Tips and advice for your trip to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island nation
Standard of living
Puerto Rico has enough high level life compared to most other Caribbean islands, but it is still significantly lower than even the poorest states in the United States. The unemployment rate is quite high, so many Puerto Ricans are trying to find a job in the United States, while the rest are most often engaged in various types of temporary work.
Security
The security situation here is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, the overall level of violent crime is quite low here, and the areas frequented by tourists are quite safe and are protected by special police units. However, the poor areas of most major cities noticeably criminalized and pose a certain danger to foreign tourists.
You should not openly demonstrate jewelry, expensive photo and video equipment, as well as the thickness of your wallet. Avoid crowded areas as there are usually a lot of pickpockets in such places. It is also not recommended to exchange money on the streets - the risk of facing fraud or outright robbery is extremely high. You should avoid visiting the deserted shores alone, and especially at night.
If you ask a Puerto Rican how to get to this or that place, then most often you hear "follow me". In most cases, such a guide has sincere intentions to take the tourist to the place he needs, but it should be borne in mind that in some cases this way you can get to the wrong place, or even be robbed. You should be especially careful with such escorts at night, and it is highly undesirable for women and individual travelers. When driving a car, you should park in well-lit places and take all valuables from the car with you.
Nudism
Public nudism is prohibited in Puerto Rico.
Electricity
The mains voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz (some hotels provide 220 V). Plugs are usually American type with two flat pins.
Units
The system of measures and weights is metric, but in many retail outlets in tourist areas, elements of the imperial measurement system are often used on a par with it.
zdenulya | september 2014
Puerto Rico is small but very picturesque country, a trip to which will give a lot of impressions to all vacationers. Moreover, tourists here will find not only a relaxed beach holiday, but also fascinating excursions to historical and cultural attractions. it Island state in the Caribbean, under the jurisdiction of the United States. Some even call it 51 states. Here you will find a developed infrastructure, excellent service and many options for recreation. Independent travel v Puerto Rico turns out to be relatively inexpensive and very varied. However, you will need a US visa to enter the country, which makes it difficult tourist trips here.
Features of culture
The state bears the imprint of several cultures - Spanish, Caribbean and American. This is a great example of how different ethnic groups coexist harmoniously on a small land. In addition, the fate of this state is inextricably linked with the long struggle for the independence of the country, so here one can feel the desire for freedom and emancipation. Central cities and streets gravitate towards the American style of life, while the provincial areas will experience a mixed and distinctive Creole culture.
Top 3 interesting cities and attractions
The capital of Puerto Rico is. Recommended to visit here Old city with a lock Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, Piazza San Jose, a park of pigeons and an incredibly picturesque promenade. The next destination is the island. See the beautiful bioluminescent bay here. If you are interested in cultural heritage country, visit the port city - its center is literally dotted with old churches and other architectural monuments... For example, there is one of the oldest fire stations in the world and the amazingly beautiful Cathedral of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
To get a complete picture of the country, a trip to coral island Coolerbrita- white sandy beaches with crystal clean water will immerse you in a tropical paradise. Another travel idea - caves Kamuy... They occupy the third line in the ranking of the largest cave systems on Earth - the length of the complex reaches 16 kilometers. And if you want to get acquainted with unique nature Puerto Rico must-see national reserve El Unco... Here you will find the pristine and unspoiled natural beauty of this island nation.
When is the best time to rest
The most favorable time to travel to this country is from December to April. It is during these months that the temperature of the water and air is as comfortable as possible, and the amount of rain is minimal. However, it is at this time that the peak falls tourist season, which leads to a sharp jump in prices for tours, hotels and an abundance of vacationers. Book hotels in advance. And trips in the low season turn out to be no less bright and rich - average temperature during the year it ranges from +22 to + 28C.
Safety regulations
Puerto Rico is a safe holiday destination with a low crime rate. Attacks on tourists are very rare here, so safety advice is standard - stay vigilant and prudent, especially at night. The only recommendation for those who rent a car is not to leave valuables in the car when leaving it. They can attract the attention of intruders who will seize the opportunity and crack the machine.
