Durimel logo

80+ Puerto Rican Tattoo Ideas to Represent Your Patriotism

by Sherri Owens

From traditional designs to symbols of the culture, there are so many Puerto Rican tattoos for you to check out!

I had the opportunity to visit Puerto Rico when I was younger and I fell in love with the country, culture, and people. This is why I am always excited to meet a client who wants to express their cultural pride through their tattoo. It is also so interesting to learn about what each tattoo means.

In this post, you can discover the top Puerto Rican tattoo ideas that you can use for inspiration for your design!

Do-It-Yourself Home Tattoo Kit
Draw Your Own Tattoo in the Comfort of Your Home!

The Best Puerto Rican Tattoo Ideas

Here are the top tattoo designs to consider if you are proud of your Puerto Rican roots:

Traditional Puerto Rican Tattoos

These kinds of tattoos may also be referred to as Taino Puerto Rican tattoos. And, a Taino symbol tattoo can be a great way to honor the heritage of the people who existed before the land was colonized.

Poly Tribal Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattoolenny via Instagram

So:

What is a Taino tattoo?

Well, Taino refers to the indigenous people of what are now Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Virgin Islands.

Before the Spanish conquest, the Taino people were believed to be one of the largest populations of the Caribbean. It was believed that there were between one and two million individuals.

Polynesian Taino Arm Tattoo

Image by @_i_am_art via Instagram

Unfortunately, after the Spanish invaded, this number dropped drastically. Starvation, enslavement, and disease all contributed to this sad state of affairs. Many of the people who survived mixed with Spaniards, Africans, and other cultures.

Taino Warrior Forearm Tattoo

Image by @rask_opticon via Instagram

This is why so little of Taino culture remains in these countries, including Puerto Rico. However, there are now efforts to restore indigenous titles and practices although a great deal has been lost to time.

If you would like to honor this element of Puerto Rican culture, then you may be thinking of getting a Puerto Rican Indian tattoo. However, what does it mean to get Puerto Rican tribal tattoos?

Taino Symbols Mix with Maori Tattoo

Image by @itzocantattoos via Instagram

As I mentioned, a great deal of Taino has been lost as a result of colonization. Still, some people do believe that the Taino got tattoos although it is somewhat of a lost art.

So, you may want to consider an alternate option for Taino tribal tattoos instead. You can choose to get Puerto Rico Taino symbols instead. This is a great option if you want your Puerto Rican Indian tattoo to reflect the Arawak people and their language.

Black Ink Taino Hand Tattoo

Image by @tweedandsoot via Instagram

If these are the kind of Taino tribal tattoos that you want to get, remember to do your research. For the most part, there are very few people who speak Taino, let alone understand the written language. So, make sure to check with professionals as to the top Puerto Rico Taino symbols used in Taino tattoos and what they mean.

Taino Symbols Dots Leg Tattoo

Image by @56lozano47_12michael via Instagram

After all, the whole reason for getting Taino tribal tattoos or Taino tattoos is to honor this culture. It is important to do this in the right way with an authentic Taino Indian tattoo or Taino tribal tattoo.

Taino Warrior Tribal Arm Tattoo

Image by @pooch_art via Instagram

There are other options available if you are considering Puerto Rican tribal tattoos. You can also choose to get different kinds of Taino tribal tattoos. Here, you can choose to get a Taino Indian tattoo that depicts an indigenous person or indigenous people. These make for excellent Puerto Rican tattoo sleeves.

Taino Symbols with Arrow Tattoo

Image by @dvdel3oh via Instagram

Once again, make sure to do your research with such Taino tribal tattoos. Figure out what the Taino people may have looked like, what clothing and jewelry they may have worn, and if they painted their faces and bodies in specific ways.

This is the only way to make your Taino tribal tattoo as authentic as possible.

Taino Colored Forearm Tattoo

Image by @spowee83 via Instagram

Taíno Pride Beauty Tattoo

Image by @krystel_ivannie via Instagram

Cacique Warrior Leg Tattoo

Image by @krystel_ivannie via Instagram

Maori Taino Forearm Tattoo

Image by @brooklyn_mermaid_ via Instagram

Taino Warrior Sketch Forearm Tattoo

Image by @pinto.piel via Instagram

Taino Woman Sketch Tattoo

Image by @elkorsote via Instagram

The Jibaro Kiss Tattoo Piece

Image by @krystel_ivannie via Instagram

Taino Puertorico Tattoo Piece

Image by @pinto.piel via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag Tattoos

If you want to be patriotic, then a Puerto Rican flag tattoo is certainly a great way to go! Although getting the Puerto Rico flag tattoo can seem like a rather straightforward thing, there are a lot of different ways to make this tattoo work.

