“If you like pina coladas…”
Do you? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that the drink was invented in Barrachina in Old San Juan in Puerto Rico!
There’s more to Puerto Rico than this famous tropical drink, though! For US citizens dreaming of a tropical getaway but tired of the stress of long flights, confusing currencies or language barriers, Puerto Rico has you covered!
This Caribbean paradise is just a short flight from the US, uses the US dollar and welcomes you with both English and Spanish. Let’s go over more about why so many people visit this stunning country and all about the tourism statistics of Puerto Rico.
Overview of Puerto Rico Tourism Statistics
Tourism in Puerto Rico statistics by year can be determined by number of tourist arrivals to accommodation establishments:
- 2022: 2,462,900
- 2021: 2,321,500
- 2020: 1,136,400
- 2019: 2,267,400
So, does Puerto Rico have a lot of tourists? While not as many as other countries, tourist numbers in Puerto Rico quickly resurged after the pandemic, surpassing 2019 levels in 2021, showing its appeal as a tourist destination. There were also an estimated 1,309,335 cruise passengers in 2023 with an estimated 13,364,851 passengers moving in and out of Puerto Rico’s airports.
What about tourism in Puerto Rico statistics by country? The majority of visitors to Puerto Rico are from the United States (92.7%) compared to other countries (7.3%), which shows that citizens from the US are taking advantage of the passport-free travel to Puerto Rico.
Who visits Puerto Rico the most? Here are the top countries:
- United States
- Dominican Republic
- Colombia
- The US Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Mexico
Based on the report of Visitor Profile, most visitors to Puerto Rico are Puerto Ricans living outside the country, making up 63% of visitors, coinciding with the fact that most US visitors come from Florida (33%) and New York (10%), which are home to large Puerto Rican communities.
59% of people who visit Puerto Rico are women, particularly women aged between 40 and 59, with the country being particularly drawn to by solo travelers (44.7%), families (28.2%) and romantic couples (21.2%).
People travel to Puerto Rico for several reasons, including for a vacation (36%), to see family and friends (33%), and business or professional reasons (7%).
Of these visitors to Puerto Rico, 47% stay in private residences of family or relatives, 22% stay in hotels and 20% stay in short-term rentals. Visitors outside Puerto Ricans tend to stay mostly in San Juan, Carolina and Rio Grande, with an average stay of eight days and a spend of $933. Most visitors don’t use a tour package when traveling to Puerto Rico (96%), preferring to move around as they please.
The tourism Puerto Rico economy is looking strong, with the sector employing 96,000 direct jobs in the first quarter of 2024. The island saw a record high in tourism revenue in 2023, generating $9.8 billion, up from $2.8 billion in 2021.
As for how much of Puerto Rico’s GDP is tourism, it’s relatively small, only at 2% in 2022, with manufacturing, real estate and rental and retail trade being the top contributors.
Back to the survey from Visitor Profile, visitors mostly spend their money on lodging (35%), followed by casinos (25%), food and beverage (14%), car rental (13%), transportation services (6%), shopping (3%) and other (3%).
The tourism industry in Puerto Rico is diverse, drawing visitors for a range of reasons, but non-Puerto Rican visitors primarily head to Puerto Rico for concerts, restaurants, bars, pubs and other nightlife (91.5%) followed by beaches and water activities (78.5%) and shopping (60.8%).
Now you know all about tourism in Puerto Rico statistics, let’s go over what to do when you’re there!
Top Attractions to Explore in Puerto Rico
So, why is Puerto Rico a tourist attraction and why is Puerto Rico so famous?
Other than the food mentioned below, Puerto Rico is packed with unforgettable experiences — from cities to hidden natural wonders. Whether you’re walking historic streets, relaxing on beaches or exploring lush rainforests, this island offers something for everyone.
Here’s a glimpse of must-visit spots for your adventure:
- Old San Juan: Step back in time on cobblestone streets surrounded by colorful colonial architecture, forts and restaurants. Don’t miss the birthplace of the piña colada!
- El Yunque Rainforest: Explore the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, with waterfalls, hiking trails and views that will take your breath away.
- Piñones: Savor authentic street food and soak in Afro-Caribbean vibes just minutes from San Juan. Pair fried treats with beachside relaxation.
- Santurce: Discover Puerto Rico’s arts hub, where galleries, murals and food spots create a dynamic cultural scene. Visit La Placita for live music and local flavors.
- La Parguera: Head to the southwest for bioluminescent waters, mangrove islands and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving on the island.
- Loíza: Experience live bomba music and traditional dishes in a town rich with Afro-Puerto Rican heritage.
- Distrito T-Mobile: A modern entertainment district in San Juan featuring restaurants, concerts, movies, and even an urban zipline.
- Vieques & Culebra: Escape to these nearby islands for world-class beaches, bioluminescent bays and a laid-back vibe.
- Río Camuy Caves: Discover an underground wonderland in one of the world’s largest cave systems.
Festivals and Events: Celebrating Puerto Rican Traditions
Puerto Rico knows how to celebrate, with festivals and events happening almost every weekend! From parades to delicious food and live music, these gatherings offer a fun and authentic way to experience Puerto Rican culture. Rooted in rich traditions, many festivals reflect the island’s blend of Catholic and indigenous heritage.
Here are some to book your trip around:
- Fiesta de los Reyes Magos: Celebrate Epiphany on January 6th with parades, music and Three Wise Men passing out gifts to kids in towns like Juana Díaz and Isabela.
- Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián: Old San Juan transforms into a lively street party every January, with artisans, music and dancing from day to night.
- Carnaval Ponceño: This week-long February celebration in Ponce features parades, masquerades and the colorful vejigantes, ending with the whimsical Burial of the Sardine.
- Saborea Puerto Rico: Foodies rejoice! This springtime festival serves up Puerto Rican flavors alongside international cuisine, with top chefs, cocktails and more.
- Festival Nacional Indígena: Dive into Taíno culture in Jayuya, where Indigenous history meets stunning mountain views, coffee plantations and unique traditions.
The Best Puerto Rican Foods Every Tourist Must Try
Puerto Rico is a foodie’s paradise where every meal bursts with flavor, history and culture. What is the most common food in Puerto Rico? Think crispy fried plantains, slow-roasted pork, savory rice and beans, and refreshing tropical treats.
Whether you're craving comfort food or unique local specialties, here are just some of the must-try dishes to make your trip extra delicious:
- Mofongo: Puerto Rico’s signature comfort food. Fried green plantains mashed with garlic, pork crackling or butter, then served plain or stuffed with meat, seafood or veggies. Variations include yuca mofongo and trifongo (made with green and sweet plantains plus yuca).
- Lechón Asado: Juicy, slow-roasted pork with crispy skin, marinated in garlic and spices. Head to Guavate’s lechoneras for the best!
- Tostones and Amarillos: Plantains two ways. Tostones are savory, crispy double-fried green plantains, while amarillos are sweet, ripe plantains fried until caramelized.
- Arroz y Habichuelas: A Puerto Rican staple — fluffy rice paired with stewed pink beans cooked in sofrito, a blend of herbs and aromatics.
- Arroz con Gandules: Flavorful yellow rice with pigeon peas, seasoned with sofrito. A beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with meat.
- Pasteles: Puerto Rico’s take on tamales. Masa (green banana dough) is stuffed with stewed pork, chicken, or cod, wrapped in a plantain leaf and boiled to perfection.
- Limber: A refreshing frozen treat made with fruit juice, sugar and milk — perfect for Puerto Rico’s tropical heat.
- Tembleque: A creamy pudding made with milk, cornstarch and sugar, then topped with cinnamon — its texture is like a firm pudding with a custard-like texture!
Seasonal Tourism Trends in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has warm, tropical weather year-round, making it a fantastic destination for sun seekers and adventurers alike. When planning your trip, it’s important to know about the weather here to make sure you’re coming at a time that suits you.
Here's what you need to know to plan your trip:
Seasons and Temperatures
- Cooler months (December to March): This is Puerto Rico’s most comfortable time, with average highs of 25–29°C (77–84°F). Nights are pleasant and breezy.
- Hotter months (May to October): Expect humid conditions with daytime temperatures soaring to 28–32°C (83–90°F).
No matter when you visit, the sea is always warm enough for swimming, with temperatures between 26°C (79°F) in winter and 29°C (84°F) in late summer.
Rain Patterns
- North Coast: The northern side of the island, including San Juan, is rainier due to year-round trade winds. Rain peaks from May to December, with up to 1,500mm (60in) annually.
- South Coast: The southern side, like Ponce, is drier and sunnier, with less than 1,000mm (40in) of rain annually. Winters here are particularly dry, and even in summer, June and July are less rainy.
Rain in Puerto Rico often comes as brief tropical showers or thunderstorms, leaving plenty of time for sunshine.
