Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Autonomous Associated Territory of the United States
Did you know?
The surface area of Puerto Rico is 3.5 thous. mi², which puts the islands in position number 169 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between San Juan (PR) and Washington D.C. (US) is 1557 miles
To calculate distance between your location and San Juan click here
Country Comparison
Compare Puerto Rico to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Puerto Rico
| Miles | San Juan | Ponce | Mayagüez | Aguadilla | Arecibo | Carolina | Guaynabo | Vieques |
| San Juan | - | 47 | 72 | 70 | 42 | 6 | 7 | 48 |
| Ponce | 47 | - | 37 | 46 | 33 | 49 | 41 | 77 |
| Mayagüez | 72 | 37 | - | 16 | 34 | 77 | 69 | 112 |
| Aguadilla | 70 | 46 | 16 | - | 29 | 76 | 69 | 114 |
| Arecibo | 42 | 33 | 34 | 29 | - | 47 | 40 | 87 |
| Carolina | 6 | 49 | 77 | 76 | 47 | - | 8 | 41 |
| Guaynabo | 7 | 41 | 69 | 69 | 40 | 8 | - | 47 |
| Vieques | 48 | 77 | 112 | 114 | 87 | 41 | 47 | - |
A Brief History of Puerto Rico
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
AD 1000
BoriquenArawak Indians known as Taíno settled in Puerto Rico. They called the island Boriquen.
1493
Columbus's voyageOn his second voyage, Christopher Columbus claims the island for Spain. He names it San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
1508
Fist Spanish settlementJuan Ponce de Leon establishes the fist Spanish settlement. In 1509, he is named governor of San Juan Bautista.
1520s
New nameThe island is officially renamed Puerto Rico.
1873
End of slaverySpain abolishes slavery after almost 400 years. Puerto Rico is given representation in Spain's parliament.
1898
Spanish American WarDuring the Spanish American War, U.S. forces invade Puerto Rico. In December, the Treaty of Paris ends the war and gives the U.S. possession of the island.
1900
Foraker ActPresident William McKinley signs the Foraker Act, which allows island residents to organize their own government.
1902
Political status of Puerto RicoThe U.S. declares Puerto Rico a territory.
1917
Jones ActUnder the Jones Act, Puerto Ricans are granted U.S. citizenship.
1942
Hiram BithornHiram Bithorn, of the Chicago Cubs, becomes the first Puerto Rican to play baseball in the Major Leagues.
1948
The OlympicsPuerto Rico sends its first team to the Olympics.
1952
Self-governing commonwealthPuerto Rico becomes a self-governing commonwealth of the U.S.
1972
Baseball star dies in plane crashPuerto Rico's baseball hero, Roberto Clemente, is killed in a plane crash.
1989
Hurricane HugoHurricane Hugo causes heavy damage to the islands of Vieques and Culebra.
1998
CommonwealthResidents vote to decide the island's political status. They refuse to apply for statehood. Puerto Rico remains a commonwealth.
2003
Vieques bombing exercisesAfter many protests, the U.S. government stops controversial military training on the island of Vieques.
2008
Governor of Puerto RicoLuis Fortuno is elected governor.
Best Ways to Experience Puerto Rico
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreUS Dollar (USD)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Puerto Rico.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Electricity
120V (60 Hz)
In Puerto Rico the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 168 / 231 Ranking | 2 860 853 white 75.8%, black/African American 12.4% |
Area | 169 / 232 Ranking | 3.5 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 161 / 221 Ranking | 81.5 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 78.2women 84.9 |
Median age | 162 / 222 Ranking | 43.6 Average age of population expressed in years.men 41.6women 45.3 |
Population growth | 162 / 224 Ranking | -1.46% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 153 / 210 Ranking | 92.4% Ability to read, write and count.men 92.4%women 92.4% |
GDP | 141 / 194 Ranking | 35 264 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |