Puerto Rico is a state in the Caribbean Ocean with some of the beautiful scenery. It has beaches and forests that are sunny and green. It is officially a part of the United States, and so the culture is a blend of influences from Spain and the U.S. Visitors will be able to explore both the known and the unknown sites. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about its flag symbolism to practical travel tips like do you need a passport to go, plus the best things to do in Puerto Rico.
| Quick Facts | Detail |
| Capital | San Juan |
| Status | U.S. Commonwealth (territory) |
| Official Languages | Spanish, English |
| Currency | U.S. Dollar (USD) |
| Population | ~3.24 million (2024 est.) |
| Area | 8,870 km² (3,425 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) |
Puerto Rico Flag
This flag has five horizontal red and white stripes. Also, it includes a blue triangle that consists of a white star in it. The imagery is very much the same as the Cuban flag, but then, the colors mean different things:
- Red stripes: The blood of the fearless Puerto Ricans is portrayed
- White stripes: Represent the peace after hard times
- Blue triangle: The sky and the water around are depicted
- White star: It symbolizes the place and its people
Puerto Rico Weather
It always stays warm throughout the year. The temperature range/changes are not much different with every new season. In the San Juan area, the average high temperature is about 83°F (28°C) all year long.
There are two main seasons:
- Wet season: April to November
- Dry season: December to March
Dry Season (Dec-Mar)
There are warm and mostly clear sky days. The days can range from mid-25°C to the low 30°C. The sea of clouds thickens as the night goes on, and the temperature down to as low as around 20°C, staying way up in the mountains.
Wet Season (Apr-Nov)
The weather is very muggy-hot and humid indeed. The wind and rain arrive every afternoon. Winds sweep the east and north, but the south and west can get really hot.
Hurricane Season (June-Nov)
There may be tropical storms from June to November. They are usually early and can also last beyond October. A smart traveler should first consult a weather report and then make their excursion plans. These tropical storms constitute 25% of the rain that floods annually.
| Season | Months | Avg. High Temp |
| Dry Season | Dec – Mar | ~77–87 °F (25–30 °C) |
| Wet Season | Apr – Nov | ~82–90 °F (28–32 °C) |
| Hurricane Season | Jun – Nov | — |
Travel Documents & Passport Rules
Puertorico is a part of the United States. That is why everyone from Puerto-Rico has full rights as citizens of the USA.
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
US citizens don’t need a passport to travel to this U.S. island. A driver’s license or a Valid ID has a picture on it that makes it useful to travelers. These cards, which you see in airports for trips, are known as ID cards with face recognition.
Travel rules
- U.S. Citizens & Residents: No passport required, but you need an identity card such as a REAL ID or a state ID. (Note: By May 2025, new ID rules may apply for air travel.)
- Non-U.S. Visitors: Obey U.S. Visa policies. The procedure and document requirements for a visa or ESTA are the same as for the U.S. mainland.
It has an American vibe. It is cool because English is everyone’s second language, electricity mains are the same as in the U.S., and one, line, one can call 911 in case of an emergency.
Top Things to Do in Puerto Rico
There are many exciting things you can do. Here are some top things:
Old San Juan
The old streets of the 500-year-old capital can be walked on. El Morro and San Cristóbal forts are the sights not to miss. Get used to old houses, bright buildings, and sit together in cafes.
- Buy a thing for yourself at Calle del Cristo
- Take a piragua (shave ice treat) at Plaza de Armas
- Go to the old Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
El Yunque National Forest
Discover the U.S.’s only tropical rainforest. Look at tall trees, misty mountains, and waterfalls. Climb up Mt. Britton Tower to relish jungle views to the fullest.
- At night, it is quite thrilling to hear the calls of coqui frogs
- Do not miss out on swimming in La Mina Falls or Juan Diego Creek
- Go for a walk if you want to come across both plants and animals
Beaches & Islands
This can spell it out with more than 300 lovely beaches. You can catch some waves at Rincón, go cliff jumping at Isabela, or relax on powdery sands at Playa Buyé. Vieques or Culebra is where you must visit to feel nature and beauty.
Flamenco Beach
This fine beach at Culebra, whose sheer serenity will make you feel like you are on another plane, is one of the World’s Best. It’s wonderful to have a swim, dive, and sunbathe.
- Try alcapurrias or bacalaítos from roadside kiosks.
- Book a food tour in Santurce or Piñones.
- Take a mixology class at a distillery.
Bioluminescent Bays
So you have seen the light in Rico’s bioluminescent bay, a luminous phenomenon that is found in various bays. You can visit Mosquito Bay, Laguna, or La Parguera..
- Book a clear-bottom kayak for better visibility.
- Go on moonless nights for the best glow.
- Avoid sunscreen or repellents that harm the organisms.
Rum & Cuisine
Taste local foods with both Caribbean and Spanish twists. Visit Casa BACARDÍ for rum tasting and local markets for traditional food.
- Food vendors will cook up alcapurrias or bacalaítos for you
- Participate in Santurce or Piñones food tours
- Whether it is sampling, learning how the drinks are made at a distillery
Adventure Activities
This is the best place for outdoor fun, and you can relax your mind and get rid of all of your work and home stress. If you love to do zip lining at Toro Verde, rock climbing inside caves, or snorkeling, these are different activities to start the day with a fun activity.
- Enter the cave of the windows or join the guided tour at Rio Camuy Cave Park.
- The water near the Fajardo region is suitable for scuba diving
- Ride an ATV through rugged terrain
Quick Climate and Activity Tips
Best Time to Visit
December to March offers perfect weather and less crowded attractions. Average temperatures of about 80°F, with many breadfruit festivals in San Juan. Don’t skip May to September, this is the time when it’s hotter, and rainfall is heavier, but it has numerous events and excellent surfing.
Packing Essentials
Pack shorts, a light rain jacket for the rain, sunscreen is safe for the reefs, a bug repellent spray for forests, and clothes for swimming that don’t damage the reefs. The items of headwear and eyewear are also really important.
Safety
This place is generally safe for tourists. Must lock your car, secure valuables. Tap water is treated to U.S. standards, so it’s safe to drink. Credit cards can be used anywhere. If something goes wrong, dial 911.
Transportation
Opting for a car rental enables you to visit spots beyond San Juan. The quality of the roads there is very good. The public transportation there is quite weak, so you should use taxis or rideshares within the city area.
Conclusion
Puertorico is a unique place. It makes a combination of American and Caribbean lifestyles. It has attractive beaches, luscious greenery, and old buildings. The people in the U.S. also appreciate the fact that the island is a state of the USA. It is warm and has a good climate. There are so many activities that are enjoyable. The food is delicious. It’s a perfect destination for a holiday break where the main goals are to escape from the routine and have a great time.