An easily accessible tropical getaway, Puerto Rico abounds with natural beauty and interesting attractions. The Caribbean island, with 272 miles of coastline and hundreds of beaches, is perfect for watersports enthusiasts, offering many opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing and windsurfing.
Puerto Rico’s aquatic attractions are far from its only draw. Those who vacation in Puerto Rico can glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Historic Old San Juan, the only walled city in the Caribbean, features four fortresses built during Spanish colonial rule, as well as cobblestone streets and buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. This area also boasts stylish boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and many shops. A Puerto Rico vacation can also include visits to the island’s unique natural attractions, including El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, and the Camuy Caves, home to one of the longest underground rivers in the world. A variety of luxurious hotels and resorts are found throughout the island. A Puerto Rico travel itinerary can include golf on one of the island’s 12 championship courses, tennis on its 100-plus courses, and meals at sumptuous restaurants, many featuring Puerto Rican specialties.
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth, U.S. citizens do not require a passport to enter Puerto Rico. Nonstop air service into San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport is offered from many U.S. gateways, including New York, Atlanta, Boston and Chicago. Rental cars are readily available. Puerto Rico’s tropical climate boasts average temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Spanish and English are both the official languages, with English being the most common in San Juan. Currency is the U.S. dollar. For more information on travel to Puerto Rico, log on to www.gopuertorico.com, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s website.