Tips and tricks for traveling to Puerto Rico. Best Surf Beaches in Puerto Rico

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 in the Caribbean.
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 of the country attract connoisseurs of eco-tourism 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.
In the western part south coast Puerto Rico, bordering the Caribbean Sea, is home to 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 dry forest of Guanica is completely different from the tropical rainforest of El Yunque, located on the east of the northern coast of the island. The reason for the local dry climate is the Central Mountain Range, which separates Guanica from the northeastern 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 are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, the best option will take with him some cash in US dollars to buy souvenirs in small shops and tips, as well as dollar bank card. Just like in the USA, cards are widely accepted in Puerto Rico and traveler's checks.

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 permissible 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

Just as is the case with customs regulations, Puerto Rico's visa rules are similar to those in the United States. If you intend to travel to Puerto Rico, take care of the registration American 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 through 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 the Spanish language, bronze faces, ancient fortresses on the shore of clean and warm sea. The city has narrow streets with houses of Spanish architecture. Tourism Puerto Rico is 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. To 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 Caribbean modern resorts with different prices and offers. 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. Throughout the rest period, your body will fill up solar energy Treatment spas in Puerto Rico– this is the cleanest 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 holiday 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. Also on the island there is the opportunity to use marine species

transport.

The Freely Associated State of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Puerto Rico from the Greater Antilles group of islands and a number of adjacent small islands.


Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and many smaller islands and cays, including Mona, Vieques, Culebra, Desecheo and Caja de Muertos.

State

State structure

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and has the status of an “unincorporated organized territory,” which means that the territory is administered by the United States (and is not an integral part of it).

The head of state is the President of the United States. The head of government is the governor. The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor after consultation with the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico.

Language

Official language: Spanish, English Spanish is the main language in government institutions , Although English language is a compulsory subject of study. Although a relatively small proportion of islanders consider English their primary language, the majority of the population in major cities

speaks both languages, or at least understands English and uses it in certain situations.

About 85% of the population are Catholics, about 10% are Protestants, but for the majority of believers, Christianity is combined with spiritualism, voodoo and Indian folk and religious traditions.

Currency

International name: USD

The US dollar is often called "peso" on Puerto Rican price tags. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange bureaus.

Credit cards have virtually unlimited uses. There are many automated teller machines (ATMs) in all major cities. In the provinces, the use of credit cards is somewhat limited.

Travel checks can be cashed at almost any bank office.

Puerto Rico Map


Popular attractions

Tourism in Puerto Rico

Popular hotels

Tips

A 10-15% service charge is added to most bills at upscale hotels and restaurants, so tipping is not required. However, in most mid-level establishments, tips are not included in the bills; in this case, you can leave the service staff within 10% (directly in hand when paying), in bars and street restaurants you can limit it to 5%. Porters, conductors and taxi drivers expect a tip of $0.50.

Office hours

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30-09.00 to 14.30-15.30 (working hours may vary).

Purchases

All casino hotel accounts are subject to an additional 11% tax, non-gaming hotels are subject to an additional 9% tax, and small hotels are subject to an additional 7%. Sales tax is 1.5% and 5% on jewelry purchases. Stores with sales tax refund ( tax free) not in the country.

Shops are usually open from Monday to Wednesday from 09.00 to 19.00, from Thursday to Friday from 09.00 to 21.00. On Saturdays, most retail outlets are open from 11.00 to 17.00-18.00.

You can bargain at markets and in private shops; in large stores prices are usually fixed.

Medicine

Natural hazards native to the island include hepatitis B (in the northern Caribbean coast), dengue, bilharzia (schistomatosis), rabies (vaccination recommended), and stomach ailments are common. In some cases, immunization against typhoid, diphtheria, tuberculosis and polio is recommended.

Safety

Poor majority areas major cities are noticeably criminalized and represent foreign tourist certain danger. There is a risk of fraud and theft.

Tap water is usually chlorinated and is relatively safe, but bottled water is recommended.

Emergency numbers

Unified rescue service - 911.
Police - 787/343-2020
Ambulance - 787/343-2222.
Fire Department - 787/343-2330
Coast Guard - 787/729-6770.

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. It is an island state in the Caribbean Sea, under the jurisdiction of the United States. Some even call it the 51st state. Waiting for you here developed infrastructure, excellent service and many options for relaxation. 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 wonderful 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. Central cities and the streets gravitate towards the American lifestyle, and 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 country, 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 the coral island is recommended 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 on 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 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. Yes, and trips to low season turn out to be no less bright and saturated - the average temperature throughout the year ranges from +22 to +28C.

Safety regulations

Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit low level crime. 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.

 

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