Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea. The official languages are Spanish and English, and the estimated population is approximately 3.2 million people. Travel to Puerto Rico is very popular, especially amongst Americans looking to escape winter. Below we’ve put together full Puerto Rico vacation guides and itineraries to help you plan your island getaway.
Tourism is one of the top industries and it’s easy to see why when you visit this tropical paradise. Hurricane Maria caused devastation across the island, but it was reported in 2019 that almost all hotels and Puerto Rico travel accommodations have returned to normal.
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the US Dollar as the official currency. Additionally, U.S. citizens do not need a passport since it is a territory. You will only be required to bring the standard travel documents that you use to fly anywhere in the United States. This makes it an especially easy getaway if you’re looking for beautiful beaches and amazing food.
Flights
Puerto Rico has several international airports including in San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce. Flights are usually especially cheap when flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. Inbound flights from the US are provided by several major airlines allowing you to shop competitively for the best deals.
Search for cheap flights on Skyscanner here.
When to travel to Puerto Rico
The best time to visit is from December to the end of April. June to November is hurricane season which can be unpredictable and filled with tropical storms. If you’re looking to skip some of the crowds, try to go later in the season in mid-April. It’s most crowded in the winter months when it’s cold in the northern US, so you’ll encounter many tourists trying to escape the snow.
What to do in Puerto Rico
Determining your itinerary for Puerto Rico can be overwhelming. There are so many amazing things to do on the island, but not enough time for everything. We put together a 7 day itinerary to ease the pressure and ensure you have a great experience in Puerto Rico.
Use the itinerary as a starting point and customize it based on your travel preferences. See the sample itinerary in the article linked below.
What to pack for Puerto Rico Travel
What will the weather be like in Puerto Rico – It’s important to take the weather into account when determining what to pack for any trip. Puerto Rico is usually warm and sunny with a tropical climate. Year round temperatures average 85 °F (29 °C) in lower elevations and 70 °F (21 °C) in the mountains.
Our last trip to Puerto Rico was in early December. It was warm and sunny everyday, so don’t forget your t-shirts, shorts, sun protection, and bathing suit. You will likely want to bring other items depending on specific needs you may have, and if you are traveling during the rainy hurricane season. See our article on what we packed for our trip around the world, and how to pick the right backpack.
Check out our articles below for Puerto Rico travel tips that we’ve learned on our journey.
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