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Guides  >>  Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Holidays

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 Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a difference. It has the pristine beaches, tropical climate, crystal-blue sea and coconut palms characteristic of its counterparts, but along with its unmistakable Spanish colonial heritage, the island is today part of the United States Commonwealth, meaning it has a first world infrastructure mixed in with its traditional Latin American culture. Hamburgers are as endemic as island dishes like 'sancocho', and freeways connect shantytowns to strips of high-rise beachfront hotels. The second thing that makes Puerto Rico different to other Caribbean holiday Meccas is that it remains largely undeveloped, except for the coastal region around its capital city, San Juan. The island is edged with some magnificent beaches featuring coral reefs, most uncommercialised and easily reached from the capital and its large resort hotels because the island is small and compact.

Exploring Puerto Rico, both around its coast and the interior, is a delight. Roads are excellent and there are numerous interesting attractions and unrivalled experiences, from the world's largest radio telescope to the magical experience of swimming at night amongst tiny phosphorescent creatures on the offshore island of Vieques.

Historically Puerto Rico, like many other Caribbean islands, was originally inhabited by Taino Indians until the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the instigation of Spanish rule and settlement. The island's capital and larger towns have preserved their Spanish heritage as 'old quarter' tourist attractions, full of charm and interest. Puerto Rico is a hybrid of old and new which makes it an intriguing destination, rather than just another tropical island paradise.


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Money :
The United States Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is often referred to as the 'peso' in Puerto Rico. ATMs and bureaux de change are freely available and all major credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted. Banking hours are 9am to 3.30pm.
Time :
Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity :
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat attachment plugs are in use.
Language :
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
Passport & Visa :
    
Entry Requirements
Country CodeRequirements Details
ukUK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to Puerto Rico. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
caCanadian citizens require a valid passport. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
auA valid passport is required. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
zaSouth Africans must hold a valid passport. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
irA valid passport is required. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
nzA valid passport is required. A visa is required but those travellers mentioned under the visa exemptions of the U.S.A. are also visa exempt.
Embassies in Other Country
Country CodeRequirements Details
ukUnited States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
caUnited States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335.
auUnited States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
zaUnited States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
irUnited States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8777.
nzUnited States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
Embassies
Country CodeRequirements Details
ukUnited States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
caUnited States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335.
auUnited States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
zaUnited States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
irUnited States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8777.
nzUnited States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
Please note: Passport, Visa and Entry Requirement information is for guidance only. Co-op Travel advises all customers to check for up to date information at www.fco.gov.uk.
Getting Around :
Health :
There are no vaccination certificates required for travel to Puerto Rico, but travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations. Cases of dengue fever occur annually and mosquito protection measures are essential. Schistosomiasis is endemic and swimming in lakes, rivers and streams should be avoided. It is best to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. Thoroughly wash or peel produce you buy in markets before eating it. Medical services are good but can be expensive; medical insurance is advised.
Tipping :
Some restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 17% service charge to the bill, if not a 15% tip is expected. Taxi drivers and bar staff also expect tips.
Safety :
Visits to Puerto Rico are usually trouble-free but travellers should take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft.
Customs :
Business :
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory although the resemblance is closer to Latin America. English is understood by many on the island, but Spanish may also be the language in which business is conducted. Dress codes will vary according to different sectors, but suits are favoured on very formal occasions. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Duty Free :
Puerto Rico's customs regulations are the same as those for the United States. Visitors over 21 may bring in the following items without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol; and gifts valued up to US$100. There is a long list of restricted and prohibited items which may not be imported or imported only under license, ranging from fireworks and matches to pre-Columbian sculpture and Cuban cigars. If in doubt consult your nearest US Embassy for advice. Any merchandise from embargoed countries (Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia and Montenegro and the Sudan) may not be brought onto US soil.
Communications :
The international access code for Puerto Rico is +1 787 and +1 939. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The outgoing code is not needed for calling the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean. Mobile phones work throughout the island and local operators use CDMA networks that are not compatible with GSM phones, as used outside North America. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
History :
Contacts :
Emergencies: 911

 Puerto Rico Attraction

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Old San Juan
Description :
This area, encompassing about seven blocks, dates back about 500 years to the Spanish occupation when it served as a military stronghold that even repulsed Sir Francis Drake. The original cobbles on the streets are blue-tinged, and were originally ballast on the Spanish ships. The ancient stones set off the more than 400 restored 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial buildings that fill Old San Juan and draw thousands of tourists to walk the narrow, steep streets every day. The old town is enclosed in amazingly thick, high walls and features numerous attractive plazas bearing sculptures and memorials.
Address :
Postcode :
Telephone :
Email :
Website :
Spanish Forts
Description :
The mighty six-level fortress of San Felipe del Morro, built in 1540, towers 140 feet (43m) above the sea on San Juan Bay, its 18-foot thick (5m) walls having proved a worthy defence against invasion. The largest fortification in the Caribbean, it is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, lookouts and ramps, offering spectacular views from atop its ramparts. Also in Norzagaray Street, Old San Juan, is El Morro's partner in defending the city, Castillo San Cristobal, built in the 17th century to a confusing and intricate modular design.
Address :
Postcode :
Telephone :
729 6960
Email :
Website :
www.nps.gov/saju
La Fortaleza
Description :
The Fortaleza was built in 1540 as a fortress to guard the entrance to the San Juan harbour, but later became the official Governor's residence. During succeeding centuries the original structure has been remodelled and expanded, with a neoclassical façade being added in 1846 to leave the building with its palatial aspect. The current governor of Puerto Rico is in residence - the 170th Governor to live in the Fortaleza.
Address :
The Fortaleza is situated at the west end of Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
Postcode :
Telephone :
721 7000 ext. 2358
Email :
Website :
Saint John the Baptist Cathedral
Description :
San Juan's Cathedral was originally built in 1521 by Puerto Rico's first Spanish bishop as a thatched wooden church, but was destroyed in a hurricane in 1526. The current medieval structure, built from the stone brought in from inland quarries by horsepower, dates from 1540, although extensive renovations and reconstruction was carried out in 1917. The cathedral features Doric columns and elliptical vaults, and contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor.
Address :
Cristo Street
Postcode :
Telephone :
722 0861 or 722-1709
Email :
Website :
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