Spend five minutes reading this, and you’ll feel like you’re sipping an umbrella drink beneath the Caribbean sun.
Maybe. You might need to buy a plane ticket for that. But certainly--this is the next best thing. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to add “travel to Puerto Rico” and “learn Spanish” to your bucket list:
1. It’s beautiful.
The first basic fact you should know about Puerto Rico is that it’s just plain dazzling. The other facts are these:
Map of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an American territory in the Caribbean--and might one day become America’s 51st state. The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan. And while both Spanish and English are the commonwealth’s official languages, English is spoken by less than 10% of the population.
2. Puerto Rico is family of islands.
You might think of Puerto Rico as a single island, but it’s actually a commonwealth containing a group of islands. The largest of these islands (besides Puerto Rico’s main island) are…
Vieques:
Culebra:
Mona:
3. What’s the weather like in Puerto Rico?
The average temperature is 80 degrees year-round. Yes, 80 degrees. They don’t call it “paradise” for nothing.
Winter is Puerto Rico’s most popular tourist season, because unlike much of the Northern Hemisphere, the weather in December is maravilloso.
If you’re planning a trip during the winter, be sure to see what festivals may be taking place during your visit. Puerto Rico’s winter calendar is dotted with notable festivals and holidays, including the Maricao Coffee Festival,Three Kings Day, and the incredible San Sebastián Street Festival.
4. What are the best beaches in Puerto Rico?
(Or, if you want to ask it in Spanish, “¿Dónde están las mejores playas de Puerto Rico?”)
Pictured: Luquillo beach
While there are lots of beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, popular vote puts beaches on Culebra (Flamenco Beach) and Vieques (Caracas Beach)in the top rankings. But if you’re looking for something off the beaten-path, try Cabo Rojo (Balneario de Boqueron) or Culebra’s Punta Soldado.
Looking for a beach on Puerto Rico’s mainland? Look no further than Playa Sucia.
5. So, it’s an island paradise. But are there things to do in Puerto Rico?
Por supuesto. There are the obvious tropical activities, like surfing, sun-bathing and snorkeling. But Puerto Rico boasts one-of-a-kind attractions, like...
Bioluminescent Bays
PC: LeCityDeluxe
They may look like something from Avatar or the Life of Pi, but Puerto Rico’s bio luminescent bays are the real thing. The glow is caused by tiny marine creatures that absorb sunlight during the day, and glow dramatically after the sun goes down. You can enjoy the sight by visiting Mosquito Bay (Vieques) or Laguna Grande Bio Bay (Puerto Rico’s mainland).
For an even more surreal experience, you can rent a kayak and paddle through the glow.
Old San Juan
Don’t miss the historic side of Puerto Rico’s capital city.Old San Juan is a scene straight out of another time. Take a walk down the blue cobblestone streets and peek inside San Juan Cathedral, the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. You can also see Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century Spanish castle.
PC: TripAdvisor
La Cueva del Indio is a cave on the eastern side of the main island. At La Cueva del Indio, you’ll not only glimpse wildlife and secluded beaches, but you’ll get a close-up view of prehistoric petroglyphs.
If your idea of a good vacation includes shopping, check out Santurce’s Plaza de Mercado. Heck, even if you don’t typically like shopping, do it anyway. The market at Santurce is an exciting, colorful cultural experience. Go after 6 PM and you’ll hear local salsa, get a chance to hang with locals, and try some serious Puerto Rican street food.
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We’re not saying you should be fluent before you travel--but your travels will be richer if you can communicate.
Language Zen teaches you the most important words first--exactly what you need to begin mingling and making friends in Puerto Rico. (We’re not selling it to you. Language Zen is free.)
Since Language Zen personalizes the learning experience to fit you, you won’t waste any time on useless information. Click to start learning Spanish.
We’re not saying you should be fluent before you travel--but your travels will be richer if you can communicate.