Puerto Rico is an Estado Libre Asociado, that is, a commonwealth territory of the United States. The island's vivacious capital, San Juan, was founded in 1521. Though it is now the oldest capital city flying the US flag, it was once Spain's strategic center in the Caribbean, and to this day maintains the largest and best-preserved complex of Spanish colonial architecture in the region. Cathedrals, museums, and stately Spanish squares abound, creating an ambience of romance and colonial grandeur.Several quiet country resort areas, small resort islands just off the coast, ... More
Puerto Rico is an Estado Libre Asociado, that is, a commonwealth territory of the United States. The island's vivacious capital, San Juan, was founded in 1521. Though it is now the oldest capital city flying the US flag, it was once Spain's strategic center in the Caribbean, and to this day maintains the largest and best-preserved complex of Spanish colonial architecture in the region. Cathedrals, museums, and stately Spanish squares abound, creating an ambience of romance and colonial grandeur.
Travel back almost five centuries and tour the cobblestone streets of this charming city. Walls that were once the most impressive fortifications in the Western Hemisphere surround old San Juan. Discover Puerto Rico’s fascinating heritage on this half-day tour.
This is the greatest natural attraction in Puerto Rico. Protected by the US Forest Service, it lies in the Luquillo Mountains of Rio Grande to the east of San Jan and is home to 4 types of forest and 240 species of tropical trees. Walk through the trails that wind casually past waterfalls and tufts of wildflowers while parrots fly around you and the island's mascot - a small frog called the coquí - calls out as you pass. This sightseeing tour includes roundtrip transfers and is available on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The third largest underground river system in the world took millions of years to carve out this spectacular 300-acre network of subterranean chambers. These caves are part of a natural reserve that is recognized as one of the world's most impressive natural wonders. Ride a trolley down the spiraling sinkhole, into one of the largest caves. This sightseeing option includes roundtrip transfers, is a full day tour, and is available on Wednesdays only.
The city of Ponce unveils an enchanting portrait of colonial history, art and culture. The city's buildings such as the 19th century Fire Station and La Perla Theater, exhibits more than 300 years of a classic tradition that has made Ponce the center of Puerto Rico's southern economy. The visit includes the Museum of Art. Major sites like the Serrallés Castle and El Vigia Cross are part of the tour of Puerto Rico's second oldest and largest city. This full day sightseeing tour includes roundtrip transfers and operates on Thursdays.
Expansive cliff-top resort village with luxury accommodations and a private island – Overlooking the Caribbean from a cliff-top perch on the northeastern tip of the island, this sprawling luxury resort is the largest vacation development in Puerto Rico. Guests enjoy a multitude of on-site amenities, including the Golden Door Spa, 2 golf courses, a casino, 6 pools, 21 restaurants and lounges, a newly-built water park, and a 100-acre private island that's just 8 minutes offshore.
Play water sports, golf, and tennis at this upscale, beachfront resort, set on 500 tropical acres. The spa has a fitness center and salon, and there are separate adult and activity pools.
Luxury beachfront on 17-acre peninsula with the only private beach on the island – Set between Historic San Juan and the vibrant Condado district, this property even claims its own fort, the colonial-era Fuerte San Geronimo. Appropriately, this is Hilton’s most historic hotel, its first outside the U.S. Debuted in 1949, Hollywood starlets, championship boxers, Olympic athletes, and countless notable performers have vacationed here. But don’t worry about it being out of date, its undergone millions in recent renovations.
Secluded, all-suite luxury beachfront with low-rise Spanish-style villas – Elegant Spanish architecture, contemporary art, and the beauty of the surrounding tropics set the tone for a relaxing, luxury holiday at this recent addition to the Sol Melia family. The secluded village-style property on the tip of the Miquillo Peninsula opens onto a 1-mile stretch of beach.
A member of the Historic Hotels of America, this 350-year-old, renovated convent in the heart of Old San Juan has modern conveniences with Old World style and architecture.
Luxury beachfront high-rise for business and leisure travelers – Recipient of 2 consecutive AAA 4-Diamond Awards, this modern resort is home to one of the Caribbean's largest casinos. Abundant palm trees shade the property, which opens onto a white sand beach and is adjacent to local attractions that include a Bacardi rum factory and historic San Juan.
