Puerto Rico Travel Guide

What is Puerto Rico known for?

Puerto Rico is known for colorful Spanish colonial architecture, historic fortifications, tropical beaches, rainforest, mountain landscapes, music, food and bioluminescent bays.

Old San Juan contains landmarks including El Morro and La Fortaleza, while El Yunque National Forest protects tropical rainforest, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails in the island’s northeast.

Culebra is known for Flamenco Beach and clear water, while Vieques combines secluded beaches, wild horses, the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and Mosquito Bay, one of Puerto Rico’s best-known bioluminescent experiences.

Puerto Rican cuisine reflects Spanish, African, Taíno and Caribbean influences, with dishes such as mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón and alcapurrias.

What are the best places to visit in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico offers urban, beach, rainforest and island experiences within a relatively compact territory.

How many days should I spend in Puerto Rico?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotel and activities.

What is the best way to get around Puerto Rico?

What is the currency of Puerto Rico?

The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). ATMs and major credit cards are widely available throughout the territory.

Do people speak English in Puerto Rico?

Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico. Spanish is the dominant language in everyday life, while English is widely used in tourism and is understood to varying degrees across the island.

English-speaking visitors can generally communicate easily in major hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses, while basic Spanish can be useful outside the principal visitor areas.

Puerto Rico has warm tropical weather throughout the year. Mid-December through mid-April is the principal high season, with strong winter demand and relatively dry conditions.

Mid-April through June is a useful shoulder period, often combining warm weather with fewer winter crowds. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with tropical-weather risk generally highest during late summer and early fall.

December – April

This is the busiest travel period, especially around Christmas, New Year and the heart of winter. Popular hotels and attractions should be booked well in advance.

Mid-April – June

Spring and early summer can offer a good balance of warm weather, fewer visitors and improved hotel availability before the wetter late-summer period.

July – November

These months are generally warmer and wetter and overlap with Atlantic hurricane season. Travelers should monitor forecasts and understand hotel, airline, ferry and travel-insurance policies.

Tipping practices in Puerto Rico are broadly similar to those in the mainland United States. Gratuities are common in restaurants, hotels, taxis and tourism services.

Currency: Should I tip in U.S. dollars?

Yes. The U.S. dollar is the official currency and the standard currency for gratuities.

Final Thoughts:

Tipping is discretionary beyond any included gratuity or service charge. U.S. dollars are used throughout Puerto Rico.