Rainfall is heavier in the mountains, particularly in lush areas like El Yunque Rainforest, which gets around 4,300mm (170in) annually. This creates a green paradise for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
- December to March is ideal, offering cooler, drier weather and fewer chances of rain.
- For the north and east coasts, February and March are the driest months.
- On the south and west coasts, December through March is best for sunny skies.
- Summer (May to October) is hotter and wetter, but rain often comes in short bursts, leaving time for activities. June and July are less rainy in the south. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak risk in August and September, but storms are relatively rare.
Getting Around in Puerto Rico — Transportation
Exploring Puerto Rico is an adventure, but how you get around depends on where you’re staying and what you want to see. Here’s a breakdown of transportation options to help you plan for when you’re there:
Rental Cars
These are best for exploring the island beyond San Juan and are the easiest and most flexible way to see Puerto Rico, especially for remote areas, national parks and scenic drives like the 167-mile Ruta Panorámica through the mountains. Major rental companies (Avis, Enterprise, Budget) are available at airports and cities. Many cars include AutoExpreso tags for toll roads. Just keep in mind the poor road conditions, erratic driving and limited parking in urban areas. Avoid renting if staying only in San Juan.
Rideshare Apps & Taxis
Best for short trips in urban areas. Uber is widely available in San Juan and along the northern and eastern coasts but not in areas like Ponce or Mayagüez. There are plenty of taxis in the cities, with fixed rates in San Juan. Always agree on a price beforehand outside regulated zones.
Public Transport
In San Juan, the Tren Urbano covers 16 stops across the metro area and is an affordable way to travel. As for buses, they’re clean and air-conditioned, but service is erratic with limited route information. If you’re up for it, públicos are shared vans running fixed routes between towns and cities. They’re cheap and authentic, but schedules are unpredictable.
Ferries
To reach the islands of Vieques and Culebra, ferries are available. They depart from Ceiba (30–90 minutes travel time). Rental cars usually can’t board, so plan to use local transport upon arrival.
Flights
Flights allow for faster trips to Vieques, Culebra or cities like Mayagüez. Airlines like Vieques Air Link and Cape Air operate short domestic flights, but driving or taking a ferry is often cheaper, so they’re often not worth it.
Walking
Strolling through Old San Juan or the historic center of Ponce allows you to sightsee easily, but most other towns aren’t pedestrian-friendly, with limited sidewalks and sprawling layouts.
Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Puerto Rico Visit
To make the most of your adventure in Puerto Rico, it’s helpful to understand some local tips and customs. Whether you're hiking through a rainforest, surfing off the beach or enjoying a festival, these dos and don’ts will keep your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Dos:
- Check Visa Rules: US citizens don’t need a passport or visa, but non-US citizens should verify visa requirements before traveling.
- Rent a Car: Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is the best way to explore beyond San Juan.
- Dress for the Occasion: Pack beachwear for the sand but also bring dressy outfits for nights out and modest clothes for religious sites.
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid leaving bags unattended and be cautious at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
What is the crime rate of Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico has a crime index of 61.27 and a safety index of 38.73.
Don’ts:
- Skip the Sunblock and Bug Spray: Puerto Rico’s sun is intense, so wear SPF 50+ sunscreen. Use DEET-based bug spray to protect against mosquitoes, which can carry tropical diseases.
- Forget to Plan Ahead: Book popular tours, restaurants and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Ignore the Weather: Hurricane season runs from June to November. Keep an eye on forecasts if traveling during this time.
- Be Annoyed by Coquí Frogs: These tiny frogs serenade the island at night. Their chirps might take getting used to, but they’re a beloved part of Puerto Rican life.
Future Projections for Puerto Rico Tourism Industry
Puerto Rico is thriving as a top travel destination, thanks to its vibrant culture and a new wave of immersive experiences. The ‘Live Boricua’ campaign, launched in 2022, invites visitors to connect deeply with the island's essence through its music, food, art and nature. From exploring El Yunque Rainforest to dining with renowned chefs or dancing in Old San Juan’s iconic bars, the focus is on authentic adventures.
This approach has paid off — Puerto Rico recently saw record-breaking tourism numbers, with over 6.1 million travelers passing through its main airport and generating $9.8 billion in revenue, up 13% from the previous year.
Conclusion
Now you know all about the tourism industry in Puerto Rico. If you’re looking to book a vacation here, how about booking a Puerto Rican private tour guide to make sure you see everything you’re itching to? Check out all the available private guides and tours at GoWithGuide!
It’s time to head off to Puerto Rico, “where we’ll plan our escape.”