Modern, upscale, and newly renovated hotel just steps from palm-fringed Condado Beach – A true Caribbean milestone, this resort boasts an innovative design highlighted by the restaurant’s round, shell-shaped roof, a feature that garnered international attention and graced several magazine covers when the property premiered in 1958. Discover the glamour of a by-gone era in a renovated resort that promises all the comforts of contemporary travel.
Several quiet country resort areas, small resort islands just off the coast, and protected ecosystems offer an alternative to the city experience, making a visit to Puerto Rico a potpourri of historic, natural, and ultra-modern luxury sensations. Visitors enjoy spending many days exploring the historic sights, as well as spectacular diving and fishing excursions, hiking, golfing, gambling and, of course, dancing to the infectious rhythm of the indigenous salsa beat!
New York City 3.5 hrs
Boston 4 hrs
Miami 2.5 hrs
Philadelphia 4 hrs
Los Angeles 8 hrs
Chicago 5 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 5 hrs
San Francisco 8.5 hrs
San Juan: The energetic capital is divided into the Old and the New Quarter. The Old Quarter, founded in 1521, is a National Historic Zone and is the main tourist center of the city. Once completely enclosed by a wall, the most powerful fortress in the Caribbean, this fortified city repeatedly held off would-be attackers. Today it is the bustling cultural heart of Puerto Rico, marked by restaurants, shops, and 16th and 17th century buildings, many of which have been fully restored in Spanish Colonial style.
Dorado: Playa Dorado, a 30-minute drive west of San Juan, is a series of 6 white-sand beaches along the northern coast, reached by a series of scenic winding roads. Dorado is the island's oldest resort town and is known as the center of golf, casinos, and two major resorts. The resort area is very family-friendly with kid's camps and water playgrounds, including a 1,776-foot long fantasy pool - the largest in the world!
Humacao: This small town is easily accessed from San Juan and is the site of 2 splendid luxury resorts. Palmas del Mar was originally a sugar cane plantation and its luxurious Mediterranean villas have pastel-pink connecting walkways, cobblestone plazas, and fountains adorned with hand-painted tile work. The Doral Resort at Palmas del Mar is the other first-rate beachfront resort in this unspoiled paradise. The resorts are self-contained, with restaurants, bars, air-conditioning, pools, golf courses, tennis courts, health clubs, equestrian centers, exercise rooms, beach, sailing, scuba diving, marina, water-sports center, fishing, bicycles, and casinos.
Rio Grande: This northeastern coast town is nicknamed "La Ciudad del Yunque" as it is the proud location of the spectacular El Yunque National Forest - the only tropical forest in the US National Forest System. It is also the last habitat of the extremely endangered native Puerto Rican Parrot. Sensational waterfalls, tropical plants, and wildlife - easily viewed along 13 trails - make this the most popular sightseeing destination on the island!
Las Croabas: Dramatically perched atop a 300-foot bluff with panoramic views of the ocean, offshore islets, and El Yunque, the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club is a cluster of 4 distinct environments. The architecture is a blend of Moorish and Spanish colonial, with cobblestone streets, white stucco and terra-cotta buildings, open-air plazas with fountains, tiled benches, and gas lamps. Plants and parrots decorate many of the open spaces. The Las Casitas section is a private village with the quiet charm of a Spanish colonial setting, with private check-in, a pool, and a butler! One of the 4 hotels, Las Olas, is actually built into the cliff face. When you crave seclusion, hop a water taxi to the private Palomino Island.
Vieques & Culebra: These islands off the east coast of Puerto Rico are wherethe Puerto Ricans go on their vacations. The beaches are sandy and calm, and the islands seem almost lost in the 50s and 60s. Vieques has more tourist facilities, and the remnants of many sugar and pineapple plantations are testimony to the island's once-flourishing agricultural economy.
Western Puerto Rico: This less-visited part of Puerto Rico has some of the island's more fascinating terrain, varying from Arizona-type desert to dense green forests. White sandy beaches stretch along the shoreline, and rough waters are ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
Southern Coast: Founded in 1692, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city, and home to the island's premier art gallery. Notably less urban than San Juan, Ponce and the southern coast of Puerto Rico are ideally suited for visitors who want a more relaxing vacation and who want to get to know the true island lifestyle. A day visit to San German, Puerto Rico's second-oldest city, reveals many more historical treasures, including the site of the oldest church in the New World.
Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the Greater Antilles, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The island's terrain ranges from palm-lined beaches on four coastlines, to rugged mountain ranges that occupy three-quarters of the landscape, to gently rolling hills, waterfalls, tropical forests, and even dry desert-like areas. There are also two bioluminescent bays where people and fish shine at night.
Puerto Rico has one of the most unvarying climates in the world. Tropical temperatures average a pleasant 80° with year-round breezes. In the mountains, it is about 10° cooler during both summer and winter. The US Weather Bureau has never recorded temperatures in San Juan below 70°! Average monthly rainfall is 7 inches, peaking in August. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.
The most popular time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is at its best. Northerners escaping snow mean peak crowds in winter. June through October is the rainy season when afternoon downpours and cloudy weather are more prevalent.
Vibrant Caribbean Culture: Puerto Rico is well known for its vibrant culture. While all the other islands of the Caribbean seemingly melt together in terms of culture, Puerto Rico proudly stands out as the place to go to really feel you're in a whole new country - ironic considering it is a commonwealth of the US. Downtown San Juan, and the beaches of San Juan's Condado, are where people congregate in dance clubs, restaurants, bars, or simply strolling the streets. Come to Puerto Rico and engage in the daily celebrations of life and nature.
Grand History: Puerto Rico is brimming with history dating back to the voyages of Columbus, and even before. El Morro in San Juan is the most spectacular building on the island, but be sure to explore further a field and see some of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere, and ancient Taino Indian burial grounds.
Stunning Natural Beauty: Puerto Rico, more than any other island in the Caribbean, has a diverse terrain of forests and beaches, all set to the backdrop of lush, green mountains. Explore the jungles of the interior, and dive underwater to witness the impressive colors of coral, fish, and crustaceans that inhabit the warm waters. Be sure to bring a camera!
All Around the Island
Diving: While legislators debate statehood, divers have plunged ahead and claimed the island for themselves. This US Commonwealth has shallow patch reefs on an undersea plateau and sheer, dramatic walls that lead to the greatest depths in the Western Hemisphere - the 5-mile Puerto Rico Trench. Near-shore clarity can sometimes be less than ideal, but visibility around the Mona and Desecheo reefs is in the triple digits all the time. Ten striking dive sites dot the island, mostly along the east, south, and west coasts, and are easily accessible for even novice divers.
San Juan
Discover Old San Juan: Take a guided exploration and travel back 500 years through the cobblestone streets of this charming city. The fortified walls hold within them the fascinating history, culture, and heritage of Puerto Rico. Some of the impressive sites are relics of Spanish colonization, such as the Fort of San Cristóbal, the legendary Christ Chapel, Casa Blanca ("White House" - the first Spanish governor's house, now a museum), and the San José Church, which is the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Catedral de San Juan: It was begun in 1540 but, nearly from its beginning, has spent its entire life being restored from the ravages of hurricanes, looters, and time itself. Originally a thatch-roofed building, it was slowly built into a Spanish cathedral with a circular staircase and two vaulted Gothic chambers. In the early 20th century, the body of Ponce de León was moved here and placed in a marble tomb. There is also the wax-covered body of a Roman martyr encased in a glass box. None of the silver and gold treasures survived centuries of looters, but there are beautiful stained-glass windows and, of course, a tremendous legacy of history and faith.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro: Known locally simply as El Morro, this fort guards the bay on the northwestern tip of the Old City. It was originally built in 1540 on its rocky promontory and is today a favorite exploration spot for history buffs.
Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan: This was the city's main marketplace in the mid-19th century. Local artists display their works in this Spanish colonial building and multimedia shows reveal the city's history; the museum occasionally hosts cultural events in its courtyard.
Old Town Shopping: San Juan offers some of the best bargains in the Caribbean, and US citizens don't have to pay duties when returning to the States! Calle San Francisco and Calle del Cristo are the major venues with very good buys on native handcrafts including needle- and straw work, ceramics, and hammocks, as well as native Puerto Rican art. Puerto Rico is also the place to stock up on your rum, with many different types produced locally, ranging from light mixer rums to dark brandy-like rums. The hand-rolled cigars in Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra are an excellent alternative to the forbidden Cubans!