Humboldt Park Puerto Rican Flag Tattoo

Image by @eryxtattoo via Instagram

For instance, if you want, you can simply get a Puerto Rican flag tattoo inked on your body. You can adjust the size to have it fit in your desired location.

If you would like the flag to feel a bit more realistic, then you can add the rippling motion to make it appear as though it is waving in the wind.

Puerto Rican Flag with Hexagon Shapes Tattoo

Image by @theyuyutattoo via Instagram

Another idea to consider with your Puerto Rican flag design is to add other elements of Puerto Rican culture. This can be national symbols, the national flower, or even the frog! You should think about what images come to mind when you think of your home country and then get these design concepts next to the Puerto Rican flag.

Black Ink Puerto Rico Flag Tattoo

Image by @niko_bonett_tattoos via Instagram

This works well if you are considering Puerto Rican tattoo sleeves.

In case you want an even more patriotic Puerto Rican flag tattoo, then you can make it look as though the Puerto Rico flag is sitting underneath the surface of your skin. To make this Puerto Rican flag tattoo work, you can make the edges of the tattoo look like torn skin.

Puerto Rico Flag with Panther Tattoo

Image by @al.shreder via Instagram

If you want to add realism to your Puerto Rican flag tattoo, then you should consider having strips of torn skin running down or across the flag. After all, what better way is there to show that Puerto Rico runs in your veins?

Smudge Style Puerto Rico Flag Tattoo

Image by @jskillsbodyart via Instagram

Of course, as I mentioned, a lot of modern Puerto Rican culture does come from colonialists. So, although you may want to get a Puerto Rican flag tattoo to show how patriotic you are, you may also want to include some Taino elements alongside the Puerto Rican flag.

This kind of Puerto Rico flag tattoo is a great way to showcase all sides of the Puerto Rican culture and helps you to stay true to your roots.

Puerto Rico Flag with Beach Scene Arm Tattoo

Image by @riktatz via Instagram

Small Puerto Rico Flag Arm Tattoo

Image by @capitoltattooink via Instagram

Skin Rip Away with the Puerto Rican Flag Tattoo

Image by @k_ink_tattoo via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag Arm Tattoo

Image by @mrodztattooart via Instagram

Butterfly Shaped Puerto Rican Flag Tattoo

Image by @petervincenttattooer via Instagram

Flying Puerto Rican Flag Wrist Tattoo

Image by @dakastattoos via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag Colored Tattoo

Image by @richverdinotattoo via Instagram

Puerto Rican Map Tattoos

If you want to carry a little bit of home wherever you go, then this is a nice tattoo idea for you to consider. The other great thing about this tattoo idea is that it is a pretty simple one. So, if you prefer minimalist designs for your Puerto Rican tattoo, this works well.

Puerto Rican Map Outline Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbybee83 via Instagram

Another thing that I like about such Puerto Rican tattoos is that they can be made pretty small and subtle. And, so, you have a few more options in deciding where you would like them to go.

Puerto Rican Map with Hibiscus Tattoo

Image by @carlitostattoos1 via Instagram

Of course, it is up to you to decide just how minimalistic your tattoo is. If you want, you can make the tattoo appear as though it is part of a realistic map. You also have the option of adding other elements associated with Puerto Rico if you like.

Puerto Rico Treasure Map Tattoo

Image by @frankgenovesetattoo via Instagram

There are also plenty of ways to get creative with this tattoo if you want. For instance, you can outline the map and then get the Puerto Rican flag inked inside it.

If you want, you can also add some tribal or indigenous elements to it if you like.

White Ink Puerto Rican Map Tattoo

Image by @postttropical via Instagram

Then, you can choose to do something completely unusual like turn the map into a mosaic! In short, there is no need to limit yourself. Work with your tattoo artist to create something truly wonderful.

