San Juan
Travel Guide

Central America + Caribbean - Puerto Rico - San Juan

The Caribbean is a dream destination for many. One of the best places to enjoy the sun, the beach and the cultural movement is San Juan Bautista, popularly known as San Juan and capital of the island and country of Puerto Rico. This city was one of the first to be discovered by Europeans in America, so there are some traditions of the old continent, especially of the Spanish culture. Currently, San Juan is a Commonwealth... of the United States and a curious fact: it's the oldest city in America, dating from 1521. Its architecture is the result of a mixture between colonial style and Latin American and Caribbean influences, an exotic fusion, yet a really good one. Puerto Ricans are also characterized for being cheerful, open and romantic, a character that goes very well with its tropical climate and environment. The city, surrounded by a wall, is full of life: its neighborhoods, in constant motion, are full of façades with bright colors, exotic plants and trees, lots of sun and little shade, and the bright and cheerful tropical air can be breathed everywhere. All these elements combined with the spectacular beaches and crystal clear waters make San Juan, and Puerto Rico in general, one of the most desired destinations for most lovers of the sea and the beach.

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San Juan Overview

Language

Spanish is considered the official language while English is more of a co-official one. Both languages coexist on the island and most Puerto Ricans are bilingual so if you have notions of these languages then you will be able to communicate without problems.

Weather

Climate in San Juan and Puerto Rico in general is tropical, so its average temperature is around 25°C (77°F). Still, since it's an elongated island, there are some climatic differences on the ends: it rains more in the north compared to the south. Regarding rainfall, it rains regularly throughout the year in Puerto Rico, especially between May and October. The rainiest month is August and the driest months are between December and April.

Money

US Dollar (USD). If your currency is not the US dollar, it's advisable that you exchange some money before travelling so you get cash and meet the first expenses in Puerto Rico. However, if for whatever reason you can't do it, it's easy to make the exchange on the island. There are several banks scattered around the country, currency exchange offices and the airport can also make exchange money without any problem. In large establishments you can pay by credit card but in isolated areas or small towns you will probably have to do it in cash.

When to go

During the driest months. It is the best time to enjoy the sun, the beach and to avoid getting caught by surprise by the tropical rain. Rain is accompanied by clouds so it's most likely that you won't be able to enjoy the sunshine so much if you visit the island between May and October. Still, don't worry, San Juan, and Puerto Rico in general is a pleasant destination to visit throughout the year.

Days

1 day and a half in the city and a week in the country: that's more than enough time to calmly enjoy San Juan but without making any pauses. What we suggest is that you spend time in the city and then go to explore the rest of the island. Puerto Rico has some spectacular scenery and beaches are out of a fantasy. Explore the city and venture into the nature of the Caribbean.

Surroundings

Caguas Botanical Garden (city)
Playa Flamenco (beach in isla de Culebra)
Isla de Cabras (Island in the Bay of San Juan)
Cueva Ventana (cave overlooking the Rio Grande in Arecibo)
Las Cabezas de San Juan (natural park)

Store Hours

The shops in the downtown area of San Juan are generally open from Monday to Saturday. On weekdays, most shops open around 09.00am and close at 8.00 p.m. A curious fact is that shops can't open until 11.00 am on Saturdays. Shopping malls, on weekdays, open from 09.00 am to 9.00p.m. They shorten their hours on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.