One of the pleasures of visiting Puerto Rico is discovering that wildlife is everywhere. Tiny coquí frogs call from the trees after dark. Lizards dart across patios. Iguanas sun themselves beside roads. Pelicans dive into the ocean, and sea turtles occasionally surface just offshore. Head into the rainforest, mountains or nature reserves and there’s even more to discover. Most of Puerto Rico’s wildlife wants absolutely nothing to do with you — and that’s a good thing. The gen

A power outage can be an unexpected part of visiting Puerto Rico. While the island has made significant investments in its electrical system, temporary outages and voltage fluctuations can still occur. Most are simply an inconvenience. Knowing what to expect — and what to do when the lights go out — can make the experience much easier. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, vacation rental or private home, here’s what visitors should know. First: Don’t Panic If the electricity su

Packing for Puerto Rico is pretty easy: think warm weather, sunshine, beaches, sudden rain showers and plenty of time outdoors. Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so you don’t need to pack for a remote tropical destination. Pharmacies, supermarkets and major retailers are readily available in populated areas, and most everyday items can easily be purchased after you arrive. Still, bringing a few essentials can make your trip much more comfortable. Here’s what we recomm

Puerto Rico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. From the turquoise waters of Luquillo and Vieques to the dramatic surf along the north coast, spending time at the beach is one of the highlights of visiting the island. But the ocean surrounding Puerto Rico deserves respect. Conditions can change quickly, and a beach that looks calm from shore may have strong currents, large breaking waves, or other hazards. Many beaches also do not have lifeguards o

Renting a car is one of the best ways to experience Puerto Rico. Beyond San Juan, a car gives you the freedom to discover mountain towns, roadside restaurants, hidden beaches, coffee farms, waterfalls, and communities that many visitors never see. Driving here will also introduce you to a few things you probably weren’t expecting. Puerto Rico drives on the right side of the road, traffic laws are generally familiar to U.S. drivers, and a valid U.S. driver’s license can be use

Puerto Rico offers beautiful beaches, incredible food, historic towns, tropical mountains,and a culture known for its warmth and hospitality. But visiting an island also means occasionally encountering realities that may be different from what you’re accustomed to at home. One of those realities is water service interruptions. Water outages can occur in Puerto Rico, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes as part of scheduled maintenance or water rationing. For visitors, underst

From Christmas and Three Kings Day to Thanksgiving, Good Friday, and uniquely Puerto Rican commemorations, the island observes a combination of Puerto Rican, United States federal, religious, and cultural holidays throughout the year. For visitors, holidays can be some of the most memorable times to experience Puerto Rico. They can also affect your plans. Government offices and banks may close, restaurants may operate shorter hours, supermarkets can become extremely busy, and

If you spend enough time in Puerto Rico, there’s a good chance you’ll hear two simple words just as you’re about to take your first bite: “¡Buen provecho!” You might hear it from your server as a plate of mofongo arrives at the table. A family walking past your table may say it on their way out of a restaurant. At home, someone might offer it just before everyone begins eating. Literally translated, buen provecho means something close to “enjoy your meal” or “may it be good f