Torn Style Puerto Rican Map Tattoo

Image by @puertoricoholic via Instagram

Floral Puerto Rican Map Tattoo

Image by @gallo_tattooarte via Instagram

Compass with Puerto Rican Map Tattoo

Image by @yonaly2y via Instagram

Puerto Rican Map with Symbols and Hibiscus Tattoo

Image by @brogantattoos via Instagram

Leaves and Hibiscus Puerto Rican Map Tattoo

Image by @studiomedusatattoo via Instagram

Puerto Rican Map with Hibiscus Flower Rib Tattoo

Image by @inkedbyaj via Instagram

Coqui Tattoos

The coqui frog of Puerto Rico is essentially an unofficial mascot of the country. For one thing, these frogs are plentiful throughout the country, their distinctive call heard across the island.

Black Ink Coqui Frog of Puerto Rico Tattoo

Image by @senzalatattoo via Instagram

There is also a lovely legend associated with the coqui. It is believed that a beautiful goddess was in love with the Taino chief's son Coqui. Every day, as he would go fishing, she would watch over him and bless him with a good catch.

Coqui Frog Cracked Style Tattoo

Image by @tatuadoraspr via Instagram

When he came back to shore, Coqui would sing the goddess praises. One day, the goddess took on a human form so that she and Coqui could be together for a brief period.

Unfortunately, Coqui was killed in a storm and so, the goddess created a frog that would cry out his name so that she could remember him forever.

Turquoise Color Coqui Frog Tattoo

Image by @pearlcitytattoo via Instagram

You can choose to get a realistic representation of the frog for your Puerto Rico tattoo or you can get the Taino symbol for it instead.

Realistic Frog Puerto Rico Tattoo

Image by @juvehtattoo via Instagram

Coqui Frog Symbol Back Tattoo

Image by @inkbeba and bebastudios via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag Coqui Frog Tattoo

Image by @senzalatattoo via Instagram

Sketch Style Frog with Hibiscus Plant Tattoo

Image by @jadatat2 via Instagram

Coqui and Naupaka Hip Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyl via Instagram

Woman Faced Frog Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyarturo via Instagram

Green Inked Coqui Frog Tattoo

Image by @magpietattooshop via Instagram

Greyish Coquí Frogs and Hibiscus Tattoo

Image by @s.mancinotattoo via Instagram

Realistic Big Eyed Frog Tattoo

Image by @bennygon via Instagram

Flor de Maga Tattoos

If you prefer a subtle and beautiful Puerto Rican tattoo, then you may want to consider getting one of the national flowers of Puerto Rico - the Flor de Maga.

Small Coqui Puerto Rico Forearm Tattoo

Image by @thebirdboytattooart via Instagram

This floral design is a beautiful and vibrant Puerto Rican tattoo, much like the country itself. I also love that it has a bright and festive feel to it and is perfect if you want a cheerful Puerto Rico tattoo.

Puerto Rico National Flower Chest Tattoo

Image by @robertbonsaitattooart via Instagram

Now, the thing to keep in mind with this Puerto Rican tattoo is that the Flor de Maga is quite similar to the hibiscus flower. However, these are two separate species.

Puerto Rico's National Animal and Flower Tattoo

Image by @rightinthetrash via Instagram

So, for Puerto Rican tattoos such as these, make sure that you are giving your tattoo artist the right design. It can be helpful to understand the differences between these two flowers to ensure that you are getting an authentic design.

Greyscale Flor de Maga Leg Tattoo

Image by @andreaisabeltattoo via Instagram

If you want to get a sleeve tattoo for your Puerto Rico tattoo, then you can consider adding other design elements to the flower. This can include other cultural symbols of Puerto Rico.

If you don't mind doing something a bit different, you can get a skull tattoo alongside the flower. Such Puerto Rico tattoos can be a great way to show how deep your pride runs.

La Flor de Maga with the Island-shaped Flag Tattoo

Image by @davidreyesart via Instagram

Puerto Rican Map Shaped Flor de Maga Tattoo

Image by @lunanuovastudio via Instagram

Pink and Green Flor de Maga Tattoo

Image by @senzalatattoo via Instagram

Jíbara Skull and Maga Flower Tattoo

Image by @tradiciones_tattoo via Instagram

Red Ink Flor de Maga Tattoo

Image by @spikesumi via Instagram

Red and Green Flor de Maga Rib Tattoo

Image by @denitogonzalez via Instagram

Water Colored Red Flor de Maga Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @shirarte.tattoo via Instagram

Greyscale Flor de Maga with Poppy Flower Tattoo

Image by @contynta via Instagram

Vejigante Tattoos

If you are looking for Puerto Rican tattoos that represent the culture of the country, then you may want to consider getting vejigante tattoos inked on you.

