If you like to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of a tropical paradise like Puerto Rico, keep reading! This Island of Enchantment has some of the best hidden gems. Join us as we explore 19 fun facts about Puerto Rico:
1. There Are Two Main Languages
One of the interesting facts about Puerto Rico is that locals speak two languages, English and Spanish. However, Spanish is the most widely spoken, so get ready to “hablar espanol” (speak Spanish). Don’t worry: Most locals also speak English.
2. American Citizens Don’t Need a Passport to Travel Here
American citizens can travel to Puerto Rico with a government-issued ID as it’s an unincorporated territory of the U.S.A. Other U.S. territories, namely Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands, also allow travel without a passport, but you would need a U.S. birth certificate.
If you’re an American citizen visiting Puerto Rico, we recommend you always travel with your valid ID.
3. The Weather Is Hot Year Round
One fact about Puerto Rico? It’s always summer here!
The temperature fluctuates between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year, averaging 80 degrees. However, from December to January, it can drop to about 60 degrees in the central mountain ranges.
So pack your bags and fly to this paradise because there’s no snowflake in sight!
4. El Yunque is the Only Tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. This must-visit attraction lives up to its rainforest designation, getting from 120 to 240 inches of rain annually.
El Yunque has stunning waterfalls, mesmerizing pools, hiking trails, and unique flora and fauna. This rainforest has over 200 plant species, of which 16 are exclusive to Puerto Rico.
Of the 16 endemic coquí frog species, El Yunque hosts 13 of them. The coquí has a 90-decibel “co-kee” night-time call and is the island’s national symbol. The endangered Puerto Rican parrot is also at home here.
Interested in local adventures? Learn more about things to do in Río Grande.
5. Puerto Ricans Don’t Pay U.S. Federal Income Tax
Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans don’t pay U.S. federal income tax. If they work for the federal government or earn income from the mainland USA, they pay the tax.
Puerto Ricans still pay federal payroll taxes such as Social Security, Medicare, and local taxes.
6. The Piña Colada Was Invented Here
Did you know that this famous drink originated in Puerto Rico? It’s even the island’s official drink.
While there are many origin stories, the most credible is that Ramon “Monchito” Marrero created the drink in 1954 as a bartender at the Beachcomber Bar inside the Caribe Hilton Hotel.
Piña colada is a cocktail containing coconut cream, white rum, pineapple juice, and ice. It’s also good as a mocktail.
So while you’re in Puerto Rico, get lots of piña coladas. Just don’t drive afterward!
7. Puerto Rico Has Bioluminescent Bays
Have you ever seen waters that light up like the Milky Way? Visit Puerto Rico’s bio bays!
According to the Guinness World Records, Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. Legend says the Bay got its name from the pirate Roberto Cofresi’s ship, the Mosquito.
The tiny microorganisms, called dinoflagellates, give these bays their ethereal glow. There are up to 700,000 dinoflagellates in each gallon of water, so the light show is always spectacular!
Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo offer kayak tours so you can experience these natural wonders up close. Something even better? You can swim among the dinoflagellates at the third bio bay, La Parguera, Lajas.
Discover the best beaches in San Juan.
8. Puerto Rico Has the Largest Rum Distillery
If you’re a rum connoisseur, you’ll enjoy that Puerto Rico has the world’s largest rum distillery. The facility, Casa Bacardí in Cataño, produces over 100,000 liters of rum daily!
Casa Bacardí creates some of the finest spirits beloved globally. With the island being known as the “Rum Capital of the World”, booking a tour and taking a mixology class is a must when visiting Puerto Rico.
9. A Song From West Side Story Contributed to Recovery After Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, causing close to 3,000 deaths and over $90 billion in damages.
The song “Maria” from West Side Story inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda. He co-wrote “Almost Like Praying” to support the island’s recovery efforts.
The song featured 22 Puerto Rican and Latin artists, topping the Billboard Digital Songs Sales chart. In its debut week, it sold 111,000 downloads and earned 5.2 million streams. All proceeds went to the relief efforts.
