Puerto Rico / Commonwealth of Puerto Rico / Free Associated State of Puerto Rico /
Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico – Let’s explore here

What’s it like in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean Sea in North America. It is a territory of the United States of America. It’s about the size of Cyprus, being approximately 110 miles (177 km) long and 40 miles (64 km)wide.

The terrain of Puerto Rico mostly consists of mountains and forest, apart from the north and south coasts, which are flat. The highest point is Cerro de Punta, at 4,389 ft (1,338 m) above sea level.

Dominica’s population is around 3.2 million people (2023), about 70% of whom live I the metropolitan area of the capital city, San Juan.

A bit about the history of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s history is shaped by indigenous cultures, European colonisation, and its status as a US territory.

Pre-Colonial Period

Before European arrival, Puerto Rico was inhabited by the Taíno, an Arawak-speaking indigenous people. They lived in a thriving, agricultural society and called the island Borikén.

Spanish Colonisation

In 1493, Christopher Columbus arrived on Puerto Rico during his second voyage to the Americas. The island became a Spanish colony, and over the next few centuries, the Taíno population was decimated by disease, warfare, and forced labour. Puerto Rico served as a strategic military and trade hub in the Spanish Empire.

US Acquisition

In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. The US established control over the island, and it became an unincorporated US territory. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917 through the Jones-Shafroth Act.

Mid-20th Century and Political Changes

In 1952, Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth of the United States, giving it a degree of self-governance with its own constitution. However, it remains under US sovereignty, and Puerto Ricans do not have full voting representation in Congress or the right to vote in presidential elections.

Contemporary Issues

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Puerto Rico has faced political and economic challenges, including debates over its political status – whether to remain a Commonwealth, become a US state or gain full independence. Puerto Rico’s economy is heavily dependent on the US, and the island has struggled with public debt, economic stagnation, and recovery from natural disasters like Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Puerto Rico remains a unique and complex territory with a vibrant culture influenced by its indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage, while navigating its relationship with the United States.

Puerto Rico road trip

Puerto Rico is our 22nd planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored the US Virgin Islands, our next stop is the Dominican Republic.

Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.

Map of our road trip through Puerto Rico

Weather in Puerto Rico

When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from December to March. During these months, the island’s coasts have 7-9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.0 – 4.9 inches (25 – 123mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 21 – 30°C (69 – 86°F). Inland however, rainfall is likely to be twice as high and temperatures 10°C lower.

When is the worst time to visit Puerto Rico?

The worst time to visit Puerto Rico is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 7 – 9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 2.6 – 7.4 inches (65 – 187mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 32°C (73 – 89°F). Inland however, rainfall is likely to be twice as high and temperatures 10°C lower.

Hurricane Season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.

Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.

Travel in and around Puerto Rico

Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from Puerto Rico

Travelling between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

Ferries Del Caribe travels between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The journey takes 13 hours.

Travelling between the islands in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Ferries travel between the main island of Puerto Rico and Vieques, Culebra. There is no ferry to the island of Mona, although boats can be chartered.

What’s it like to drive in Puerto Rico?

They drive on the right hand side of the road in Puerto Rico. Car hire is available in Puerto Rico and roads are, in the main, quite well maintained. There are minor roads inland and to bays and coves however that are not maintained and in poor condition.

We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂

What currency do they use in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico they use the US dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in major cities, although not in rural areas. Travellers cheques are not accepted in the main. There are ATMs in cities, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in Puerto Rico?

They speak Spanish and English in Puerto Rico.

What time zone is Puerto Rico in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit Puerto Rico?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in Puerto Rico?

Yes, wild camping is accepted in Puerto Rico.

What plug / socket type do they use in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico they use plug / socket types A and B.

Health issues in Puerto Rico

Is it safe to drink water in Puerto Rico?

No, it is safe to drink tap water in Puerto Rico. Bottled water is readily available across the country. 

What vaccinations are required for Puerto Rico?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Puerto Rico.

Phones in Puerto Rico

What is the country calling code for Puerto Rico?

The country calling code for Puerto Rico is +1 787 / +1 939

What are the emergency phone numbers in Puerto Rico?

• The emergency number for police in Puerto Rico is: 911
• In Puerto Rico, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911
• The emergency number for fire in Puerto Rico is: 911

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!