The best beaches in Puerto Rico. Telephone codes and communications
Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean on a large island of the same name and several nearby islands from the Greater Antilles group in the Caribbean Sea. The nearest neighboring states are the American and British Virgin Islands in the east and the Dominican Republic in the west.
Puerto Rico is a Freely Associated or Freely Associated State that is partly dependent on, but not an integral part of, the United States. While sharing citizenship, currency, and defense with the United States, Puerto Rico also has its own constitution, legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The capital of the state, the city of San Juan, is located in the north of the island, in one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean region.
Most of the islands of Puerto Rico are uninhabited or sparsely populated, the most populous being the main island, approximately 170 km long and 60 km wide. coastline about 500 km long. In the center of the main island is the so-called Central mountain range Cordillera Central, where the most high point Puerto Rico - Mount Cerro de Punta (Cerro de Punta) with a height of 1338 m above sea level. The southern coast of the island is washed by by the caribbean, and the north Atlantic Ocean. There are more than fifty large and shallow rivers in Puerto Rico, most of which originate in the mountains of the central range. There are also seventeen lakes on the island, all of them of artificial origin. The northeastern part of the main island is occupied by the Rio Camai National Cave Park, the largest underground river flows in it and 200 caves with unusual limestone karst formations are hidden.
Nature and climate
Located almost in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a maritime tropical climate, with almost even temperatures throughout the year in the range of + 26-28 ° C. At the same time, the temperature on the coast is always several degrees higher than in the central mountainous part of the island. On the south coast, washed by the Caribbean Sea, it is usually a little warmer than on the north. When buying a tour in Puerto Rico, it is important to remember that from June to November, the Atlantic hurricane season comes to the islands, which is characterized by heat and high humidity, as well as strong hurricane-force winds that periodically hit the island.
The peak tourist season in Puerto Rico is from December to April, and July and August can also be called the high season.
Puerto Rico is an island of vibrant life! Reserves and National parks with wild pristine nature, the country attracts eco-tourism connoisseurs from all over the world. The diversity of flora and fauna is great and includes almost 20 species of birds, about 250 species of plants, including orchids, many mammals and fish. As well as almost five dozen amphibians, among which there are endemic species that are found only here, for example, the Puerto Rican boa constrictor and the Coqui frog, which lives in the El Yunque rainforest.
In the western part of the southern coast of Puerto Rico, washed by the Caribbean Sea, there is a dry a tropical forest Guanica. A great variety of bird species, including endemics, live in the wilds of this forest. Climatic features This area is conducive to the growth of cacti. The dry forest of Guanica is completely different from the humid tropical forest of El Yunque, located in the east of the northern coast of the island. The reason for the local dry climate is the Central Mountain Range, which separates Guanica from the northeastern part of the island, where about 2500 mm of precipitation falls annually, while in Guanica it is less than 750 mm, and in some places even less than 150 mm.
Currency exchange and banks
Despite the fact that the US dollar is the official state currency of Puerto Rico, sometimes you can see price tags in stores that indicate the price in "peso", the Puerto Rican dollar. If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, the best option will take some US dollars in cash to buy souvenirs in small shops and tips, as well as a dollar bank card. Just like in the USA, cards and traveler's checks are universally accepted in Puerto Rico.
Customs and passport control
Puerto Rico follows the laws and regulations in force in the United States. Import and export of foreign currency without a declaration is allowed in the amount of up to 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent. This also applies to travelers checks. If you are carrying gold, do not forget to declare it. Items for personal use customs duties are not taxed. In addition, you can import a block of cigarettes and up to 1 liter of hard alcohol into the country duty-free. Care must be taken when importing food products and any items of organic origin. We recommend that you check before importing whether they are allowed to be imported into the territory of Puerto Rico.
Customs control can be quite quick and hassle-free, but due to the global trend of tightening inspection rules, it may take longer. As in many countries around the world, Puerto Rico practices a random selection of passengers for a more thorough check. Anyone who arrives may be one of them, then your luggage will be subject to a closer inspection, and the officer may ask additional questions. This is usually done to curb illegal migration, so the questions will be about your plans for staying in the country and perhaps having sufficient funds to cover your expenses while traveling to Puerto Rico.
