Puerto Rico holidays

Even though it’s an unincorporated US territory, this Caribbean island will make you feel like you’re a world away from everything American. A holiday to Puerto Rico reveals a rich cultural history to go with towering mountains, lush rainforests and white-sand beaches. From ancient forts and candy-coloured architecture to the tastiest drinks in the tropics, see why Puerto Rico is the island adventure of your dreams.

Top destinations in Puerto Rico

San Juan

Puerto Rico’s capital boasts palm-fringed beaches, colonial architecture and an endless supply of umbrella drinks to keep you dancing till the sun comes up.

Aguadilla

Aguadilla combines fishing-village charm with tropical Caribbean vibes. Catch a wave, stroll through old ruins or lounge on untouched beaches in this Puerto Rican gem.

Ponce

Whether you’re marvelling at majestic castles or visiting secluded islands and coffee plantations, Puerto Rico’s ‘Pearl of the South’ promises plenty of excitement.

Puerto Rico: fast facts

Language

Spanish, English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-4 (AST)

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Puerto Rico holiday highlights

San Juan

Towering fortresses

High atop the harbour with a clear view of the Bay of San Juan, El Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal were built to protect Puerto Rico from invaders. Today, the forts are much more hospitable hosts, with crumbling stone walls offering unbeatable views. To deepen your experience, sign up for a history tour.

Tropical rainforest

One of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico is visit El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in North America. The magnificent verdant forest is home to gushing waterfalls and an idyllic watering hole that’s perfect for a post-hike dip. Chattering birds, tiny coquí frogs and fruit bats are just some of the cool critters you’ll find here.

Rum tours

Puerto Rico’s governor once called Casa Bacardí the ‘cathedral of rum’. And thanks to its epic tours and tasting menus, the place is certainly worthy of worship. Founded in 1880, Ron del Barrilito is the oldest Puerto Rican rum company and a must-visit destination. Enjoy a deep whiff of the warehouse’s oak barrels and an even deeper sip of your complimentary cocktail.

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Top attractions

Culebra Island’s Flamenco Beach is one of the best stretches of white sand along Puerto Rico’s over 400 kilometres of coastline. The country is also known for the lush El Yunque National Forest. Book a timed slot to hike its well-marked trails. For old-world charm, explore Old San Juan’s cobbled streets, historic city walls and 16th-century fortresses.

Beaches

Many beaches in Puerto Rico invite you to soak up the sun like the island’s ameiva lizards. Others encourage you to explore the turquoise waters via skiff, surfboard or snorkel. Check out the sugar-white sands of Flamenco Beach, or head to Crash Boat Beach for more of a party scene with music and lots of dining options.

Nature

Puerto Rico is paradise for waterfall fans. A hike down Cañón San Cristóbal can be challenging, but the spectacular ‘El Juicio’ (The Judge) is worth a little sweat. Chorro de Doña Juana and Las Tinajas are beautiful and offer magical places to swim. For a different way to cool down, explore the otherworldly Río Camuy and Cueva del Viento caves.

Culture and museums

The museums in Puerto Rico celebrate the island’s rich artistic history. The Museo del Arte de Puerto Rico features art from the 17th century, as well as newer installations from contemporary artists. The Museo Casa Cautiño, located in a house that was the headquarters for American troops during the Spanish–American War, showcases ornate wood carvings and sculptures.

Cuisine

Many restaurants in Puerto Rico serve ‘mofongo’, one of the island’s most famous dishes, made from plantains, pork rinds and your choice of protein. The famed waterfront kiosks in Luquillo offer lots of casual options, such as fried fish, ‘alcapurrias’ (meat fritters) and monster-sized mojitos. For dessert, Puerto Rican chocolate is considered some of the best in the world.

Family friendly

Glide across El Yunque National Forest’s canopy at Rainforest Zipline Park, home to one of Puerto Rico’s longest zip lines. Or watch the kids’ eyes light up in wonder during a nighttime kayaking tour of Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. For a more low-key activity, head to the Museo del Niño de Carolina, a children’s museum offering hands-on exhibits and play areas.

Find the best time to visit Puerto Rico

Weather in Puerto Rico

April – November: During Puerto Rico’s rainy season, the island experiences heavy showers in the afternoons and evenings. Be prepared for high humidity levels and average temperatures approaching 32°C. August to October is peak hurricane season. That means lower prices but a greater chance of travel disruptions.

December – March: Sunny skies and average daytime temperatures in the high 20s°C make the dry season the best time to visit Puerto Rico for outdoor activities. While the odd shower can still pop up out of nowhere, rain is short-lived and usually in the mountains. This is the island’s peak tourist season — expect crowds, especially on the beaches.

Events in Puerto Rico

Carnaval de Ponce (February or March): Ponce’s annual Carnaval attracts huge crowds. Look forward to decorated parade floats, traditional music and spooky ‘vejigantes’, folkloric characters wearing masks that look like demons.

Noche de San Juan (June): San Juan celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist with a day at the beach. At midnight, locals jump backwards into the ocean seven times for good luck. Hotels and bars also throw parties for the occasion.

Festival Nacional Indígena (November): Head to the mountain town of Jayuya for this celebration of Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taíno people. Highlights include traditional music, dance performances, food, games and a pageant to crown an Indigenous Queen.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Greet Puerto Ricans with a firm handshake and direct eye contact, and always show respect to elders. It’s best to dress conservatively outside the main tourist areas, especially when visiting churches. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated. ‘Hola’ (hello), ‘por favor’ (please) and ‘gracias’ (thank you) are a good start.

Health and safety

Travellers to Puerto Rico are often advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, measles, tetanus and typhoid. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya are a risk, so use insect repellent and cover up. In summer, avoid heat exhaustion by staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity in the hottest hours.

LGBTQ+ travel

Puerto Rico is generally very welcoming to queer travellers and is considered one of the Caribbean’s most LGBTQ-friendly islands. In San Juan, areas like Condado and Santurce are known for their gay bars, clubs and guesthouses. Visiting in June? Don’t miss Condado and Boquerón’s annual Pride events, which attract thousands of visitors.

Budget

It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to Puerto Rico. Although there’s plenty of fine dining, you can also have a delicious meal for under 20 US dollars ($). A local beer will set you back less than $3, and a cappuccino costs under $5.

Getting around Puerto Rico

San Juan

Public transportation

Buses: San Juan is the only city in Puerto Rico with an extensive bus network. While affordable, the buses don’t always run to a set schedule, and services outside the capital are patchy at best. Bus drivers rarely speak English — knowing some Spanish definitely helps.

Boats: The Puerto Rico Port Authority runs regular passenger ferries from Fajardo to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Be aware that services can be delayed or cancelled during hurricane season, from early June to late November.

Domestic flights

Cape Air schedules daily domestic flights connecting Luis Muñoz Marín airport in San Juan with Mayagüez’s Eugenio María de Hostos airport on the mainland’s west coast. There are also flights from San Juan to the islands of Culebra and Vieques, off Puerto Rico’s east coast.

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Driving

Hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around Puerto Rico. This is especially true if you’re travelling outside of San Juan. But aside from the well-maintained expressway toll roads, many of the country’s roads are in poor condition. Be prepared for bumps, potholes and highways congested with traffic.

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FAQs about Puerto Rico holidays

Puerto Rico is generally safe for visitors. Be aware of pickpocketing in larger cities and make sure important personal items, such as your passport, are always in a safe place. Hurricanes have devastated the island over the years and are most common from June until the end of November.
Puerto Rico may be more expensive than some of its Caribbean neighbours, but it’s still possible to have a good time here on a budget. Keep costs down by visiting during the off-season and finding cheap eats at bakeries, food trucks and markets.
Puerto Rico uses the US dollar ($). You can withdraw cash from ATMs all over the island. While many places accept credit cards, it’s never a bad idea to keep some small bills on hand for tipping and taxis.
You’ll mostly hear locals speaking Spanish in Puerto Rico, though English is listed as a second official language. Many Puerto Ricans will know at least a little English. A hybrid language, ‘Spanglish’, is also spoken, especially around tourist areas.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is winter and spring, especially when you’re craving warm breezes. July and August are also good options, but be sure to bring your raincoat and tolerance for high temperatures. The average daily temperature in summer is around 31°C.
Only have time to visit one place? San Juan is hard to beat, with its Caribbean beaches, nightlife and historic architecture. For a more laid-back vibe, try Rincón, known for its sunsets and surf scene.

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