Settled by the Spanish in the 1500s, Puerto Rico has a rich, Latin culture combined with modern U.S. influences. Puerto Rico's glorious weather, rich cultural heritage make this island a popular holiday destination.
The climate is warm year-round. The northern regions see the most rainfall; the southern regions are drier and hotter in the summer.
Most Puerto Ricans are of Spanish descent. Others are of other European descent, African descent or are the descendants of immigrants from North and South America, Central America, other Caribbean Islands or the indigenous Taino Indians. Spanish is the official language, but many people speak English. All students are taught English in school.
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S. The chief of state is the U.S. president. The head of government is the governor, and there is a legislative assembly.
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region, although its unemployment rate is typically well above that of the continental U.S. A diverse industrial sector has surpassed agriculture as the primary focus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the U.S. and by tax incentives, U.S. firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. The cost of living is similar to the continental U.S., varying with location.
Puerto Rico is a diverse country with beauty countryside, lush tropical forests, stunning beaches, quaint villages and modern cities. Some of the cities, towns and villages in Puerto Rico include: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Caja de Muertos, Camuy, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Culebra, Desecheo Island, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guánica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diáz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marías, Las Piedras, Loíza, Luquillo, Manatí, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayagüez, Moca, Mona, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Peñuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincón, Río Grande, Sabana Grande Salinas, San Germán, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastián, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco. Hotel and dining options vary greatly within these cities, towns and villages. Resorts are very popular and many offer recreational packages including tours.
Tourists to Puerto Rico have an amazing assortment of vacation options. If you’re looking for beach activities, visit Condado Beach in San Juan, Luquillo Beach or Boquerón Beach.
If you want to experience island nature, check out some of Puerto Rico’s many Nature Reserves such as: Guajataca State Forest, Lake in Isabela, Toro Negro Forest Reserve in Jayuya, Montoso Gardens in Maricao, the Guánica State Forest, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Aguirre Forest Reserve and the Natural Reserve of Mosquito in Vieques.
If you feel adventurous and want to explore some of Puerto Rico’s remarkable natural caves, visit the Rio Camuy Caves or the caves in Ciales. For history buffs, don’t miss the Old San Juan district, Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park in Utuado, the Haciendas in Las Marias, Iglesia Porta Coeli Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center, Serralles Castle, Caja de Muertos, and Museo de Arte de Ponce. Other popular tourist attractions include the Mayagüez Zoo and Arecibo Observatory.
Cruises to Puerto Rico are very popular. Many offer day trips, guided tours, recreational packages and extended stays. Some of the most popular cruise lines include: Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland American Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Windstar Cruises.
The telecommunications infrastructure is modern, integrated with that of the continental U.S. by submarine cable and satellite. International direct dialing and mobile telephone service are available. The transportation infrastructure is also modern, with paved roads throughout the island. An expressway runs around the entire island. Local buses and taxis serve major cities. Airlines serving the island include American Airlines/ American Eagle Copa Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Iberia Lineas Aereas de España, Northwest Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines, America Trans Air, Air Canada, Pan Am and Arrow Air. Regional carriers include: ALM Airlines, Cape Air, Air St. Thomas, Vieques Air Link, Flamenco Airlines, Liat / Dominair, Carib Air, Air Guadaloupe, Air St. Barthelemy, Air Santo Domingo and Air Culebra. Internal airlines join San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez.
Most of Puerto Rico is relatively secure, although cities and resort areas are subject to the same threat of crime as in similarly sized locations elsewhere in the U.S.
Please see our Destinations Section for more countries or click on the quick links below for neighboring locations.
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Montserrat
Netherlands Antilles
Trinidad and Tobago
A FREE map of Puerto Rico is available by clicking the Google Icon above.