Dorado
Río Camuy Cave Park: The third largest underground river system in the world took millions of years to carve out this spectacular 300-acre network of subterranean chambers. These caves are part of a natural reserve that is recognized as one of the world's most impressive natural wonders. Ride a trolley down the spiraling sinkhole, into one of the largest caves.
Arecibo Observatory: Two hours west of San Juan, this is the largest radar/radio telescope in the world used to monitor radio emissions from distant galaxies, pulsars, quasars, and similar other-worldly sources. Film buffs will recognize this as the set of the Jodie Foster box-office hit "Contact" and home base for SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. A bilingual and interactive exhibit helps you understand how the radio telescope works.
Humacao
Centro Ceremonial de Caguana: The most important Indian ceremonial grounds of the Taíno culture from the West Indies. Most of the 30-plus courts discovered thus far are located in this site, which has been restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. The center features a large main court and 10 smaller courts, monoliths, petroglyphs, a botanical garden, and a collection of Indian artifacts that will help you learn about their sacred rites and way of life.
Rio Grande
El Yunque National Forest: This is the greatest natural attraction in Puerto Rico. Protected by the US Forest Service, it lies in the Luquillo Mountains of Rio Grande to the east of San Jan and is home to 4 types of forest and 240 species of tropical trees. Walk through the trails that wind casually past waterfalls and tufts of wildflowers while parrots fly around you and the island's mascot - a small frog called the coquí - calls out as you pass.
Las Croabas
Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve: Acquired by the Conservation Trust, the preserve is a stunning collection of lagoons, mangroves, dry forests, and coral reefs. This 316-acre point of land also includes a neoclassic lighthouse (in continuous operation since 1882), a nature center, an archaeological excavation, and a wilderness preserve easily explored along trails.
Although Puerto Rican cooking is somewhat similar to both Spanish and Mexican cuisine, it is really a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences. Locals call their cuisine cocina criolla (creole cooking), which can be traced back to the Arawaks - the original inhabitants of the island - who thrived on a diet of corn, tropical fruit, and seafood. When Ponce de León arrived in 1493, the Spanish added beef, pork, rice, wheat, and olive oil. Soon after, the Spanish began planting sugarcane, and African slaves brought okra and taro (known in Puerto Rico as yautia). In recent years, many restaurants have developed a renewed appreciation for traditional Puerto Rican cooking, adding local specialties to the menus of leading restaurants which also offer American, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, French, and Greek food.
Gourmet: Ristorante II Perugino is nestled in the heart of the Old City and is a favorite of both gourmet-loving locals and international celebrities. Serving flawlessly exquisite food, it is known among travelers as having the best Northern Italian food in all of Puerto Rico. Calle Del Cristo 105, Old San Juan
Highly Recommended: Amadeus Café pleases visitors with Puerto Rican nouvelle cuisine and treats them to the highest quality and friendliest service available, all within the historic colonial city walls. Artists, journalists, locals, and professionals alike go to the Amadeus to enjoy the tasty and creative European/Caribbean cooking. 106 San Sebastián Street, Old San Juan
Local Flair: Reposteria Kassalta has cafeteria-style dining showcasing a vast selection of seasonal local specialties. Islanders come for the Caldo Gallego, a traditional vegetable stew. Calle McLeary 1966, San Juan
Romantic: La Zaragozana is situated near the cathedral in Old San Juan, with wooden chairs and red tablecloths creating an authentic Spanish setting. Superior cuisine is perfectly complemented with the lilting music of strolling musicians. 356 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan
This is a resort area with most restaurants located within the resorts. There are, however, some worthy establishments also to be found around town.
Gourmet: The Surf Room serves international cuisine in a mixed casual and elegant setting at the Hyatt Dorado Beach Hotel
Highly Recommended: El Ladrillo is Spanish for "the brick," and the reputation of this fine restaurant is as solid as its name suggests. Highly regarded as a steakhouse, but seafood and fish - caught fresh from island waters - are offered in a greater variety of dishes. Paintings by local artists decorate the walls and bar. Music, cigars, and a well-stocked wine cellar complete the first-class evening. MéndezVigo 334
Local Flair: La Terraza Patio Bar serves Caribbean International cuisine in a casual setting. C1 Calle Marginal
Romantic: Mange're serves Italian cuisine in a cozy, soothing setting. Carrera 693 Km 8.5
Gourmet: Pier 27 Sea Food features an international gourmet menu at the Doral Palmas del Mar Resort.
