Our Highlights on Puerto Rico
Latin Vibes in the Caribbean
Gorgeous beaches and secluded mountain regions for hiking are just two of countless reasons to visit Puerto Rico. Things get especially exciting when you set off on a road trip across the island.
Puerto Rico spans 8,959 km² and more than half of the island is mountainous. The highest peak, Cerro La Punta, reaches 1,338 m.
In northern Puerto Rico, a visit to the "Rio Camuy Cave Park" and the "Observatorio Arecibo" — where James Bond once played a role — is a must. There are numerous American shopping malls where you can find great bargains. If you prefer something more authentic, head to the old town of "San Juan," the island's capital. Countless shops, bars pulsing with Latin music, and beautiful plazas invite you to linger. San Juan also offers a rich cultural and historical scene. The port of San Juan is one of the largest in Latin America, and until 2007, most Miss Universe winners came from Puerto Rico — until Venezuela tied in 2008.
On Puerto Rico's west coast, several bays attract surfers from around the world who come for the powerful waves. Beach lovers can relax on nearly deserted, miles-long stretches of sand. With a total coastline of over 400 km of sandy beaches, Puerto Rico is ideal for both beach vacations and surfing.
In the south, take the time to drive the famous "Ruta Panorámica" scenic road. It leads through dense bamboo tunnels to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded mountain villages like Aibonito. A stop in the beautifully renovated city of "Ponce" with its Western-style wooden houses is also well worth it — it's Puerto Rico's second-largest city.
In the east lies the "El Yunque" national park with wonderful hiking trails through the rainforest. Don't miss the islands of "Vieques" and "Isla de Culebra" with their gorgeous white-sand beaches — they are easily reached by ferry.
In the interior, you'll find coffee, pineapple, and sugarcane plantations alongside unique forests and picturesque mountain regions. And let's not forget — Bacardi rum comes from Puerto Rico.
Entry Requirements, Vaccinations and Other Information for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is under the administration of the U.S. federal government.
Every traveler needs a passport valid for at least 6 months upon entry, plus a Green Card, visa, or ESTA authorization.
The international airport is in San Juan — the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The best airfare deals are usually found with American airlines, particularly Delta and United Airlines.
Visa-Free Entry via ESTA
Since January 12, 2009, travelers to the USA without a visa must register through the online system ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before departure.
The registration costs a small fee and is valid for 2 years. It also allows you to travel to any other U.S. state or territory. The registration can be completed by a third party or a travel agency. If your details change, the information must be updated before entry.
Go to the online form
Cruises from Puerto Rico
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises are just a few of the lines offering exciting Caribbean cruises departing from San Juan. Ideally, you combine an island road trip on Puerto Rico with a cruise. Sailing out of the port of San Juan is already a thrilling experience — and that's just the beginning of your Caribbean voyage. Off-season cruises are available at surprisingly affordable prices, and Condor offers a direct flight from Frankfurt to San Juan.
Where Is the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico with its capital San Juan is a commonwealth in the Caribbean and one of the U.S. territories.
The island territory consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands: Vieques, Culebra, Culebrita, Desecheo, Palomino, Mona, Caja de Muertos, and Monito.
Puerto Rico is the smallest and easternmost island of the Greater Antilles.
The History of Puerto Rico
- The first settlement of Puerto Rico began around 3000 to 2000 BC, likely by indigenous peoples.
- Additional groups such as the Igneri and the Arawak arrived between about 120 and 1000 AD.
- In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on the island and claimed Puerto Rico for Spain. At that time, the Taino were the dominant indigenous culture. They gradually died out due to exploitation, war, and disease caused by the Spaniards in the second half of the 16th century.
- Puerto Rico then remained under Spanish rule until it was ceded to the United States of America in 1898. In 1917, the inhabitants of the American territory were granted U.S. citizenship.
- Since 1952, Puerto Rico has been a self-governing commonwealth of the USA. Referendums were held in 1967 and 1993, in which the population could choose between political independence, becoming a U.S. state, or remaining a commonwealth. The majority chose to stay with the USA.
- Puerto Rico has therefore been an associated commonwealth of the USA since 1952 to this day. This means that its residents are U.S. citizens but have limited rights and obligations (for example, they have no voting rights in federal elections and no federal tax obligation).
