The Facts For Your Puerto Rico Vacation

Puerto Rico vacation guests from the U.S. find that Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, and the smallest island of the Greater Antilles, located in the eastern zone of the Caribbean. The island is partially covered by the incredible El Yunque Caribbean National Rain Forest, which is considered to be the only tropical reserve in the U.S and a great site for Puerto Rico travel visitors.  A trip for any Puerto Rico vacation guest is a great escape into a world of beautiful contrast. Puerto Rican heritage boasts a culture that is 2,000 years old and steeped heavily in diversity.

Getting To Your Puerto Rico Vacation

Puerto Rico is the most accessible of the islands in the Caribbean; good news for Puerto Rico travel guests. Puerto Rico has several airports, but Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan handles the majority of Puerto Rico vacation  traffic. American Airlines, in fact, uses San Juan as the nucleus for its Caribbean travel connecting U.S. flights to less accessible Caribbean islands. In addition, airlines like Delta, United Airlines, and US Airways offer daily nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico travel visitors from Europe can travel on Lufthansa, British Airways, and Iberia to San Juan.

Puerto Rico Cruises are also available for travel; the most popular cruise lines include Carnival, Princess, and Norwegian. The impact of  Puerto Rico cruises is minimal in most areas of Puerto Rico, but San Juan, as the second largest sea port in the world, experiences more hustle and bustle than rest of the island.

Entry Requirements

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa. Canadian citizens should have birth certificate and photo ID but all Puerto Rico vacation guests are encouraged to have a passport. Citizens of the U.K. as well as all other visitors will need a valid passport for entry.

Puerto Rico Weather

Puerto Rico vacation guests find that Puerto Rico shares in the Caribbean wealth of wonderful weather; January temperatures range from 70 to 83 degrees, and July temperatures range from 76 to 88 (all in degrees Fahrenheit).  There is generally great Puerto Rico beach weather year round. Given the lush northern and eastern areas of the island, Puerto Rico experiences 52.3 inches of annual rainfall that support the El Yunque Rain Forest.

Geography

Puerto Rico travel visitors find Puerto Rico's geography is a reflection of their culture. Puerto Rico has breath-taking landscapes that cover the island. Northern Puerto Rico is a naturally beautiful region, which is hilly in formation and lush in view. The El Yunque Rain Forest, located in east Puerto Rico, has more than 400 species living within its confines. Listen for the croaks of the coqui, a frog which is considered to be the national mascot of the island, while visiting. While the northern and eastern regions are abundant in tropical vegetation, the southern region is more arid and rocky. Guanica Dry Forest is the opposite of the El Yunque Rain Forest, and is host to many indigenous species found only in this area. The island is home to hundreds of beautiful  Puerto Rico beaches, with many of the most breath-taking in San Juan.

 

Health/Safety

The water, like in most Caribbean islands, is potable and safe to drink. Those Puerto Rico vacation guests with more sensitive stomachs may prefer bottled water. It is best to take precautions when traveling in any foreign locale, and, indeed, petty crimes are a possibility in Puerto Rico. Using common sense, especially when traveling through small towns and narrow country roads, can help prevent purse-snatching and pick-pocketing. The Puerto Rico beaches near the major Puerto Rico hotels can provide security that isolated beaches rentals cannot, so make accommodation selections wisely.

People

Puerto Rican culture is a culmination of two thousand years of heritage. The culture combines the native Taino culture with influences from Creole, Spanish, African, and American cultures into a beautiful blend of Caribbean living. Puerto Rico vacation guests find the musical sounds of La Bomba (Puerto Rican dance music) and La Plena (Puerto Rican folk music), can be heard throughout the Puerto Rican streets. Many Puerto Ricans identify more with their island culture than with their national standing, and independence is a controversial topic for political discussion. Spanish is the main language spoken in Puerto Rico, but Puerto Rico travel guests find the localized version contains African, Taino, and English terms. When visiting, it is appropriate to greet in Spanish as opposed to English, as it shows respect for the Puerto Rican culture. Interest in Hispanic culture goes a long way; Puerto Ricans love to talk about their heritage. It's better for Puerto Rico vacation guests to ask of a local if he or she speaks English before making an assumption; it's also a custom to always shake hands at meetings with local company and just before leaving.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE