Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern part Caribbean on the large island of the same name and several nearby islands from the Big Islands group Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The closest neighboring states are the American and British Virgin Islands in the east and the Dominican Republic in the west.
Puerto Rico is a Freely Associated or Freely Accession State that is partially dependent on the United States, but is not an integral part of it. Sharing citizenship, currency and defense with the United States, Puerto Rico also has its own constitution, legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The capital of the state, the city of San Juan, is located in the north of the island, in one of the best natural harbors Caribbean region.
Most of Puerto Rico's islands are uninhabited or sparsely populated, the most populous being the main island, approximately 170 km long and 60 km wide, with a coastline of approximately 500 km. In the center of the main island there is the so-called Central mountain range Cordillera Central, where the most high point Puerto Rico - Cerro de Punta mountain 1338 m above sea level. The southern coast of the island is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and the northern Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Rico has more than fifty large and shallow rivers, most of which originate in the mountains of the central range. There are also seventeen lakes on the island, all of them of artificial origin. The northeastern part of the main island is occupied by the Rio Camay National Cave Park, where the largest underground river flows and 200 caves with unusual limestone karst formations are hidden.
Nature and climate
Located almost in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a maritime tropical climate, with almost uniform temperatures throughout the year ranging from + 26-28 °C. Moreover, the temperature on the coast is always several degrees higher than in the central mountainous part of the island. The south coast, washed by the Caribbean Sea, is usually slightly warmer than the north. When buying a tour to Puerto Rico, it is important to remember that from June to November the Atlantic hurricane season comes to the islands, which is characterized by heat and high humidity, as well as strong hurricane-force winds that periodically hit the island.
Peak tourist season in Puerto Rico it falls from December to April; high season can also be called July and August.
Puerto Rico is an island of vibrant life! Nature reserves and national parks with wild pristine nature countries attract eco-tourism connoisseurs from all over the world. The diversity of flora and fauna is great and includes almost 20 species of birds, about 250 species of plants, including orchids, and many mammals and fish. As well as almost five dozen amphibians, among which there are endemic species found only here, for example, the Puerto Rican boa constrictor and the Coqui frog, which lives in the El Yunque tropical rainforest.
On the western part of the southern coast of Puerto Rico, washed by the Caribbean Sea, lies the Guanica Dry Rainforest. A great variety of bird species, including endemics, live in the wilds of this forest. The climatic features of this area contribute to the growth of cacti. The Guanica dry forest is completely different from the El Yunque rainforest to the east. north coast islands. The reason for the local dry climate is the Central Mountain Range, which separates Guanica from the north-eastern part of the island, where about 2500 mm of precipitation falls annually, while in Guanica it is less than 750 mm, and in some places even less than 150 mm.
Currency exchange and banks
Even though the US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico, sometimes in stores you can see price tags indicating the price in “pesos,” the Puerto Rican dollar. If you're planning a trip to Puerto Rico, your best bet is to bring some US dollars cash to buy souvenirs in small shops and tips, as well as a dollar bank card. Just like in the United States, cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted for payment in Puerto Rico.
Customs and passport control
Puerto Rico follows the laws and regulations of the United States. Import and export of foreign currency without filing a declaration is permitted in an amount of up to 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent. This also applies to travelers checks. If you are bringing gold, do not forget to declare it. Personal items customs duties are not taxed. In addition, you can bring a carton of cigarettes and up to 1 liter of strong alcohol into the country duty-free. You need to be careful when importing food and any organic items. We recommend that you check before importing whether they are acceptable for import into Puerto Rico.
Customs control can be quite fast and hassle-free, but due to the global trend of tightening inspection rules, it can take longer. Like many countries around the world, Puerto Rico practices random sampling of passengers for more thorough screening. Any arrival may be among them, then your luggage will be subject to more careful inspection, and the officer may ask additional questions. This is usually done to curb illegal migration, so the questions will concern your plans for staying in the country and, possibly, whether you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while traveling to Puerto Rico.
Time
Time in Puerto Rico does not change between summer and winter. It always remains in the same time zone: UTC-04:00 or AST. Moscow time is 7 hours ahead of Puerto Rico.
Visas and Consular Information
As with customs regulations, Puerto Rico's visa regulations are similar to those in the United States. If you intend to travel to Puerto Rico, take care of obtaining a US visa. Our specialists will help in this matter - they will fill out a form and also schedule an interview at the US Embassy.
Opening hours of institutions, shops and museums
The standard store opening hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, but before the weekend some stores are open until 9 pm. On Saturday there is a shortened working day, and on Sunday only shops in the port area are open, where they enter cruise ships, as well as souvenir shops and small shops.
Transport
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Russia and Puerto Rico. To get to Puerto Rico from Moscow, we recommend taking flights via New York. international Airport Puerto Rico - Luis Munoz Marin (Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Munoz Marin) receives daily flights from the USA, and also connects with Caribbean countries such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin.
There is virtually no intercity bus service in Puerto Rico. Local residents mainly use personal vehicles. As a result, the island has a well-developed network of roads and expressways. Tourists can take a taxi in San Juan or rent a car.
Puerto Rico's seaport welcomes major cruise ships every day and is one of the largest ports in the world.
Dialing codes and communications
All around is the Spanish language, bronze faces, ancient fortresses on the shores of pure and warm sea. The city has narrow streets with houses of Spanish architecture. Tourism Puerto Rico relevant all year round, but the hottest season, in terms of the arrival of holidaymakers, occurs in the first quarter of the year. This can be explained by the fact that the island's summers are spent in tropical hurricanes.
rest in Puerto Rico is already considered one of the most popular, according to tourists. Paradise Island in the Caribbean, which is developing its economy quite quickly. In Puerto Rico good roads and interesting local color.
The island was inhabited by the Spaniards for a long time, so the lifestyle here is partly Spanish and partly American. The Creole flavor is especially evident in provincial areas. All local people are fluent in English and Spanish, but Spanish with a Creole dialect. Puerto Rico has always attracted tourists with its ideal climate: the air temperature here throughout the year does not fall below 20 ºC, and the rainy seasons are very short. On the island you can not only relax on the beach all day long, but also visit ancient Spanish Puerto Rico attractions, for which the island is famous throughout the world.
IN paradise There are many modern resorts in the Caribbean with different prices and offerings. You can go on an elite tour, or you can choose a more economical family option. have modern service and high-quality service.
Do you like vivid impressions and active recreation, then ski resorts Puerto Rico just for you. This country has captivated skiers for quite a long time, because this type of pastime is always relevant, regardless of the time of year.
During the entire rest period, your body will be filled with the solar energy of the Caribbean island. Treatment spas in Puerto Rico– this is the clearest sea, warm sun and stunning sea breeze. Every day spent on the island will heal your entire body.
Very actively developing tourism On this small island. Travel companies can offer you various Puerto Rico tours. The country is waiting for you to give unforgettable vacation the whole family.
Could there be anything better than a paradise resort on tropical island? Every person dreams of having one like this holidays in Puerto Rico. It will give you and your family time of warm sun and fun that the island has to offer.
Well, what the island is rich in is sunny beaches. Almost every hotel has its own access to the azure water. There are for a secluded holiday, for surfing, relaxing swimming and active beach holidays.
You can choose holiday accommodation in Puerto Rico to suit every taste, color and budget. All Puerto Rico hotels offer modern American service that will delight and surprise everyone. You can also choose a more budget hostel if you are traveling with a large group of young people.
Transport Puerto Rico
The main types of transport on the island are taxis and buses. This city car is reliable and affordable. There is also the opportunity to use sea transport on the island.
Which Puerto Rico beach is best for you? Puerto Rico's extensive coastline stretches over 270 miles and is filled with a variety of beaches and water activities. But which beach is best for snorkeling? Which beach is the cleanest? Which beach is best for walking? Which beach is best for aquatic species sports?
The best private beach in Puerto Rico for a secluded getaway
For coastline Puerto Rico has many secluded beaches where you can be completely alone. On the island of Culebra, this is Resaca Beach, remote from tourist routes and usually deserted.
West of San Juan, in Manatí, there is a beach Mar Chiquita (Mar Chiquita or Little Sea). Located in a crescent shape, this picturesque beach protected by rocks from strong winds and ocean currents.
Not far from the Guánica Dry Forest Biosphere Reserve there is a two-mile stretch of beach called Ballenas Bay which is visited more often sea turtles than people. Not far from it there is an isolated rocky beach Caña Gorda.
If you are sailing from Fajardo, you can visit the beach on the idyllic sand spit Icacos.
Best Surf Beaches in Puerto Rico
Better conditions for surfing in San Juan offers Punta Las Marias beach in Ocean Park. In the neighboring Manati The most popular among surfers are Los Tubos beach and La Pared beach in Luquilla. Nevertheless, best beaches in puerto rico for surfing located on west coast islands in the tourist region of Porta del Sol and its capital Rincon. The main surfing center here is Maria's Beach, the beaches of Punta Higuero, Puntas Beach and Spanish Wall Beach are also very popular. In the rest of the Porta del Sol region, popular beaches among sefringists include Surfer's Beach, Wilderness, Playa Crash Boat, Shacks Beach and Jobos Beach.
Best Beaches in Puerto Rico for Snorkeling
On the coast Vieques Islands There are a number of beaches that are perfect for swimming underwater, the best of which are considered Blue Beach and Playa Esperanza. On the island of Culebra, best beach for underwater sports is Carlos Rosario, the island also has a rich underwater world, West Beach, as well as South coast islands in the Culebra Reef area. Playa Shacks is famous for its "Blue Hole" for snorkeling.
The cleanest beaches in Puerto Rico
According to the international volunteer program The Blue Flag, the following beaches are the best for water quality in Puerto Rico:
- El Escambron in San Juan;
- Carolina Beach in Carolina;
- Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra;
- Seven Seas Beach in the city of Fajardo;
- Punta Salinas in Toa Baja.
The best beaches in Puerto Rico for excursions, walks and active beach holidays
If you like to be the center of attention and want to see something interesting, then the best beaches are the beaches along the strip in Isla Verde and Condado. Sun Bay Beach in Vieques is a real center for beach lovers. And the famous Flamenco Beach is one of the main reasons to visit Culebra Island. Sandy Beach in Rikon Perfect for an active beach holiday. Not far from Fajardo there is a picturesque Palomino Island Resort, part of the El Conquistador Hotel and Golden Door Spa.
Beaches in Puerto Rico with attractions
Some beaches in Puerto Rico are known for specific things. So on Puntas Beach and Domes Beach In winter you can watch whales. In Ricone on Antonio Beach and in Vieques on beach Playa Cofi Smooth rocks and sea glass from natural erosion can be observed. The secluded beach of Puerto Hermina in Quebradillas was once a cove for smugglers and pirates and may still hold pirate treasure.
Puerto Rico is a small but very picturesque country, a trip to which will give a lot of impressions to all vacationers. Moreover, tourists here will find not only relaxed beach holiday, but also exciting excursions to historical and cultural attractions. This Island state in the Caribbean Sea, under US jurisdiction. Some even call it the 51st state. Here you will find a developed infrastructure, excellent service and many options for recreation. Solo travel V Puerto Rico turns out to be relatively inexpensive and very diverse. However, you will need a US visa to enter the country, which makes it difficult tourist trips here.
Features of culture
The state bears the imprint of several cultures - Spanish, Caribbean and American. This is a great example of how different ethnic groups coexist harmoniously on a small land. In addition, the fate of this state is inextricably linked with the long struggle for the country’s independence, so one can feel the desire for freedom and emancipation here. The central cities and streets gravitate towards the American lifestyle, while in the provincial areas you will encounter a mixed and original Creole culture.
Top 3 interesting cities and attractions
The capital of Puerto Rico is . Recommended for visiting here Old city with a lock Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, San Jose Square, the Pigeon Park and the incredibly picturesque embankment. The next destination is the island. Here see the most beautiful bioluminescent bay. If you are interested cultural heritage countries, visit the port city - its center is literally dotted with old churches and other architectural monuments. For example, here is one of the oldest fire stations in the world and the amazingly beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
To get a complete picture of the country, a trip to coral island Coolerbrita- white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters will immerse you in a tropical paradise. Another trip idea: caves Kamuy. They occupy third place in the ranking of the largest cave systems Earth - the length of the complex reaches 16 kilometers. And if you want to meet unique nature Puerto Rico is a must visit national reserve El Unco. Here you will find the pristine and untouched natural beauty of this island state.
When is the best time to relax?
The most favorable time to travel to this country is from December to April. It is during these months that the water and air temperatures are as comfortable as possible, and the amount of rain is minimal. However, it is precisely at this time that the peak of the tourist season occurs, which leads to a sharp jump in prices for tours, hotels and an abundance of vacationers. Book hotels in advance. And trips in the low season turn out to be no less bright and eventful - average temperature throughout the year it fluctuates from +22 to +28C.
Safety regulations
Puerto Rico is a safe holiday destination with a low crime rate. Attacks on tourists are very rare here, so safety advice is standard - remain vigilant and prudent, especially at night. The only recommendation for those who rent a car is not to leave valuables in the car when leaving it. They can attract the attention of intruders who will take the opportunity to open the car.