Highly Recommended: Blue Hawaiian: Regarded as the best Chinese restaurant in the region, this top dining venue combines Polynesian themes with an Americanized version of Chinese food that's tasty and well suited to the hot, steamy climate. Menu items include lobster with garlic-flavored cheese sauce, blackened salmon New Orleans style, and superb honey chicken. Palmanova Shopping Center
Local Flair: Barracuda Bistro: An active bar scene congregates here in the evenings, when yachters gather to talk of their sailings. With Mexican and Creole specialties, mostly seafood, the menu serves a blatant punch to the taste buds. Tasty entrees include sautéed mahimahi in tequila-butter and lime sauce, red snapper sautéed in butter and lemon, and grilled T-bone steak. Come for great food and friendly conversation. La Marina
Romantic: Chez Daniel serves fine French cuisine in an intimate, relaxing setting at the Doral Palmas del Mar Resort
This is a resort area with most restaurants located within the resorts.
Gourmet: Palio is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant that indulges good taste with classical Northern Italian specialties and gracious service, all in the most elegant of surroundings.Westin Rio Mar Resort
Highly Recommended: Marbella serves American Caribbean fare in a casual setting at the Westin Rio Mar Resort.
Local Flair: Cactus Jack's serves Mexican food in a fun, casual setting at the Westin Rio Mar Resort.
Romantic: Palio serves fine Italian cuisine in an elegant setting at the Westin Rio Mar Resort.
Gourmet: Blossoms features three culinary styles, including a sushi bar, and boasts some of the freshest seafood in Puerto Rico. Sizzling delights are prepared on teppanyaki tables, and there's a zesty selection of Hunan and Szechuan specialties. Dishes include chicken, shrimp, filet mignon, and lobster. Sushi-bar selections include eel, squid, salmon, and giant clams. Wyndham El Conquistador Resort
Highly Recommended: Cantina de las Olas offers a Tex-Mex menu in a casual atmosphere. Located mid-way up the cliff, the views are just as inspiring as the cuisine. Reservations are recommended at this unique restaurant accessible only via the resort's funicular carriage. Wyndham El Conquistador Resort
Local Flair: Iguanas is an outdoor restaurant that you reach by venturing across the water to private Palomino Island to delight in the savory food and pristine setting. Arrive early and have cocktails on the shore as the sun sets over the Caribbean! Wyndham El Conquistador Resort
Romantic: At Otello's, you dine by candlelight in the old-world tradition, either indoors among the neo-Palladian decor or outdoors in the balmy breeze. A selection of poultry and vegetarian food is offered nightly, along with several shrimp and fish dishes, or you can opt for the chef's veal specialties. Wyndham El Conquistador Resort
Puerto Rican nights bring lively streets and a great chance to people-watch in one of the many beautiful plazas of Old San Juan. Casinos are generally open from noon to 4am and are much more intimate and friendly than the gambling houses of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Get-togethers and party places include Bogart-style bars and dance clubs. Puerto Ricans dress up and head for the Latin clubs with large dance floors and bands playing spicy Latin rhythms. Salsa leads the music scene, and is described as what happens when you cross the big band sound with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. For daily happenings, check with your concierge upon arrival or look up the nightlife section of the English-language San Juan Star newspaper.
Egipto Club: The Caribbean's most sought after nightclub with over $1,000,000 in state-of-the-art Egyptian decor takes you to another world. There's a wide variety of musical themes, a helpful bilingual staff, and gourmet cuisine.
Millamax: This casino reflects the tropical elegance of a by-gone era. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and new slot machines promise an exciting evening. The bi-level design creates a panoramic view from the adjacent lounge that serves exotic and mixed drinks, as well as light bistro fare. This is the most luxurious and largest casino in the Caribbean.
Violeta's: A stylish and comfortable bar that occupies a 200-year-old beamed house with an open courtyard. Its Old Town location draws a mixture of 20- and 30-something tourists and locals, and occasionally a piano player entertains.
