Puerto Rico Vacation

Puerto Rico (officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) is a self-governing, unincorporated U.S. territory. Thus, travelers from the United States are not required to show a passport. Puerto Rico’s main island and its smaller islands and keys are located in the northeastern Caribbean. Spain ceded Puerto Rico to America after the Spanish-American War of 1898. Puerto Rico’s Spanish and Caribbean influences, along with modern American conveniences, make it a unique travel destination. Explore the abundant rain forests, walk the pristine beaches or take a tour back in time by visiting Old San Juan. For more information also see Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Hotels, Puerto Rico Restaurants and Puerto Rico tours.

Fast Facts

1. Country: Puerto Rico
2. Language: Spanish and English
3. Country Code: 787
4. Population: Nearly 3.9 million¹
5. Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
6. Country code: +1
7. Time zone: AST
8. Average temperature: 82 degrees F¹

Attractions

1. The Historic District of Old San Juan: Enclosed by walls dating from the 1600s, Old San Juan features approximately 400 dated and restored buildings.² Old San Juan was declared a U.S. National Historic Zone in 1950.
2. Castillo de San Felipe del Morro: Located in Old San Juan and given the nickname El Morro, this fort was built in 1540 to guard the bay into San Juan.²
3. The Historic District of Ponce: Nearly as historical as Old San Juan, the historic district of Ponce features Ponce Creole and Art Deco architecture from the 1890s to the 1930s.² The city was renovated in 1996 in commemoration of its 300th anniversary.
4. Museo de Arte de Ponce: Containing the most impressive collection of European and Latin American art in the Caribbean, the museum was designed by the same man, Edward Durrell Stone, who designed the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.² Renaissance and baroque artwork from Italy is on display alongside more modern Puerto Rican paintings.
5. Tropical Agriculture Research Station: Attracting botanists from around the world, the site houses one of the largest collections of tropical species for practical use.² Among them are cacao, fruit trees, spices, and timbers.
6. The City of San Germán: Founded in 1512, this is Puerto Rico's second oldest city and contains many historic buildings.²
7. Iglesia Porta Coeli: Located in San Germán, visitors come to see this church, which is reportedly the oldest in the New World. ² It was built in 1606 by Dominican friars.

Mahalo Suggests

If planning a trip, please see Puerto Rico Hotels, Puerto Rico Restaurants and Puerto Rico Tours.

More Help for Your Trip

• How to Book a Cheap Flight
• How To Book a Cheap Hotel Room
• How to Speak Spanish
• Packing Tips

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