10. “Puerto Rico” Refers to the Spanish Colonists Finding an Abundance of Gold on the Island
Puerto Rico’s original inhabitants were the Taíno people, whose descendants are still alive. They called the island Borinquén, meaning “land of the brave lord,” and called themselves Boricua.
When Christopher Columbus came to the island in 1493, he made it a Spanish colony and called it San Juan Bautista after John the Baptist. In 1508, Juan Ponce de León, the first governor, changed the name to Puerto Rico, meaning “rich port.” This was because the conquistadores transported the Americas’ gold and treasures via Puerto Rico to Europe.
11. Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens
Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birth under the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917.But, while Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship, they can’t vote in U.S. elections unless they are residents of the U.S.
12. The Capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan
Puerto Rico’s capital is San Juan, meaning “Saint John.” It has many historic landmarks perfect for exploration.
While visiting, check out Castillo San Felipe del Morro, one of the largest Caribbean fortifications created in the 16th century. Castillo San Cristobal is a 27-acre fortress worth visiting. Also, Casa Blanca, San Juan’s oldest residence, was Governor Juan Ponce de León’s home and is now a museum.
13. Puerto Ricans Celebrate Christmas for a Long Time
In Puerto Rico, the Christmas season doesn’t end on December 25. Commencing after Thanksgiving, the holiday season continues up to Three Kings Day, celebrated on January 6.
This holiday is also called Dia de Los Reyes, or “Day of the Kings.” It’s a religious celebration of the day when the three wise men arrive with gifts for Baby Jesus.
It’s a time of gift exchange, family, food, parades, and so much fun!
14. Some Frogs Fall From the Sky
It’s raining frogs! Yes, seriously.
El Yunque has a fascinating phenomenon where certain frog species fall from the sky. Why does this happen?
Puerto Rico’s endemic coquí frog climbs into the trees during high humidity. They fall to the ground during rainstorms or jump down to escape predators.
Don’t worry: they’re tiny (about an inch long) and harmless.
15. Puerto Rico is an Archipelago, Not Just One Island
Geographically speaking, Puerto Rico is not an island, but a collection of islands, or an archipelago. It comprises the main island, Puerto Rico, two inhabited islands, Culebra and Vieques, and hundreds of tiny islands, cays, and islets. Amazing, right?
16. Puerto Rico Competes On Its Own in Miss Universe and the Olympics
Although Puerto Rico is an American territory, it competes as a country in Miss Universe and the Olympics.
Between 1970 and 2006, Puerto Rico won the Miss Universe title five times. As of the last 2024 Olympics, the country has 12 medals; two gold, two silver, and eight bronze. One of the gold medals is Monica Puig’s historic first place in tennis in 2016.
17. Puerto Rico is Home to Many Famous Actors and Singers
Puerto Rico gave the world many celebrities. These include singers Jennifer Lopez, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, and Ricky Martin, actor Benicio del Toro, DJ from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and Roberto Clemente, a baseball player. Also, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the musical “Hamilton”, has Puerto Rican parents.
18. More People of Puerto Rican Origin Live in the Mainland U.S. Than in Puerto Rico
Studies show that as of 2021, approximately 5.8 million Puerto Ricans live in the USA compared to about 3.3 million living in the Puerto Rican archipelago. Puerto Ricans also account for 9% of the Hispanic or Latino population and 2% of the total U.S. population.
19. Puerto Rico Has the Largest Cave Network in the Americas
Are you into caves? If so, you’ll love that Puerto Rico has the largest cave network in the Americas. This subterranean maze contains caverns yet to be explored. You’ll enjoy all the hikes, rock climbing, rappelling, spelunking, and rafting that these iconic cave systems have to offer.
Puerto Rico: Interesting Facts and Your Next Move
You’ve enjoyed these fun facts about Puerto Rico. Now it’s time to make this enchanting island your home.
Choosing a real estate agent is important when relocating to Puerto Rico. The Colectivo Group is your source for premium real estate services. Our local boutique real estate agency has Puerto Rican-based experts. With our detailed knowledge of every community, we’ll help you find the best home for your family and lifestyle.
Let’s talk about your new home in our tropical paradise: