glorious beaches as you wait for its orange-hue sun to disappear at the end of the day. Playa Pastillo is known for its turquoise waters and its cave, Cuevas de Las Golondrinas, which is only accessible during the summer months. During winter, you can take a casual beach walk to view it. If you want something for the whole family, Sun Bay beach offers all the amenities you need, while an off-the-beaten-path option is Zoni Beach which has fewer crowds and offers natural caves and sea grapevines.

Nature-Inspired Accommodations

With designs inspired by nature, accommodation options such as family-owned Hacienda Tres Casitas allow you to reconnect with nature as you look out into the wilderness and listen to the sounds of the coquis and chirping birds.

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Coffee Farms

Nestled in the mountains, Adjuntas has been nicknamed the “City of the Sleeping Giant” and encompasses 1,400 coffee farms with local brands such as Hacienda Tres Ángeles. The coffee hacienda operates a plantation and offers guided tours to learn about how coffee goes from bean to brew, as well as a delicious tasting of the final product at the end.

The Highest Peak

Cerro Punta is the highest peak on the island, which is over 4,000 feet above sea level. Get as close to Puerto Rico’s sunshine as physically possible while experiencing panoramic views of the island either by driving to the peak or hiking it.

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Breathtaking Sunsets

Take your pick between the hundreds of locations to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset in Puerto Rico, but Rincón has developed a reputation as one of the best. Located in the Western region of the island, you get to watch a magical display of the sun disappearing below the horizon line.

Nature Reserves

The route includes a stop at La Parguera Natural Reserve, which is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Puerto Rico. This coastal area is known for its mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and estuaries. Spend the day island-hopping between 30 of its cays and islets or enjoy a snorkeling adventure to view its thriving reefs.

Indigenous Parks

The Caribbean’s most important Taíno archeological landmark, the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Site, dates back more than 800 years and gives a glimpse into indigenous culture prior to the Spanish colonization. Venture back in time with ten “bateys,” known as stone monoliths, and plenty of petroglyphs to interpret.

Hot Springs

There’s nothing more relaxing than an outdoor spa and natural thermal springs as you soak up the sun’s rays. Coamo Hot Springs has been called the Fountain of Youth, and the mineral waters have been known to help different conditions, such as diabetes, joint pain, and circulation issues.

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Puerto Rico makes proof of vaccination mandatory for all hotels

Puerto Rico, a popular travel destination with international tourists during the pandemic, will introduce new travel restrictions on its hospitality industry that will affect travelers. In response to rising cases of Delta disease in neighboring countries, evidence of vaccination or mandatory testing in all hotels and accommodations will be introduced.

These will include:

– Hotels,

– Guest houses,

– Paradores,

– Short term rentals,

– Long term rentals,

– VRBO rentals,

– Resorts.

As a result, travelers will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours prior to arrival at the hotel. If travelers stay for more than one week, they will need to take negative tests weekly. Failure to follow these rules will result in a $5,000 fine or six months in jail, with very few reported exceptions.

The Delta variant hurts the travel industry

This results in ever-changing travel restrictions around the world. This option is causing daily changes in Europe as EU countries reflect on how to deal with the outbreak.

Current entry restrictions

Travelers from other countries will be required to present a certificate of vaccination issued by the Centers for Disease Control. You will need to upload this to the Travel Safe national portal.

In contrast, if travelers have not been vaccinated, they will need to show proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival. Otherwise, travelers face a $300 fine. More positively, however, travelers can avoid the $300 fine if they test negative within 48 hours of arriving in Puerto Rico. The country exempts travelers under the age of two from any of these restrictions.

Reason for new restrictions

Reports suggest the move is in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. Transfer rates have gone up from 1.4 percent at the end of June to 11 percent now. In response, the CDC issued an alert for Puerto Rico, saying the country is experiencing an alarmingly high rate of transmission. However, in neighboring countries, the transmission speed is in any case the same as in Peerto Rico. Puerto Rico will insist that all healthcare workers, healthcare workers and government contractors face the same restrictions and ongoing testing requirements going forward.

The Minister of Health of Puerto Rico also stated that “Puerto Rico cannot let its guard down” and “There are vaccines for everyone.”

Vaccines are the solution

More than 78.4 percent of local residents have been vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine since the start of the pandemic.

Current Domestic Restrictions

With many countries lifting domestic COVID-19 restrictions, it is important that travelers choose the best option before booking. Puerto Rico currently has low domestic restrictions, but remember that they can change at any time.

Currently, travelers can visit all restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, museums and indoor attractions.

The government has made masks mandatory in all premises, regardless of your vaccination status, which differs from America and Europe.

Puerto Rico still has social distancing measures in place. These include increased health regulations and restrictions on large gatherings. So, there are restrictions, but now they are less than in many countries of the world.

The impact of these restrictions on domestic travel

If you travel to Puerto Rico with proof of full vaccination, these new restrictions make little difference. Of course, you will have to provide proof of vaccination more often.

However, if you are traveling to Puerto Rico as an unvaccinated traveler, these restrictions will disappoint you.

But at the moment this journey is limited, constantly changing and much more returning to normal.

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