AAA is the best place to book
Puerto Rico travel.

Puerto Rico is in the northeastern Caribbean, between the Dominican Republic to the west and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the east. Generally, it takes less than 4 hours to fly to San Juan from Miami or New York City, underlining how easy and convenient it is to plan a Puerto Rico getaway.

No, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico! Since it’s one of five major Territories of the United States, you can travel there with a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. If you’re coming from outside the United States, check the entry requirements based on your nationality.

Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone and does not observe daylight saving time.

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, known for its cultural attractions and beautiful coastline. As the island's main hub, it's also home to the San Juan Cruise Port and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

San Juan has plenty to offer! Stroll through Old San Juan’s colorful streets to see colonial architecture and visit forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal. Relax on Condado Beach or explore the trendy art and dining scene in Santurce. Don’t miss out on tasting local dishes like mofongo at popular restaurants.

Puerto Rican food combines Spanish, African and Indigenous Taíno flavors. Dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and proteins), lechón (roast pork) and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) are local favorites. For snacks, try alcapurrias (fried fritters) or pinchos (meat skewers). Save room for desserts like flan or tembleque, a creamy coconut pudding.

The island is warm year-round, but the best weather is between mid-December to April, when it’s sunny and dry. This is also the busiest tourist season, so make plans early if you visit at this time. If you prefer fewer crowds and better deals, consider summer or early fall, though keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November. Whenever you choose to visit Puerto Rico, travel insurance offers great reassurance and a way to protect your trip.

Both Spanish and English are spoken. Spanish is more common, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Knowing a few Spanish phrases can be helpful when you travel to Puerto Rico. “Qué lo que” is a casual greeting similar to “hello” and “what’s up,” while “con permiso” is a polite way to say “excuse me” when passing by someone. “Buen provecho” means “enjoy your meal” and is often said when someone is eating, while “agua de coco” simply translates to “coconut water,” a popular island drink.

“Boricua” is a term Puerto Ricans proudly use to describe themselves, rooted in Borikén, the name given to the island by the Indigenous Taíno people. It can be seen as a link to the island’s heritage and culture.

Puerto Rico offers great things to do for every kind of traveler. Wander the colorful streets of Old San Juan, visit historic forts like El Morro, or relax on gorgeous beaches like Flamenco Beach in Culebra. Adventure seekers can hike in El Yunque National Forest, kayak in bioluminescent bays or catch waves in surf spots like Rincón.

Pack lightweight clothing for the tropical climate and comfortable walking shoes for exploring. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun, as well as a swimsuit and rash guard for beach days. If you plan to hike or explore rainforests like El Yunque, bring insect repellent, closed-toe shoes and a light rain jacket or poncho. A reusable water bottle and a small backpack or tote can also come in handy for day trips. You don’t need an adapter for Puerto Rico if you’re traveling from the United States, as the island uses the same standard voltage (120V) and outlets (Type A and B).

Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, so there’s no need for currency exchanges if you're traveling to Puerto Rico from the U.S. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’ll be handy to have some cash on hand for local vendors or food kiosks.

Yes, it’s possible to drive Puerto Rico in a day, but it would be a long day! Puerto Rico is roughly 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, so driving the whole island can take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the route and stops. While doable, squeezing it all into one day means skipping out on many unique things to do in Puerto Rico. For a fuller vacation experience, plan a 3- to 10-day trip, depending on your pace and interests.