Colonial forts, rainforest and glowing Caribbean bays
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and an unincorporated territory of the United States. Old San Juan's blue cobbled streets and huge Spanish forts sit beside resort beaches and a lively food and music scene. El Yunque rainforest, bioluminescent bays and the islands of Vieques and Culebra are within easy reach. US citizens need no passport, which makes it an easy trip for Americans.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
A massive Spanish fort guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay, with a great lawn for kites. It is part of the San Juan National Historic Site.
The colonial old city with colourful buildings, blue stone streets and plazas. La Fortaleza, the governor's house, is here.
The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, with waterfalls and trails. Some areas need a reservation.
One of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, glowing blue with every paddle stroke. Swimming is not allowed.
A horseshoe beach of white sand and clear water on Culebra island. Old tanks rust on the sand.
The largest fort built by Spain in the Americas, guarding the land approach to Old San Juan. Tunnels and lookouts can be explored.
A bioluminescent lagoon reached by kayak through mangroves. It is close to San Juan.
White limestone cliffs at the southwest tip of the island, topped by a 19th century lighthouse. Salt flats and quiet beaches lie nearby.
Puerto Rico's second city, with a red and black striped firehouse and a major art museum. It has a calm colonial centre.
A surf town on the west coast with sunsets and winter whale watching. It is laid back.
A market square that turns into a big street party on weekend nights. Salsa and bars spill out.
A coastal strip east of San Juan known for food kiosks, bike paths and Afro Puerto Rican culture. Try fritters by the beach.
A cave opening like a window onto a green valley. Guided tours are required.
A mountain road lined with lechoneras roasting whole pigs. Weekends bring music and crowds.
A small mangrove cay off the dry south coast with clear shallow water. It is part of a protected forest area.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
Old town, beaches and nightlife.
history, nightlife · Open the city guideGateway to islands and lagoon.
gateway · Guide comingBio bay and beaches.
beaches · Guide comingFlamenco Beach.
beaches · Guide comingSurf and sunsets.
surf · Guide comingSouthern city.
culture · Guide comingBeach town in the northwest near Rincon.
beaches, surf · Guide comingBio bay and beaches.
beaches · Guide comingFlamenco Beach.
beaches · Guide comingOld city and urban beaches.
Old San Juan, El Morro, La Placita
Rainforest and islands.
El Yunque, Vieques, Culebra
Surf and caves.
Rincón, Cueva Ventana, Camuy
Dry coast and colonial city.
Ponce, Guánica
Quiet islands with clear water and bioluminescence.
Mosquito Bay, Flamenco Beach
Surf, sunsets, coffee and winding mountain roads.
Rincon, Ruta Panoramica, Cabo Rojo
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: December to April. The dry season brings sunshine and calm seas.
Hurricane season runs June to November, with peak risk from August to October; the north coast is wetter than the south.
January. Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
81°F daily high, 77°F average, 2.0 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
Puerto Rico is US territory, so the State Department issues no travel advisory; normal city precautions against petty crime apply.
A rental car is needed outside San Juan, as public transport is limited.
Prices are similar to the mainland United States.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Rules change, so check the US Customs and Border Protection page for international visitors and your own government's travel advice before you book. |
| Plugs | Type A, B; 120 V |
| Tap water | safe |
| Tipping | Tip 15 to 20 percent as on the US mainland. |
| Payments | Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for roadside food stands. |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Etiquette | Puerto Ricans are warm and proud of their culture. A few words of Spanish are appreciated. |
| Driving | On the right |
| Between cities | Rental cars are the main way to get around outside San Juan. Ferries from Ceiba and short flights reach Vieques and Culebra. Uber works in the San Juan area. |
| Main airports | SJU, BQN, PSE |
| Ride apps | Uber |
The Taíno people lived on the island, which they called Borikén, before Columbus arrived in 1493. Spain ruled for four centuries and built massive forts to guard San Juan. The United States took the island in 1898 after the Spanish American War, and Puerto Ricans became US citizens in 1917. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused major damage, and recovery continues.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.