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Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Puerto Rico travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Puerto Rico’s rich culture and beautiful beaches have made it a top destination in the Caribbean for decades.

It has become particularly popular among American travelers, as it is part of the United States and does not require U.S. citizens to present a passport on entry. More and more travelers are finding out just how much the island has to offer, from excellent eats to lush rainforests.

One of your first stops in Puerto Rico will likely be the capital of San Juan, where you can explore the colorful historic district of Old San Juan.

Here you’ll see centuries-old buildings like the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Spanish citadel built in the 1600s. The neighborhood’s streets are lined with small shops and restaurants as well as attractions like Puerto Rico’s Museum of Art and History.

Road trips are also a great way to see everything Puerto Rico has to offer. The island’s relatively small size will allow you to easily visit all the top Puerto Rico beaches over the course of your trip. And don’t forget to make a trip to El Yunque National Forest, a stunning rainforest full of gorgeous flora and fauna.

Keep reading this Caribbean travel guide for resources that will help you with planning a trip to Puerto Rico.

Note that this travel guide to Puerto Rico contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Puerto Rico Map

Use this Puerto Rico travel map to begin planning your trip!

Puerto Rico map

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Puerto Rico Solo Travel Guides

Find a Puerto Rico travel itinerary perfect for solo travelers below!

Puerto Rico Adventure Travel

Get active in the outdoors with the help of these guides:

Vieques Travel Guides

Guides & tips for enjoying Vieques Puerto Rico travel.

Puerto Rico Food & Drink Guides

You can’t miss the food & drink when you visit Puerto Rico.

Caribbean Travel Tips

Make your Caribbean vacation even more memorable with the help of the following travel guides!

Top Puerto Rico Tours

Book a Puerto Rico tour and get to know the culture through a local.

  • Old San Juan, Bacardi Factory & Biobay Kayaking Combo Tour
  • Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise from Fajardo
  • Professional Surfing Lessons At La Pared Beach in Luquillo
  • Jet Ski Tour from Isla Verde
  • El Yunque Natural Waterslide & Rainforest Hike With Transportation Included from San Juan
  • Old San Juan Walk and Taste Tour

Puerto Rico Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Puerto Rico!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals! 

You can also use this map to search for local stays and experiences:

Puerto Rico Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Puerto Rico tour. When visiting Puerto Rico — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Puerto Rico itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Renting A Car In Puerto Rico

Renting a car in Puerto Rico?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Puerto Rico Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling to Puerto Rico.

Q: What are some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico?

While in Puerto Rico, you’ll definitely want to visit Old San Juan, the historic district of the island’s capital. Here you’ll find such sites as El Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, and Calle del Cristo. Check out the colorful, colonial-style buildings that line the streets and savor the tastes of Puerto Rico at local restaurants and bars.

Puerto Rico is also a big destination for ecotourism. El Yunque National Forest is home to one of the most gorgeous rainforests in the Caribbean and is worth a trip if you’re looking for a tropical hike. The forest is home to tons of wildlife and waterfalls, so have your waterproof camera handy!

And finally, Puerto Rico’s beaches are the perfect places to relax and soak up some sun. There are tons of beaches to choose from throughout the island; Flamenco Beach is great for snorkeling while Condado Beach is an excellent spot for a shoreside cocktail. Whatever your vibe, you’re sure to find the perfect beach in Puerto Rico.

Q: How should I prepare for a trip to Puerto Rico?

It’s important to know that while Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Spanish is the main language spoken on the island. While many Puerto Ricans do speak English, it’s a good idea to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip. You’ll likely need it if you’re venturing out beyond the big resorts.

Prices for food and accommodations in Puerto Rico are also more comparable to those in the United States than other Caribbean islands. Things get a bit cheaper inland and outside of major cities, but budget accordingly.

If you’re planning on exploring the island beyond the resort areas (which you absolutely should!) you will probably need to rent a car. Public transportation is limited and some cities are less pedestrian-friendly than others. Having a car on the island will help you design your own adventure.

In terms of safety, it’s one of the safest islands to travel alone, though as always keep valuables locked away in a safe location to avoid pickpockets, stay alert in large crowds, and try not to wear anything that will attract too much attention.

Q: How many days should I vacation in Puerto Rico?

While it’s absolutely possible to see a lot of Puerto Rico over a long weekend, a 4-to-5-day trip will give you time to explore more of what the island has to offer.

Q: Do you need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico?

United States citizens do not need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico. As the island is part of the U.S., American citizens only need a valid form of government ID (a driver’s license will do) to enter the country. It may be a good idea to bring your passport along for extra documentation, though. For all other countries, visa requirements are the same as in the United States. Visit the U.S. State Department’s website for more details.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Puerto Rico Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of the United States.

Q: What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?

The winter and spring months are generally the best time to visit Puerto Rico, although the winter is a particularly busy time for island tourism. Try to avoid visiting Puerto Rico in late summer and fall, as the island is particularly susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Puerto Rico?

Major credit cards, particularly Mastercard and Visa, are accepted around Puerto Rico, though it’s recommended to carry some cash for making purchases from smaller restaurants and street stalls.

Q: Where is the international airport in Puerto Rico?

International travelers typically fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, also known as San Juan Airport (SJU). It’s located in Isla Verde’s Carolina district, just minutes from San Juan.

Q: What is the local currency in Puerto Rico?

The local currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD).

Q: What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?

As Puerto Rico is an overseas territory of the United States of America in the Caribbean the official languages are English and Spanish, which means you may have the opportunity to learn a language while traveling.

What would you add to this Puerto Rico travel guide?