Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Ah, Puerto Rico. Just the mere mention of this beautiful tropical island slows your heart rate. In the center of the Antilles arc, this self-governing commonwealth of the United States offers visitors as much, or as little, as they’d like to do. Surfing, scuba diving, fishing, golf, and exquisite beaches – they’re all available in Puerto Rico. For those arriving from the United States, Puerto Rico is a getaway without all the hassles. Spanish and English are both official languages, no Visas or Passports are required from the U.S., and Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar for currency. But no matter where your originating destination, Puerto Rico offers a unique Caribbean experience.

When to Go

Puerto Rico can be enjoyed any day of the year. The average temperature in this mild tropical marine climate is 83 F in winter, and 85 F in summer. Temperatures decrease in the evenings and in the mountain regions. Puerto Rico’s hurricane season runs from June through November, and visitors during that time should expect to experience short 5 – 20 minute showers interspersed with beautiful sunny skies. The most popular time for a Puerto Rico vacation is between December and April. The cheaper off-season runs from late Spring to late Fall.

Flights and Transportation

The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marin International (SJU) in San Juan. Again, advantages for travelers coming from the United States is that they will not have to go through customs. However, all check-in bags back to the States are required to go through a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection before checking in. Cheap tickets to San Juan in the high season can run as little as $437 from LAX, $623 from SFO, $431 from ORD ($665 for non-stop), and $463 from JFK ($504, non-stop). The fares in low season are very similar.

Most visitors choose to rent a car while in Puerto Rico as public transportation leaves much to be desired. Outside the capital city of San Juan, no scheduled buses or trains are offered. Because taxi drivers are part of a union, your hotel will not offer shuttle service because they are not permitted to compete. If you’d really prefer not to rent a car, try a Publico (shared taxi service) rather than a regular taxi; they are much cheaper. You’ll spot a Publico by its yellow license plate with the word Publico at the top.

Hotels and Lodging

Puerto Rico vacationers will find a wide range of lodging available. Everything from guest homes, hotels, bed & breakfasts, resorts, villas, and paradors (small country inns) can be rented. Fully furnished apartments can be a good bargain, especially in old San Juan. The units are generally inexpensive, clean, comfortable and have ethical owners. For another cheap lodging option, rent a summer house.

What to Do

A Puerto Rico vacation offers unlimited opportunities for fun in the sun. Top attractions include horseback riding, scuba diving and visiting Puerto Rico’s famous El Yunque National Forest (formerly the Caribbean National Forest). This sub-tropical rainforest is free to visitors and is open every day except Christmas. Well-marked hiking trails enable you to better view Yokahú Tower, Mt. Britton Lookout Tower, and the El Yunque Peak.

Do plan to tour the beautiful forts in San Juan. San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal offer amazing glimpses into past architecture and history.

Also schedule a night tour at the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques. Mico-organisms cause the water to literally glow in the dark, giving boaters an unforgettable experience. If you won’t be traveling to Vieques, other Puerto Rican bio bays are in La Parguera and Laguna Grande, Fajardo.