Puerto Rico is still a wild country

If Puerto Rico is home to dreamy beaches, its colonial past, rich history, and lush vegetation are also something that will make your mouth water.

Amongst beaches, jungles and colonial ruins, Puerto Rico is worth the detour

In the Greater Antilles, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico (or Puerto Rico) was once known as “Boriken,” the Land of the Lord the Valor. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and colonized by the Spanish. Today, The island has the status of an unincorporated territory of the United States as part of the American Commonwealth of Nations.. But above all, it is a highly acclaimed destination for a diverse vacation.

Puerto Rico has remained a wild land with mountains, tropical rainforests, and white sand beaches. Between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, there are magnificent bays to swim in, architecture that bears witness to a colonial past, a delight to celebrate and many more.

What to visit in Puerto Rico

Capital San Juan

The capital, San Juan, can be explored from its paseo leading to the forts. It is the oldest city on the island and its historic heart contrasts surprisingly with the skyscrapers. Fort San Felipe del Morro continues to watch and protect the city with its walls.

Architectural area of ​​Caguana

The Caguana Native Ceremonial Center is an archaeological site to learn more about the Tainos Indians. They met there for religious ceremonies and you can now explore the museum and the reconstructed village.

Arecibo Telescope

In Arecibo, on the island’s north coast, the radio telescope was the largest in the world until 2016. Its diameter still reaches 305 meters.

Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico

El Yunque National Forest

This tropical rainforest covers most of the Sierra de Luquillo. Its name means “cloud forest” and it is one of the most humid forests in the world. El Yunque Peak dominates at 1,078m. It is home to many endemic species, including orchids.

great websites

Laguna Grande and Bahias Fosforecentes are worth a visit. The night is never dark there, as billions of single-celled algae glow with all their fire. The show is breathtaking.

cockfighting

You can always watch cockfights in Isla Verde. They are monitored and highly controlled by the government. The fight can last up to 15 minutes, but is often over in four or five minutes.

Diving, surfing and skiing enthusiasts

Fine sand beaches in Puerto Rico allow you to relax and enjoy the sun. But you can also explore the magnificent seabed in the east of the island. They are shallow and covered with corals. Sea kayaking is very popular for exploring the reefs and mangroves.

Puerto Rico in training

Flag : ??
Capital: San Juan
Super suitability: 8,870 km²
Number of residents: 3.47 million

in advance

The US dollar, which is part of the United States, is the local currency in Puerto Rico. 1 € = 1.15 USD in 2017.

Language

The primary language of Puerto Rico is Spanish, but English also has official language status.

jet lag

Puerto Rico is in UTC/GMT-4 time zones. When it’s noon in Paris, it’s 6 a.m. in San Juan.

Telephone

To call Puerto Rico from France: Dial 001787 + local number.
From Puerto Rico to France: Dial 0033 + 0 without your correspondent’s number.

Weather

The climate of Puerto Rico is tropical with very mild temperatures (between 25° and 30°C) throughout the year. However, beware of the rainy season (May to December) between August and November when there are sometimes severe hurricanes. It is best to go between January and March to enjoy the Puerto Rican sunshine.

Formalities and visa

The entry requirements for Puerto Rico are the same as for the United States. This is why French citizens need a biometric passport and Esta form.

Security

Puerto Rico remains a very safe state for travelers. On the other hand, cases of Zika virus disease have already been diagnosed there. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor in case of fever during travel or in the weeks following return to France.

As always, we invite you for more details. Consult the France Diplomacy website before going on a trip.

Arrival in Puerto Rico

Located in the eastern suburbs of San Juan, Luis-Muñoz-Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main airport in the Greater Antilles. Depending on your departure dates, you may be interested in booking a second flight to Miami (or even Fort Lauderdale) and then a second flight between Miami and San Juan.

useful addresses

French Honorary Consulate in San Juan, Puerto Rico

270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 301
St. John 00918
Porto Rico
Phone: +1 787 767 2428
Fax : +1 787 436 9767
Email: [email protected]