All around the Spanish language, bronze faces, ancient fortresses on the banks of the clean and warm sea... The city has narrow streets with houses of Spanish architecture. Puerto Rico Tourism relevant all year round, but the hottest season, in terms of the arrival of vacationers, falls on the first quarter of the year. This can be explained by the fact that the summer of the island takes place in tropical hurricanes.
rest in Puerto Rico is already considered one of the most popular, according to tourists. Paradise Island in the Caribbean, which is rapidly developing its economy. In Puerto Rico good roads and interesting local flavor.
The island has been inhabited by the Spaniards for a long time, so the lifestyle here is partly Spanish, partly American. Creole flavor is especially evident in the provincial areas. All local people are fluent in English and Spanish, but Spanish with a Creole dialect. Puerto Rico has always attracted tourists with its ideal climate: the air temperature here throughout the year does not fall below 20 ºC and the rainy seasons are very short-lived. On the island you can not only relax on the beach all day, but also visit the old Spanish sights of Puerto Rico, for which the island is famous throughout the world.
V paradise There are many modern resorts in the Caribbean with varying prices and offerings. You can go on an elite tour, or you can choose a more economical family option. have modern service and quality service.
You love vivid impressions and leisure, then ski resorts Puerto Rico just for you. This country has been captivating skiers for a long time, because this type of pastime is always relevant, regardless of the season.
During the rest period, your body will be filled with solar energy Caribbean island. Healed resorts in Puerto Rico- this is the cleanest sea, warm sun and stunning sea breeze. Every day spent on the island will heal your entire body.
Very actively developing tourism On this small island. Travel companies can offer you various tours Puerto Rico... The country is waiting for you to give unforgettable vacation the whole family.
What could be better than a heavenly resort on a tropical island? Every person dreams of getting this holidays in Puerto Rico... It will provide you and your family with the warm sun and entertainment that the island has to offer.
Well, what the island is rich in is sunny beaches... Almost every hotel has its own access to the azure water. are for a secluded vacation, for surfing, relaxing swimming and active beach holiday.
You can choose your holiday home in Puerto Rico for every taste, color and budget. Everything hotels in Puerto Rico offer a modern American service that will delight and surprise everyone. You can also choose a more budget hostel if you are traveling with a large and youth group.
Transport Puerto Rico
The main modes of transport on the island are taxis and buses. This urban is reliable and affordable. Also on the island there is an opportunity to use marine species transport.
Which beach in Puerto Rico is best for you? Puerto Rico's large coastline stretches for more than 270 miles and is replete with a variety of beaches and water activities. But which beach is the best for snorkeling? Which beach is the cleanest? Which beach is the best for walking? Which beach is best for aquatic species sports?
The best indoor beach in Puerto Rico for a secluded getaway
Throughout coastline Puerto Rico has many secluded beaches where you can be completely alone. On the island of Culebra, this is the Resaca Beach, remote from tourist routes and usually deserted.
West of San Juan, in Manati, is the beach Mar Chiquita (Mar Chiquita or Little Sea)... Situated in a crescent shape, this picturesque beach is protected by cliffs from strong winds and ocean currents.
Not far from the Guánica Dry Forest Biosphere Reserve is a two-mile beach stretch called Ballenas bay, which is more visited by sea turtles than people. Not far from it there is an isolated rocky beach Caña gorda.
If you are sailing from Fajardo, then you can visit the beach on the idyllic Icacos sand spit.
Best surfing beaches in Puerto Rico
The best surfing conditions in San Juan offer Punta Las Marias beach in Ocean Park... In the neighboring Manati The most popular surfing spots are Los Tubos Beach and La Pared Beach in Luquilla. Nevertheless, Best beaches in Puerto Rico for surfing are located on west coast islands in the tourist region of Porta del Sol and its capital, Rincon. The main surf center here is Maria "s Beach Also popular are Punta Higuero, Puntas Beach and Spanish Wall Beach. In the rest of the Porta del Sol region, Surfer's Beach, Wilderness, Playa Crash Boat, Shacks Beach and Jobos Beach are popular among the Sefringis.
Best beaches in Puerto Rico for snorkeling
On the coast Vieques Islands there are a number of beaches ideal for swimming underwater, the best of which are considered Blue Beach and Playa Esperanza... On the island of Culebra, the best beach for underwater sports is Carlos Rosario, also rich in underwater world the island is distinguished by the West Beach, as well as the southern coast of the island in the area of the Culebra reef. Playa Shacks is famous for its "Blue Hole" snorkeling.
