Puerto Rico guide

Puerto Rico at a glance

About PUERTO RICO...

Puerto Rico is a relatively large island (a rectangular 100 miles by 35, very mountainous) with three smaller islands and many cays, easily accessible from the US (less so from Europe), mainly Spanish-speaking but English understood everywhere. Highly developed and quite modern compared to the rest of the Caribbean, strong and lively Latin culture, visible history (particularly Old San Juan), salsa music, local art. Beaches varied, some excellent (particularly on Vieques and Culebra), inland excellent country including rainforest. Extremely broad range of tourism at all price levels, urban and beach hotels (many chain hotels), beach resorts and country retreats, some smaller hotels with charm in town and country. Huge cruise ship traffic (into San Juan), shopping, extensive sports, golf, national parks, hiking, sailing. 

Vieques and Culebra (off the east coast towards the Virgin Islands) are smaller, much less developed and lower key, with generally better beaches. Small, charming hotels. Excellent sand, some sports, sailing. Mona is a natural reserve and barely visited.

Read our guide about Puerto Rico - with independent reviews, listings, and information from top travel journalists and Caribbean specialists.

Best for:

Outstanding beaches, scenic mountains, Spanish history, surfing, gambling, top class resorts

What for:

Beach, Corporate & Incentives, Cruise, Culture & Heritage, Eco/Nature, Family, Golf

Not for:

All-inclusive, Cricket

How to get there:

Direct from the US or British Virgin Islands

Top tip:

Swim at night in the phosphorescent waters of Mosquito Bay, Vieques

• 

  Explore Beach Life

  Beach Life
• 

  Explore Getting There

  Tour Operators
• 

  Explore Island Essentials

  Banks Currency/Credit Cards Medical Telephone Weather
• 

  Explore Special Interests

  Special Interests