Local passengers and airline celebrate flight from Wilmington to Puerto Rico
Avero Airlines operated its first flight from Wilmington to Puerto Rico on Wednesday. 11/15/23
On Wednesday, Wilmington Airport achieved another milestone when Avero Airlines became the first airport outside the continental United States to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The flight was celebrated with a ceremony outside the terminal attended by airline executives and local politicians.
San Juan is Avero’s 16th destination from Wilmington Airport. Direct flights will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way fares start at $99, and tickets can be purchased online.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Puerto Rico, including tips and things to do when taking advantage of new offers.
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Tips for flying to Puerto Rico
Wilmington flights to Puerto Rico land at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in the island’s capital, San Juan.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to fly to San Juan. Domestic travelers also do not have to pass through customs upon arrival to the island. Visitors must clear a USDA check before returning to the continental United States, so be careful not to bring back fruits, vegetables, or open bags of food.
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The airport has 14 car rental companies and rideshare stations to help you get to your destination. Apps like Uber and Lyft are useful if you plan to stay in a major metropolitan area, but renting a car is generally recommended in other parts of the island. You can also reserve a car in advance (drive on the right side of the road).
If you’re driving outside of San Juan, get the EZ Pass add-on.
Be aware of hurricane season when booking your trip. Hurricane season in the Caribbean typically runs from June 1st to November 30th. The region also charges an 11.5% sales tax on goods and services.
Regions of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has six general regions: Northern, Metro, Eastern, Southern, Western, and Central Mountains. Each of these regions has its own characteristics and differs in charm and habitat.
Puerto Rico has warm summer temperatures year-round, with average temperatures across the island in the 80s Fahrenheit. The island offers countless different activities, all within a 2.5-hour drive from the airport. However, your travel experience will vary depending on where you stay.
The west side of Puerto Rico is known for having some of the best beaches on the island. Areas like Flamenco Beach are known for their clear, calm waters, perfect for sightseeing and snorkeling. Areas such as Rincon further north are considered the surfing capital of the region, with peak swells from October to February.
Caffeine lovers will enjoy the Central Mountains. You can tour coffee plantations (known as haciendas) in the mountains.
san juan
Puerto Rico’s historic capital is one of the most populous cities in the country and has a variety of areas to visit.
Old San Juan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The district has over 500 years of history and offers everything from historical monuments and museums to vibrant nightlife and award-winning restaurants. The streets lined with pastel-colored buildings are also pleasing to the eye.
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Among the sights of Old San Juan are the historic forts, which can be explored with or without a guided tour. Other museums worth checking out include Museum of the Americas, Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art, and Puerto Rico Sports Museum.
There are three main beaches in the San Juan area: Condado Beach, El Ecambron, and Ocean Park Beach. While Condado and Ocean Park are considered more “lazy” beaches, El Ecambrón is where thrill-seekers can find more active activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
El Yunque National Forest
Lo and behold, this is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Travel about an hour east of the airport and you’ll find El Yunque National Forest, 28,000 acres of true dense rainforest.
Hiking and exploring trails are perfect for day trips. There are also short trails that lead to waterfalls, palm trees, giant ferns, natural pools of orchids, and observation towers with 360-degree views.
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La Coca Falls and Yokafu Tower are some of the most famous areas of the forest. A variety of tours are also offered, including ziplining, ATV riding, and horseback riding.
Keep in mind that this is a legitimate rainforest. As the name suggests, you can expect periodic, short periods of heavy rain.
Luquillo Beach is minutes from the rainforest and is home to a popular neighborhood with dozens of shops and restaurants featuring Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.
Advantages of Puerto Rico compared to other Caribbean destinations
There are several advantages to consider about Puerto Rico compared to other tropical destinations.
- Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so it uses American currency.
- Knowing Spanish is an advantage, but most people you’ll meet will speak English.
- There are no additional charges when using a cell phone from a major carrier.
- Puerto Rico is the rum capital of the world, and you can take home five quarts. There is a rum shop inside the airport.
Contact Molly McVety. mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @molymcvety.