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Territory of United States

Caribbean

Puerto RicoTravel guide

Explore Puerto Rico visa rulesCommon scams in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and a self-governing territory of the United States. It has sandy beaches, tropical forests, historic sites, and Spanish, African and American cultural influences.

Why go

  1. Beaches range from busy surfing spots to quiet island escapes.

  2. Tiny organisms make the water glow in the bioluminescent bays.

  3. Old San Juan has important historic buildings and forts.

  4. El Yunque National Forest has tropical plants, birds and tree frogs.

  5. Local food, coffee and rum are part of the island's culture.

Getting there

By air

  • The main airport is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, with the airport code SJU. It is in Carolina, near San Juan.
  • Flights also serve Aguadilla and Ponce. Ceiba Airport has flights to Vieques and Culebra.
  • Taxis and rental cars are available at the main airport. Some hotels offer free airport transport, and airport tourism staff can help you find transport.

By sea

  • Cruise ships visit Puerto Rico, and many cruises start from San Juan.

Customs

  • There is no customs inspection when travelling between the United States mainland and Puerto Rico.
  • Before flying from Puerto Rico to the mainland, your bags are checked by the United States Department of Agriculture. This happens before you check in your luggage.
  • All agricultural items are checked for disease. Mangos, soursop, passionfruit and plants in soil may not be taken to the mainland.

Getting around

  • Rental car

    A rental car is the most convenient way to explore outside San Juan. Cars are available at the airport and larger hotels. Drive on the right. Road signs are mostly in Spanish, distances are in kilometres, and speed limits are in miles per hour. Expect potholes, uneven roads and drivers who may not signal. Rain can make some smaller roads impassable. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding and foggy. Drive slowly and sound your horn before blind bends. City traffic is heavy from 8AM to 10AM and 4PM to 6PM. Allow extra travel time. Street names and map entries can be missing or wrong. Know the neighbourhood name as well as the address. Check whether your own car insurance covers rentals in Puerto Rico before buying rental insurance. Toll roads use different payment lanes, and some require an electronic toll pass. Check the payment setup for your rental car.

  • Public bus

    The Metropolitan Bus Authority runs the island's only regular scheduled bus system. It mainly serves greater San Juan. Most service runs from 4:30AM to 10PM, but some routes have shorter hours. The bus between Isla Verde and Old San Juan takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Buses arrive irregularly. The source's 2022 fare information says this bus costs $0.75 and accepts quarters only.

  • Train

    San Juan has one rapid transit line serving the metropolitan area. It does not reach Old San Juan or the Condado resort area. There are no long-distance trains.

  • Taxi and shared taxi

    Taxis are an option for airport transfers. Shared taxis are called públicos and can be an option for budget travellers. Give the driver the neighbourhood name as well as your destination. Several streets can have the same name.

What to see and do

  • La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site

    Together, these form Puerto Rico's UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its cultural importance.

  • Bioluminescent bays

    Tiny organisms glow when the water moves in bays near Fajardo, Vieques and Lajas. A new moon gives the best viewing conditions.

  • Coffee plantations

    Some plantations still grow coffee, while others are museums. Many are in the mountains north of Ponce.

  • Caparra Ruins

    These are the remains of the island's first European settlement. They are along the Metrobus routes.

  • Explore El Yunque National Forest

    See rainforest plants and wildlife, and listen for the coquí tree frog. Expect frequent rain and dress for wet weather.

  • Snorkel or scuba dive

    The coast and the islands of Vieques and Culebra offer wildlife and scenic surroundings. Before booking a snorkelling trip, get a guarantee that it visits sites suitable for snorkelling.

Food and drink

  • Traditional Puerto Rican food

    Traditional town squares are places to find local food. Service at busy sit-down restaurants can be slow, with waits of more than an hour after ordering.

  • Mallorcas

    These are rich egg buns served with powdered sugar and jam.

  • Avena

    This is a hot cereal similar to oatmeal. It is commonly served with added sugar.

  • Piña colada

    Puerto Rico is the birthplace of this sweet drink made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. The drinking age is 18.

  • Local rum

    Puerto Rican rums include Don Q, Bacardí, Captain Morgan and Ron de Barrilito. Rum is usually served mixed with other drinks.

  • Pitorro or cañita

    This illegally made sugarcane spirit is often flavoured with fruit or other ingredients. It can be extremely strong, reaching 80% alcohol.

Money

United States dollar (USD), shown as $.