Black Ink Vejigante Tattoo

Image by @unpulso via Instagram

Vejigante masks are worn during Carnivale. There are two distinct styles for these Vejigante masks. One hails from Spain and is based on the Spaniards' defeat of the Moors. The second comes from a Northern city in Puerto Rico known as Ponce. These masks are associated with the Feast of Santiago.

Multicolored Vejigante Mask Tattoo

Image by @senzalatattoo via Instagram

Although these masks are typically associated with mischief, fun, and revelry. They are also a symbol of Puerto Rico and its history. As such, many people also see these masks as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and cultural pride and identity.

Vejigante Clown Tattoo

Image by @nomadnorbert via Instagram

Puerto Rican Vejigante Mask Leg Tattoo

Image by @pr_tattooartists via Instagram

Woman with Mask Arm Tattoo

Image by @doseofinsvnity via Instagram

Black Work Vejigante Mask Arm Tattoo

Image by @keneciano via Instagram

Vejigante Mask and Flowers Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbydelan via Instagram

Whimsical Vejigante Mask Back Tattoo

Image by @carrion.beetle via Instagram

Octopus Shaped Vejigante Back Tattoo

Image by @nomadnorbert via Instagram

Colorful Vejigante Mask Tattoo

Image by @senzalatattoo via Instagram

Vejigante Mask with Plants and Fish Thigh Tattoo

Image by @Vejigante Mask via Instagram

White and Red Vejigante Mask with Hibiscus Tattoo

Image by @skim_o via Instagram

Symbols of Puerto Rico Tattoos

Are you looking for Puerto Rican tattoos that depict the feel of Puerto Rico? If so, then getting one or two symbols or elements of the country or culture will not do.

Puerto Rico Elements Tattoo

Image by @boricuashabbychic via Instagram

This is because Puerto Rico has a long and rich culture and there are so many different aspects of it that should be celebrated. This is why you should consider a Puerto Rico tattoo with all the different elements of the culture.

Puerto Rican Flag and Castle Tattoo

Image by @jadedragontattoo via Instagram

You can go with the Coqui frog, the national flag, the flower, and so much more. You can also use symbols from the indigenous Taino tribe if you like.

Puerto Rican Map Shaped Symbols Tattoo

Image by @akenaton_tattoo via Instagram

You can also choose to include the Castillo San Cristobal. This fortress was built to guard San Juan from attack. And, it is most likely the largest citadel built by the Spaniards in the New World.

Puerto Rican Symbols Arm Tattoo

Image by @nando_magana via Instagram

Of course, it is up to you to decide which elements speak to you about your home country. The best thing about a Puerto Rico tattoo such as this is that you can tailor it to what you feel is important to you. So, you can make it a personal design.

Puerto Rican Themed Thigh Tattoo

Image by @gtattoos352 via Instagram

If you are looking for a Puerto Rican sleeve tattoo, then this concept can be a good option for you. You can add more elements to your Puerto Rican design and make it as big and as detailed as you like.

Puerto Rican Taino Theme Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ag_tatu via Instagram

Conversely, this concept also works well for small Puerto Rican tattoos. Sure, each Puerto Rican element does have to be made smaller but your Puerto Rico tattoo can be just as vibrant and beautiful as a larger design!

Puerto Rican Inspired Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkbykris via Instagram

Native Puerto Rican Symbolism Arm Tattoo

Image by @voodooinque_tattoos via Instagram

Puerto Rican Themed Tattoo Art

Image by @boricuashabbychic via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag, Frog and Symbol Tattoo

Image by @artsbylou via Instagram

Puerto Rican Flag, Castle, Frog and Hibiscus Arm Tattoo

Image by @prstrongwepa via Instagram

From indigenous Puerto Rican designs to more modern Puerto Rico tattoo ideas, there are so many options for you to choose from! So, go ahead and check out all the different designs that await you. You should then have no trouble deciding which the right one for you is! 

Durimel icon
Copyright © 2024 Durimel. All Rights Reserved.