Puerto Rico: Overview
The attractive archipelago of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is located northeast of the Caribbean Sea, west of the Virgin Islands and east of Dominican Republic. Besides Puerto Rico, the main island, the islands Vieques, Mona and Culebra are some of the other ones which are also part of the archipelago.
Climate
The Puerto Rican climate is mostly tropical, the highest temperatures being around 81 ºF throughout the year. The southern part of the island is a little hotter than the north and the interior mountain region is much cooler than the coast. The hurricanes season goes from June to November and cloudbursts are frequent throughout the whole year.
Important information
As an American territory, entry requirements for both the USA and Puerto Rico are the same. Almost every tourist needs a visa and a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Among these requirements you must also have an onward return ticket, enough money to cover the expenses of your stay and the necessary documentation to leave the country. If you are coming from mainland USA there are not immigration controls.
The official currency is the American dollar (USD), called peso in Puerto Rico. ATMs and exchanging offices are plentiful. The main credit cards and traveller’s checks are generally accepted.
Some restaurants and hotels add an extra 10-17% for the service to their bills. Otherwise it is used tipping a 15%. Taxi drivers and bar staff also expect to be tipped.
Concerning health, there are no vaccination requirements to visit the country; however, it is recommended that tourists have updated their basic shots. Some cases of dengue are reported, so it is essential to take precautions against mosquitoes’ stings. It is recommended to drink bottled water in order to avoid stomachaces. Fruits and vegetables bought in markets must be carefully washed and peeled before eating. Medical facilities and medical care level are high but expensive, so it is recommended to hire a medical insurance for the trip.
Safety conditions in Puerto Rico are good, although you should take the basic cautions to avoid petty crime.
Where to go
San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, is one of the Caribbean most converged ports. The city is divided in three districts: historical Old San Juan, beaches and resorts and the suburbs. The most visited by tourists is the historical district, the walled old city dates for almost 500 years ago and it still has some of its cobbled streets and original buildings. The main attractions in San Juan are the Spaniards fortresses of San Felipe del Morro and San Sebastian Castle, La Fortaleza, Catedral de San Juan el Bautista, Casa Blanca, Casa del Libro, the University of Puerto Rico and the Museum of Art.
Although not the most attractive city Fajardo is the divers’ Mecca. Some of the possibilities that it is necessary to enjoy in Fajardo are short trips to the near and uninhabited islands, surrounded by coral reefs. Seven Seas and Luquillo beaches, surrounded by forests, are among the best ones for diving and swimming. Besides these beaches, there are other places that stand out in Fajardo as the National Caribbean Forest El Yunque, Natural Reservation Las Cabezas de San Juan. Another good choice is to visit the near islands of Culebra and Vieques.
The attractive city of Ponce, which dates from the Spanish period of the 16th century, is located in the centre of the southern coast of the island. There you can enjoy the colonial architecture and the beaches. This city has also a crowded port, Puerto Playa de Ponce, the main one of the country. Here you will find ideal beaches for diving, especially La Guanha and Coffin Island. Some other places to visit are Castillo Serrales, Firemen Station Parque de Bombas, Ponce Museum of Art, Puerto Rico Music Museum and the Ceremonial Centre Tibes Indian.