The cleanest beaches in Puerto Rico
According to the international volunteer program The Blue Flag, the following beaches are the best for water quality in Puerto Rico:
- El escambron in San Juan;
- Carolina beach in Carolina;
- Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra;
- Seven Seas Beach in the city of Fajardo;
- Punta salinas in the Toa Baha.
The best beaches in Puerto Rico for excursions, walks and active beach holidays
If you like to be in the spotlight and want to see something interesting, then the best beaches are the beaches along the Isla Verde and Condado strip. Sun Bay Beach in Vieques is a real center for beach lovers. And the famous Flamenco Beach is one of the main reasons to visit Culebra island. Sandy Beach in Rickon perfect for an active beach holiday. Not far from Fajardo is a picturesque island resort Palomino, part of the Hotel El Conquistador and the Golden Door Spa.
Beaches in Puerto Rico with attractions
Some of Puerto Rico's beaches are famous for specific things. So on Puntas Beach and Domes Beach whales can be seen in winter. In Ricone on Antonio Beach and in Vieques on Playa Cofi beach you can see smooth rocks and sea glass from natural erosion. The secluded Puerto Hermina Beach in Quebradillas was once a cove for smugglers and pirates and may still be home to pirate treasures.
The Free Associated State of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean on the Greater island of Puerto Rico Antilles and a number of adjoining small islands.
Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and many more small islands and reefs including Mona, Vieques, Culebra, Dececheo and Caja de Muertos.
State
State structure
Puerto Rico is a US-dependent territory and has the status of an "unincorporated organized territory", which means that this territory is under US control (and is not an integral part of it).
The head of state is the President of the United States. The head of government is the governor. The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the Governor after consultation with the Puerto Rico Legislature.
Language
State language: Spanish, English
Spanish is the main language in government offices, although English is a compulsory subject of study. Although a relatively small proportion of the islanders consider English to be their primary language, most of the population in large cities speaks both languages, or at least understands English and uses it in certain situations.
Religion
About 85% of the population are Catholics, about 10% are Protestants, but the majority of believers associate Christianity with spiritualism, voodoo and Indian folklore and religious traditions.
Currency
International name: USD
The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso" on Puerto Rican price tags. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange offices.
Credit cards have virtually unlimited uses. In all major settlements there are many ATM machines. In the provinces, the use of credit cards is somewhat limited.
Travel checks can be cashed at almost any bank office.
Puerto Rico map
Popular attractions
Puerto Rico Tourism
Popular hotels
Tips
A 10-15% service charge is added to most upscale hotel and restaurant bills, so tip is not required. However, in most mid-level establishments, tips are not included in the bills, in which case you can leave them to the service staff within 10% (directly in the hands when checking out), in bars and street restaurants you can limit yourself to 5%. Receptionists, conductors, and taxi drivers expect a $ 0.50 tip.
Opening hours of institutions
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30-09.00 to 14.30-15.30 (opening hours may vary).
Purchases
An additional 11% tax is levied on all casino hotel bills, 9% for hotels that do not have gambling establishments, and 7% for small hotels. Sales tax is 1.5%, while jewelry purchases are taxed 5%. Stores with sales tax refund ( tax free) in the country is not.
Shops are usually open from Monday to Wednesday from 09.00 to 19.00, from Thursday to Friday from 09.00 to 21.00. On Saturdays, most retail outlets are open from 11.00 to 17.00-18.00.
You can bargain in markets and in private shops; in large stores, prices are usually fixed.
Medicine
Natural hazards inherent to the island include hepatitis B (in the northern Caribbean coast), tropical fever, bilgartia (schistosomiasis), rabies (vaccination is recommended), and stomach ailments are not uncommon. In some cases, immunization against typhoid, diphtheria, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis is recommended.
Security
Poor areas of most large cities are markedly criminalized and pose a certain danger to foreign tourists. There is a risk of fraud and theft.
Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe, but bottled water is recommended.
Emergency telephones
Unified Rescue Service - 911.
Police - 787 / 343-2020
Ambulance - 787 / 343-2222.
Fire department - 787 / 343-2330
Coast Guard - 787 / 729-6770.
