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Puerto Rico
Home » The Caribbean » The Caribbean » Puerto RicoKnown as the “Island of Enchantment,” Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles islands. Puerto Rico is under the U.S. customs jurisdiction which allows for free movement between the United States and Puerto Rico. There are no passports or visas necessary for U.S. citizens to visit Puerto Rico.
Spanish is the dominant language in Puerto Rico but English is also spoken in most tourist areas.
Puerto Rico is known for its miles of white sandy beaches, a rain forest, and mountains. Not only will you want to take in the sunshine and natural wonders of Puerto Rico, but you won’t want to miss the culture of the Old World. Old San Juan is one of the most recommended experiences in Puerto Rico. You will want to tour the coffee plantations and colonial towns. The forts, museums, and shops can keep you busy for a full day. Puerto Rico also offers many acres of golf courses, tennis courts, and every imaginable water sport. San Juan is a large city full of glitzy resorts and casinos as well as a stunning colonial zone.
Week long patron saints’ festivals take place throughout the year all over the island. The pre-Lenten Carnival takes place in Puerto Rico and offers parades, beauty pageants, music competitions, and parties. In early June, the Pablo Casals Festival takes place in San Juan. The annual Festival of Puerto Rican music takes place in San Juan during November.
Restaurants in Puerto Rico range from the elegant to the simple. Along with the U.S. style fast food restaurants you will find painted roadside stands selling rice and beans.
The weather in Puerto Rico is year round summer temperatures with 80 degrees being the average. Light and loose clothing is recommended for daytime but you may want a light sweater for evenings. Swimwear and leisure wear is fine for the resorts but anywhere else you go may require a little more dressing up.
The busy season in San Juan is from mid-December through mid-April and you will find it rather expensive during peak time. During off-season you can usually find good deals all over the island.
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