Puerto Rico is an island of natural beauty that has to be explored! A US Commonwealth since 1952, it shares the mainland’s language, currency and immigration system. However, its great diversity of landscape, natural phenomena and the rich Spanish, African and Taino Indian heritage offers visitors a completely contrasting experience. The capital, San Juan, is the first port of call with great value outlet shopping for traditional and designer goods. Day and night-time entertainment abounds in the many local and sophisticated bars and restaurants with salsa dancing and the casino scene being popular with locals and visitors alike.
In contrast, the walled city of Old San Juan is a cultural haven with its blue cobbled streets, Spanish colonial architecture, museums, churches and fortresses. Hundreds of miles of white sandy beaches embrace the uplands of the Cordillera mountain range, leading into the lush, tropical vegetation of El Yunque rainforest. The mountain climate offers perfect conditions for hiking and soft adventure sports. The River Camuy’s network of caves are an explorer’s paradise. The island also offers sailing, game fishing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, horseriding and 23 golf courses. Alternatively, go whale watching, visit one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays or just relax and watch the sunset!
| Land Area |
3, 421 square miles |
| Population |
3.9million |
| State Capital |
San Juan |
| Largest City |
San Juan |
| Local Time |
Atlantic Time – 4 hrs behind the UK |
| Climate |
Daily highs 70-85F. Wettest/ hottest month is August with average monthly rainfall of seven inches. Ponce and the southern coast are warmer and drier than San Juan in the north. |
| Ntl Parks |
Independence National Historical Park and Gettysburg National Military Park plus a number of others under National Parks Service administration.There are 2 Parks |