Puerto Rico Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Puerto Rico, with its modern capital, clean beaches, and tropical climate, is an ideal destination for a Caribbean getaway. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip with these features, then a villa in Puerto Rico can turn your dreams into reality. The information contained under the tabs on this page will tell you more about the island and how you can plan an unforgettable vacation there.
Why Puerto Rico?
- Puerto Rico is the smallest island in the Great Antilles.
- Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System.
- Puerto Rico is the only Caribbean island that has a bioluminescent bay.
- Puerto Rico is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world.
- Puerto Rico is the only Caribbean island with a tropical dry forest.
Puerto Rico Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
Average Rainfall
The world's largest radio telescope
Arecibo Observatory houses the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. The dish spans 20-acres in diameter! Visitors are astounded by the enormous size of the dish made up of almost 40,000 perforated aluminum panels. There is a 900-ton platform built over the reflective surface which is set in a sinkhole 450 feet below. Scientist from around the world use this telescope to study the properties of planets, comets and asteroids, faint pulses emitted hundreds of times per second from pulsars, galaxies and quasars at the farthest reaches of the Universe. There is an exhibit and audio-visual show designed to educate the public on the basics of astronomy and provide information about this gigantic radio telescope.
Excellent snorkling and you can swim with the sea turtles
Culebra's rugged countryside, beautiful beaches and small-scale tourist industry make the 25-square-mile island a Caribbean treasure for travelers. At only 7 miles long by 3.5 miles wide, it is no wonder it's also called "Isla Chiquita". There is no run-off from streams and rivers, so the water is crystal clear and great for snorkeling coral reefs and swimming with a variety of sea creatures. This is one of only two nesting sites for giant sea turtles in the U.S. Culebra has 23 offshore islands which form a miniature archipelago. Coral reefs in this area are considered some of the most spectacular of the entire Caribbean. In 1909 a bird refuge was established here and is protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a nature preserve. To get here from Puerto Rico, take a private boat or quick flight 17-miles off the eastern coast.
Explore our cavernous underworld
Hop on the tram and explore Río Camuy Park's great subterranean caverns carved out by the Camuy River over one million years ago. Rio Camuy Cave Park is the third-largest underground cave system in the world. Inside the incredible 268-acre park a guide will provide information on tropical surroundings and the caverns. There are also picnic areas, walking trails, food facilities, an exhibition hall and a souvenir shop, making it the perfect place to spend the day. Reservations are recommended. The park is open Wednesdays through Sundays (and holidays) 8am to 4pm. Advanced cave explorers can arrange for special tours and rappelling trips through undeveloped sections of the caves.
Transportation on Puerto Rico
Getting to Puerto Rico and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
U.S. citizens do not need passports but citizens of other countries need a visa. U.S. citizens do not even need to clear customs when entering.
Airport
San Juan: Luis Muñoz Marín Airport;Ponce: Mercedita Airport;Aquadilla: Rafael Hernandez Airport
Departure Tax
Included in air plane ticket
Driving
On the right - valid driver’s license required.
Puerto Rico Weddings and Honeymoons
Vacationers don’t just stay in Puerto Rico villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Visit the Dept. of Health in Santurce to pick up a marriage application or request one in writing(allow two months). Write to the Dept. of Health, Demographic Registry Office, Box 11854, Fernandez Juncos Station, Santurce, PR 00910.
Know Before You Go...® - Puerto Rico Travel Tips
Before making their way to Puerto Rico villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Puerto Rico even more relaxing.