  • Cash machines are widely available.
  • Many cash machines connect to international card networks, including Cirrus, Plus, American Express and Discover.
  • Town festivals sell local crafts, often for less than in Old San Juan. Ask for recommendations on which festivals to visit.

Tipping: Tipping follows the same general practice as on the United States mainland.

Typical costs

  • The source lists rental cars from $28 a day.
  • The source's 2022 information lists the Isla Verde–Old San Juan bus fare as $0.75.
  • The source lists Medalla Light beer in stores at $1–$2 each.
  • The source says coffee at a good bakery is rarely more than $1.50.
  • Hotel prices in San Juan are high during winter.

Language

  • Spanish is the main language, and most road signs are in Spanish.
  • English is also an official language. Tourism staff often speak it fluently, but English can be limited elsewhere.
  • Puerto Rican Spanish has a distinct accent and local words. It is fine to ask someone to repeat themselves or speak more slowly.
china
Orange.
zafacón
Trash can.
chavo
Penny.
menudo
Loose change.
flahlai
Flashlight.
wikén
Weekend.
Bendicíon
A request for an older person's blessing, used respectfully when saying goodbye.

Staying safe

  • Theft is the main concern for visitors. Keep your belongings with you at beaches, restaurants and bars.
  • Park in a garage where possible, and leave no valuables in the car.
  • Tourist areas in San Juan and Ponce have heavy police patrols. Violent crime against tourists is very rare.
  • The source advises avoiding public housing complexes called caseríos and areas such as La Perla in San Juan because of crime.
1 common scams in Puerto Rico, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Be polite and smile. People may stand closer together when talking than on the United States mainland.
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish. Local people generally appreciate the effort.
  • Show respect to older people. Saying “Bendicíon” when leaving an older person is a respectful gesture.

Don't

  • Avoid heated discussions about political parties or Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States.
  • Do not feel you need to respond to whistles or unwanted comments in the street. The source advises ignoring them.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is treated and safe to drink almost everywhere. Ask your host if there is a local water concern.
  • Bottled water is available in grocery stores, pharmacies and many small shops.
  • Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes and streams in metropolitan areas, which are often polluted.
  • Medical facilities and pharmacies are widely available. Medical care can be expensive, and waits of three to four hours to see a doctor are not unusual.

Where to stay

  • About half of Puerto Rico's hotel rooms are in the San Juan area. Rooms there can be expensive in winter.
  • Major international hotel chains and independent resorts operate on the island. Most large cities have at least one international chain hotel.
  • Old San Juan has furnished apartments rented by the day, week or month. Many are within walking distance of museums and nightlife.
  • Some small outdoor tour companies offer low-cost or free lodging.

Outdoor adventures in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, rainforest walks, caves and offshore islands to explore. You can snorkel, learn to surf or take a kayak or boat tour to bays where tiny organisms make the water glow. The island is warm throughout the year, with hurricane season from June to November.

  • El Yunque National Forest

    HikeEastern Coast

    Explore the rainforest for its waterfalls, plants and wildlife.

    • Expect frequent rain each day. Dress for wet weather.

  • Flamenco Beach

    BeacheCulebra

    Visit Flamenco Beach on Culebra for beach time and snorkelling around coral.

    • Keep your belongings attended on the beach.

  • Vieques bioluminescent bay

    KayakingVieques

    At night around a new moon

    Take a kayak or boat tour to see tiny organisms glow as the water moves.

  • Fajardo bioluminescent bay

    KayakingEastern Coastnear Fajardo

    At night around a new moon

    Join a kayak or boat tour of the glowing bay near Fajardo.

  • La Parguera bioluminescent bay

    More to doLajas

    At night around a new moon

    Take a boat tour to see the glowing water.

  • Río Camuy Cave Park and Cueva Clara

    CaveNorth/northwest Puerto Riconear Arecibo

    45-minute guided cave walk

    Visit the cave park south of Arecibo and take the guided walking tour of Cueva Clara.

    • Wear shoes with good grip. The cave is damp and slippery.
    • Watch out for bat droppings.

  • El Crashboat

    BeachePorta del Solnear Aguadilla

    Visit the beach in Aguadilla.

    • Keep your belongings attended on the beach.

  • Wilderness Beach

    BeachePorta del Solnear Aguadilla

    Reach this secluded Aguadilla beach by vehicle. On rainy days, access requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

    • Rain affects vehicle access.

  • Guánica State Forest

    WildlifePorta Caribenear Guánica

    Visit the dry forest reserve extending east and west of Guánica.

  • Caja de Muertos Island

    HikeSouthern coastnear Ponce

    Take a ferry or arrange a trip through diving tour operators from La Guancha Boardwalk in Ponce Playa.