Performing Arts: Opera, dance, symphony, and theatrical performances are hosted by various centers, including the Tapia Theater in Old San Juan, the Guaynabo Performing Arts Center, and the Luis A. Ferré Center for the Performing Arts. The latter is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean and home of the Puerto Rico SymphonyOrchestra.
This is a resort area with most nightclubs located within the resorts.
Bacchus: A dance club playing a variety of music in a mixed casual/elegant setting at the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Resort and Casino.
Casino and Bar: A casual setting featuring live music most of the week at the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Resort & Casino.
Casino and Bar: A mixed casual/elegant setting and feature live music most of the week at the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort & Country Club.
Casino and Bar: A casual setting featuring live music most of the week at the Doral Palmas del Mar Resort & Villas.
Chilis Grill &Bar: Features live rock music in a mixed casual/elegant setting at the Plaza Palma Real Mall.
This is a resort area with most nightclubs located within the all-inclusive resorts. There are, however, some worthy establishment also to be found around town.
Brass Cactus Bar & Grill: A lively, casual bar featuring salsa, merengue, and pop music at the Complejo Turístico Building in Luquillo.
Three Kings Day: This is the traditional Christmas gift-giving day, and is celebrated with festivals, lively music, dancing, parades, puppet shows, caroling troubadours, and traditional feasts. Island-wide, January 6
Danza Week: Commemorates the danza, the popular turn-of-the-century, waltz-like ballroom dance originating in Ponce. Historical and cultural events include danza concerts by string quartets, a parade, danza competition with senior couples in the dress of their youth. Closing day concert. Ponce, May
Barranquitas Artisan's Fair: The island's oldest crafts fair, hosting more than 130 Puerto Rican artisans, traditional musicians, and island food. Barranquitas, July
The International Light Tackle Tournament: A blue marlin fishing competition, sponsored by three west coast deep-sea fishing clubs, takes place on the southwestern coast. Cabo Rojo, September to October
Jayuya Indian Festival: Celebrates the culture and tradition of the island's original inhabitants, the Taino Indians, with exhibitions of their music, games, and food. More than 100 Taino artisans display and sell their work. Jayuya, November
Las Mañanitas: A religious procession that starts from Lolita Tizol Street toward the city's Catholic church. Mariachis lead the way, singing songs to honor the city's patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe. A mass is served at 6am. Ponce, December
For the weather, lightweight clothing is recommended all year. Your choice of style depends on what you plan to do. Casual attire is typical, but San Juan has many restaurants and clubs that require finer dress. Beachwear needs to be kept on the beach!
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Smoking: As of March 2, 2007, smoking is banned island-wide in all enclosed public spaces, including hotel lobbies, casinos, restaurants, and bars, with very few exceptions such as designated hotel rooms. The ban also applies to outdoor spaces with a roof and more than one employee, as well as cars with children under 13. Heavy fines are levied for violation of this law.
Gambling: You must be at least 18 years old to gamble or enter a casino.
Health Facilities: Puerto Rico has excellent health facilities. Health services are good but costly. Many hotels have their own doctors on call. Full medical insurance is recommended.
Local Food and Beverage: Tap water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
There are three health issues to be aware of when traveling to Puerto Rico:
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), a tropical disease caused by blood flukes, is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Finally, Hepatitis A occurs in the northern Caribbean region. Travelers should consider a vaccination from their physician if they are concerned.
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken everywhere, as the second "official" language.
The current is 120 volts/60 cycles AC, same as in the US mainland so you won't need an adapter.
Entry: Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, and US citizens do not need passports to visit, though you will need proof of citizenship like a birth certificate with a raised seal and a government-issued photo ID.
Customs: US citizens do not need to clear customs.
Puerto Rico Tourism Company: La Princesa Bldg #2, Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902; phone 787-721-2400, or toll free 1-800-866-STAR, fax 787-722-1093
Los Angeles: 3575 W Cahuenga Blvd, Suite 405, Los Angeles, CA 90068; phone 800-874-1230 or 213-874-5991, fax 213-874-7257.
Miami: 901 Ponce de León Blvd., Suite 101, Coral Gables, FL 33134; phone 800-815-7391 or 305-445-9112, fax 305-445-9450.
New York: 666 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10103; phone 212-586-6262, fax 212-586-1212.