Welcome to Puerto Rico

The “Island of Enchantment” ticks just about all the boxes for a dreamy Caribbean holiday. There are beaches for sun-worshippers, rain forests for explorers, waves and coral reefs for surfers and snorkelers.

With its balmy weather and a delightful blend of Spanish and American influences, the island is an attainable paradise. Wander the labyrinthian cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, admiring pastel colonial architecture. Kayak or swim after dark and marvel at sparkling bioluminescent bays.

Wiggle your toes in the sand at renowned Playa Flamenco or the secluded sandy hideaways of the south. Visit Ponce’s numerous museums, from the Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña to the best art museum in the Caribbean, the Museo de Arte de Ponce, and stroll through the regal Plaza Las Delicias.

And don’t miss the only tropical rain forest in the United States, the lush El Yunque, where you may just glimpse the Puerto Rican parrot, one of the 10 most endangered birds on Earth.

Unique Facts

• Listen for the coqui call in the late afternoon and overnight, especially after a rainstorm – it’s the tiny tree frog and it’s Puerto Rico’s national animal.
• The island has its own observatory, the Arecibo Observatory, which is open to visitors.
• Drive the Pork Highway, near the mountain town of Cayey, along which you’ll find several restaurants specializing in, you guessed it, pork (lechoneras).
• The pina colada was born in Puerto Rico – try it just about anywhere, and consider visiting ones of the major rum distilleries, such as Bacardi and Serrallés.
• Puerto Rico has several uninhabited islands, open to visitors for an extra-special day trip. Check out Isla de Mona, Cayo Icacos and Caja de Muertos.

Language

Puerto Rico’s official languages are English and Spanish.

When To Go

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid-April through June. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30th.

Airports

Luis Munoz Marin (San Juan International Airport), Carolina
Rafael Hernandez Airport, Aguadilla

Passport Validity

None required of US citizens. Driver’s license or other valid photo ID is sufficient.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Puerto Rico: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage:120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Puerto Rico has no island-wide bus service. However, the metropolitan bus authority does serve San Juan, Carolina, Cataño, Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto and Bayamón.

Driver’s License

A valid driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

None

Local Visitor Info

Puerto Rico Tourism Office
500 Calle Tanca
Old San Juan, PR 00902
Tel: 800-866-7827
Tel: (787) 722-1709 exts. 3903, 3902, 3905

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911
Non-life-threatening police emergencies: 2020

Safety and Security

Puerto Rico has a relatively low crime rate. Use precautions against petty theft, pickpocketing and carjacking. Pickpocketing is especially common in tourist areas and on public transportation.