  • Mona Island

    WildlifeOff the west coast

    Arrange an appointment before visiting the island.

    • Permit: Visits are by appointment only.

  • Cambalache Forest Reserve

    HikeNorthern Coastnear Arecibo

    Visit the parts of the forest open to visitors at Carr. 682 in San Luis, Garrochales.

  • Central Mountains tours near Río Tanama

    More to doLa Montañanear Utuado

    Book a guided tour with a small, family-owned tour company in Utuado near Río Tanama.

  • Arecibo rappelling

    ClimbingNorthern Coastnear Arecibo

    Arrange a guided rappelling outing with a local tour company. Rappelling means lowering yourself down a steep surface using ropes.

  • Lake Guajataka

    Kayaking

    Join a guided lake kayak tour run by a local tour company.

  • Aguadilla beach horseback riding

    More to doPorta del Solnear Aguadilla

    Arrange a guided beach ride through a local tour company.

  • Aquatica Underwater Adventures

    More to doPorta del Solnear Aguadilla

    Visit the shop on PR-110 at km 10.0, Gate 5, Maleza Alta. Sign up for scuba diving, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons and tours, or rent equipment.

  • Brava Beach

    SnorkellingCulebra

    Visit Brava Beach on Culebra for diving or snorkelling.

    • If booking a snorkelling trip, ask the operator to guarantee a suitable snorkelling site. Some mixed trips use deep sites suited only to scuba divers.

  • Resaca Beach

    SnorkellingCulebra

    Visit Resaca Beach on Culebra for diving or snorkelling.

    • If booking a snorkelling trip, ask the operator to guarantee a suitable snorkelling site. Some mixed trips use deep sites suited only to scuba divers.

  • Soni Beach

    SnorkellingCulebra

    Visit Soni Beach on Culebra for diving or snorkelling.

    • If booking a snorkelling trip, ask the operator to guarantee a suitable snorkelling site. Some mixed trips use deep sites suited only to scuba divers.

  • Las Cabezas de San Juan State Park

    HikeEastern Coastnear Fajardo

    Explore the park's trails and boardwalks in Fajardo.

  • Caribe Sailing Adventures

    SailingEastern Coastnear Fajardo

    Book a sailing charter with Caribe Sailing Adventures at Marina Puerto Del Rey.

  • Condado Beach

    BeacheNorthern Coastnear San Juan

    Visit the beach in Condado.

    • Keep your belongings attended on the beach.

  • Isla Verde beaches

    BeacheNorthern Coast

    Head to Isla Verde to visit its beaches.

    • Keep your belongings attended on the beach.

  • William Miranda Marín Botanical and Cultural Garden

    Hikenear Caguas

    Visit the garden on PR-156 and explore its hiking trails and collection of trees.

Airports, metros and trains in Puerto Rico

Airports with scheduled flights

  • SJULuis Munoz Marin International AirportSan JuanMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
17 km
Electrified
17 km

People and safety in Puerto Rico

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian89%
  • No religion8%
  • Other3%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #76 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

40% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 4 of 97 countries can visit Puerto Rico easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required3
  • eTA required1
  • Visa required93

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe1 of 3 countries
  • Oceania3 of 12 countries
  • Africa0 of 54 countries
  • Americas0 of 19 countries
  • Asia0 of 9 countries

Questions

Is Puerto Rico part of United States?

Puerto Rico is a territory linked to United States, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United States.

Does a United States visa let me visit Puerto Rico?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United States may not cover Puerto Rico. Check the Puerto Rico visa page for your passport.

What weather should I expect?

Temperatures generally range from 21°C to 32°C, with cooler nights and mountain areas. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

Can I get by with English?

Tourism staff often speak English, but Spanish is the main language. English may be limited outside tourist settings.

What money does Puerto Rico use?

Puerto Rico uses the United States dollar. Cash machines are widely available.

Do I need to rent a car?

A rental car is the most convenient choice for exploring outside San Juan. Regular scheduled buses are mainly limited to the San Juan metropolitan area.

Where can I stay without being far from sights?

Old San Juan has furnished rental apartments within walking distance of museums and nightlife. They can be rented by the day, week or month.

When can I see the glowing bays?

Take a kayak or boat tour during a new moon for the best view. The glow is hard to see during a full moon and cannot be seen in sunlight.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water is safe almost everywhere. Your host can tell you if there is a local problem, and bottled water is widely sold.

What is the legal drinking age?

The drinking age is 18.

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