Situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is an archipelago made up of the main island and four smaller islands, including Vieques and Culebra, as well as several islets and cays. The main island, with an area of 3,425 square miles (8,870 square kilometers), is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. The island is a preeminent beach destination, with approximately 298 miles (480 kilometers) of coastline boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

For centuries after Puerto Rico was discovered in 1493, it was a Spanish colony, until it became a United States territory in the late 19th century. Now organized as a commonwealth, it remains part of the United States, so the island’s official currency is the United States dollar, and many islanders are bilingual, with Spanish continuing to be their primary language and English as their second language.

Puerto Rico is widely regarded as one of the best vacation destinations in the world, thanks to its sublimely beautiful beaches. Whether on the water or on land, there’s no better place to appreciate nature at its finest. The island is also known for its attractive Caribbean architecture, enriched by influences from many cultures. And Puerto Rico has even more to recommend it—including its people, who are happy, hospitable, and fun. Plus, there are countless things to do; you’ll find music and opportunities for adventure at every turn. The warm tropical climate is just right, with temperatures that rarely climb above 81 °F (27 °C), and the food is delicious. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of a number of classic cocktails, including the piña colada, and it’s a great destination for dining, whether you want to sample one of the island’s traditional dishes or savor the finest haute cuisine.

With Copa Airlines, you can fly to Puerto Rico on an airline known for on-time performance and World-Class service. As you explore everything this destination has to offer, you’ll discover for yourself why Puerto Rico is known as the Island of Enchantment.