Time
Time in Puerto Rico does not change between summer and winter. It always remains in the same time zone: UTC-04:00 or AST. Moscow time is 7 hours ahead of Puerto Rico.
Visas and Consular Information
Also, as in the case of customs regulations, Puerto Rico's visa regulations are similar to those in the United States. If you intend to travel to Puerto Rico, make sure you get a US visa. Our experts will help in this matter - they will fill out a questionnaire, and also write you down for an interview at the US Embassy.
Opening hours of institutions, shops and museums
The standard shop hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, however, some shops are open until 9 pm before weekends. On Saturday - a shortened working day, and on Sunday only shops in the port area are open, where they go cruise ships as well as souvenir shops and small shops.
Transport
Unfortunately, there is no direct flight between Russia and Puerto Rico. To get to Puerto Rico from Moscow, we recommend taking flights via New York. international Airport Puerto Rico - Luis Munoz Marin (Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Munoz Marin) receives daily flights from the United States, and also connects with Caribbean countries such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin.
Intercity bus service in Puerto Rico is practically non-existent. locals predominantly use private vehicles. As a result, the island has a well-developed network of roads and expressways. Tourists can use a taxi service in San Juan or rent a car.
The seaport of Puerto Rico receives the largest cruise ships every day and is one of the largest ports in the world.
Telephone codes and communications
The freely associated state of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Puerto Rico from the group of the Greater Antilles and a number of adjacent small islands.
Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and many smaller islands and cays, including Mona, Vieques, Culebra, Deseceo, and Caja de Muertos.
State
State structure
Puerto Rico is a US dependency and has the status of an "unincorporated organized territory", which means that the territory is administered by the US (and not an integral part of it).
The head of state is the President of the United States. The head of government is the governor. The cabinet is appointed by the governor after consultation with the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico.
Language
Official language: Spanish, English
Spanish is the main language in public institutions, although English language is a compulsory subject. Although relatively most of islanders consider English their main language, most of the population in major cities speaks both languages, or at least understands English and uses it in certain situations.
Religion
About 85% of the population are Catholics, about 10% are Protestants, but for the majority of believers, Christianity is combined with spiritualism, voodoo and Native American folklore and religious traditions.
Currency
International name: USD
The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso" on Puerto Rican price tags. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange offices.
Credit cards have virtually unlimited uses. In all major settlements there are many ATMs. In the province, the use of credit cards is somewhat limited.
Traveler checks can be cashed at almost any bank office.
Map of Puerto Rico
Popular Attractions
Puerto Rico Tourism
Popular hotels
Tips
A service charge of 10-15% is added to most bills at upscale hotels and restaurants, so tipping is not required. However, in most mid-level establishments, tips are not included in the bills, in which case you can leave them to the attendants within 10% (directly in the hands when calculating), in bars and street restaurants you can limit yourself to 5%. Porters, attendants and taxi drivers expect a $0.50 tip.
Office Hours
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30-09.00 to 14.30-15.30 (working hours may vary).
Purchases
All casino hotel accounts are subject to an additional 11% tax, non-gaming hotels are subject to a 9% tax and small hotels are subject to a 7% tax. The sales tax is 1.5% and on the purchase of jewelry it is 5%. Stores with sales tax refund ( tax free) does not exist in the country.
Shops are usually open from Monday to Wednesday from 09.00 to 19.00, from Thursday to Friday - from 09.00 to 21.00. On Saturdays, most shops are open from 11.00 to 17.00-18.00.
You can bargain in the markets and in private shops; in large stores, prices are usually fixed.
The medicine
Natural hazards endemic to the island include hepatitis B (in the northern Caribbean coast), tropical fever, bilharzia (schistosomiasis), rabies (vaccination is recommended), and stomach ailments are not uncommon. In some cases, immunization against typhoid, diphtheria, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis is recommended.
Security
The poor areas of most large cities are markedly criminalized and present to foreign tourist a certain danger. There is a risk of fraud and theft.
Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe, but bottled water is recommended.
Emergency Phones
Unified rescue service - 911.
Police - 787/343-2020
Ambulance - 787/343-2222.
Fire Department - 787/343-2330
Coast Guard - 787/729-6770.
Puerto Rico is a small but very picturesque country, a trip to which will give a lot of impressions to all vacationers. Moreover, tourists are waiting here not only for the relaxed beach holiday, but also exciting excursions for historical and cultural attractions. This is Island state in the Caribbean Sea, which is under the jurisdiction of the United States. Some even call it the 51 states. Here you will find a developed infrastructure, excellent service and many options for recreation. Independent travel in Puerto Rico It turns out to be relatively inexpensive and very diverse. However, a US visa is required to enter the country, making it difficult tourist trips here.
Culture features
The state bears the imprint of several cultures - Spanish, Caribbean and American. This is a great example of how different ethnic groups coexist harmoniously on a small land. In addition, the fate of this state is inextricably linked with the long struggle for the independence of the country, so here one can feel the desire for freedom and emancipation. Central cities and the streets gravitate towards the American way of life, and in the provincial areas you will encounter a mixed and distinctive Creole culture.
Top 3 interesting cities and attractions
The capital of Puerto Rico is. Here are recommended to visit Old city with a lock Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, San Jose Square, Pigeon Park and an incredibly picturesque promenade. The next destination is the island. Here you can see the most beautiful bioluminescent bay. If you are interested cultural heritage countries, visit the port city - its center is literally dotted with old churches and other architectural monuments. For example, here is one of the oldest fire stations in the world and the amazing beauty of the Cathedral of Mary the Virgin of Guadalupe.
To get a complete picture of the country, a trip to the coral island is recommended coolerbrita– white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters will immerse you in a tropical paradise. Another idea for a trip - caves Kamuy. They occupy the third line in the ranking of the largest cave systems on Earth - the length of the complex reaches 16 kilometers. And if you want to get acquainted with the unique nature of Puerto Rico, be sure to visit El Unco National Reserve. Here you will find the pristine and untouched by civilization natural beauty of this island nation.
When is the best time to rest
The most favorable time to travel to this country is from December to April. It is during these months that the water and air temperatures are as comfortable as possible, and the amount of rain is minimal. However, it is at this time that the peak of the tourist season falls, which leads to a sharp jump in prices for tours, hotels and an abundance of vacationers. Book hotels in advance. Yes, and trips to low season turn out to be no less bright and saturated - average temperature during the year it fluctuates between +22 to +28C.
Safety regulations
Puerto Rico is a safe holiday destination with a low crime rate. Attacks on tourists here are very rare, so safety advice is standard - to remain vigilant and prudent, especially at night. The only recommendation for those who rent a car is not to leave valuables in the car when getting out of it. They can attract the attention of intruders who will take advantage of the opportunity to break into the machine.
Standard of living
Puerto Rico has a fairly high standard of living compared to most others Caribbean Islands, but it is still significantly lower than even in the poorest US states. Unemployment is quite high, so many Puerto Ricans try to find work in the United States, while the rest are most often engaged in various types temporary income.
Security
The security situation here is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, the overall level of violent crime here is quite low, and the areas frequented by tourists are quite safe and are under the protection of special police units. However, the poor areas of most large cities are noticeably criminalized and pose a certain danger to foreign tourists.
You should not openly demonstrate jewelry, expensive photo and video equipment, as well as the thickness of your wallet. Areas to be avoided large cluster people, as in such places there are usually a huge number of pickpockets. It is also not recommended to exchange money on the streets - the risk of facing fraud or outright robbery is extremely high. You should avoid visiting deserted shores alone and especially at night.
If you ask a Puerto Rican how to get to a particular place, you will most often hear "follow me." In most cases, such an escort has sincere intentions to take the tourist to the place he needs, but it should be borne in mind that in some cases this way you can get to the wrong place at all, or even be robbed. You should be especially careful with such guides at night and it is highly undesirable for women and individual travelers. When traveling by car, you should park in well-lit areas and take all valuables from the car with you.
Nudism
Nudism in in public places banned in Puerto Rico.
Electricity
The mains voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz (some hotels provide 220 V). Plugs are usually American style with two flat pins.
Units
The system of measures and weights is metric, but in many outlets tourist areas often, along with it, elements of the imperial system of measurements are used.
zdenulya | September 2014
