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Eco Puerto Rico
Students who love nature and the outdoors gravitate to this adventurous alternative to our Highlights program.
We replaced the in-depth exploration of Old San Juan with a guided interpretive hike along the Tanama River. We'll swim across plunge pools, climb up waterfalls, fly along ziplines, wade through river caves, and rappell down cliffs!
This trip includes two overnights on the fortified island of Old San Juan, two overnights in Ponce on the south coast, an overnight on Luquillo Beach, and an overnight out on the island paradise of Vieques.
Featured Video
Highlights
Highlights of Old San Juan: Visits to El Morro and San Cristobal, Casa Blanca, the San Juan Gate, La Fortaleza, Paseo de la Princesa and it's Raices Fountain, the beautiful plazas, the botanical gardens, and of course the waterfront.
Highlights of the Cordillera Centra & Ponce: Camuy Caves, Arecibo Observatory, Coffee Plantation Tour, Tiano Ceremonial Site, Salsa dancing lessons, and King's Ice Cream at Plaza Las Delicias.
Highlights of the Zipline Adventure:The Canopy Tour (aka Ziplines), wading through river caves, climbing waterfalls, diving into plungepools, and interpreting the forest with our intrepid guides.
Highlights of Luquillo & El Yunque:El Portal Visitor Center, the panoramic view from Yokahú Tower, hiking into the rainforest, swimming at the La Mina Falls and Surf Lessons on Luquillo Beach.
Highlights of Vieques: Professionally outfitted kayaking experience of the brightest Bio-Bay on Earth just as night begins to fall, El Fortin Conde de Mirasol, sandy beaches, and gentle surf.
Itinerary
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airborne Old San Juan | Meet your Program Director at the airport for your flight to Puerto Rico! Orientation - Find Hotel, Plaza Colon, Fort San Cristobal, Santa Maria Magdelena de Pazzis Cemetary, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, Fortaleza San Filipe del Morro, Plazuela de la Rogativa, San Juan Gate, Plaza del Immigrante, Raices Fountain, and Paseo de la Princesa. Dinner in Old San Juan overlooking the bay. |
| 2 | Cordillera Central Ponce | Board our private shuttle(s) for an all-day tour ending on the southern side of the island in Ponce. Along the way we'll learn about the worlds largest radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory, enjoy a guided tour of the Camuy Caves (we'll visit the Cueva Ventana if weather closes the Camuy Caves), and tour a family owned Coffee Plantation with a champion barista. Check into hotel in the heart of Ponce and take a quick dip in the swimming pool before dressing up for Salsa lessons by instructors from Julie Mayoral’s Dance Academy. Dinner on Plaza Las Delicias followed by dessert at King’s Ice Cream. |
| 3 | Zipline Adventure | Board private shuttle, it’s zipline adventure day! Today we’ll hike through the forest with a team of professional forest guides who will help us interpret the flora and fauna. Along the way we’ll jump into plunge pools, “fly” along zip-lines, climb waterfalls, rappel down cliffs and even wade through an underground river cave! (Alternative paths through the forest are available for participants who would rather skip some elements of the hike.). |
| 4 | El Yunque Luquillo | Board private shuttle with your luggage, we’re heading to El Yunque Rainforest. Get oriented at El Portal Visitor Center, take in the panoramic view from Yokahú Tower, hike into the rainforest to La Mina Falls, take a dip in the swimming hole and then hike back out. Back on the shuttle, we’re heading to Luquillo Beach! Lunch, then check into our hotel. Spend the afternoon at surf school or otherwise enjoying the warm turquoise waters. |
| 5 | Vieques | Morning ferry to Vieques. Shuttle to our beach hotel. Lunch/Shopping on the promenade. Visit a secluded beach with soft black sand and dreamy waves. Body surf / body board / swim / sunbathe / collect sea glass! Late afternoon horse ride (individual upgrade). Shuttle to the Bio-Bay at sunset, buddy up, and pick a kayak. Learn a lot about Dinoflaggelate and a little about astronomy as we paddle out into the darkness across Puerto Mosquito, the brightest Bio-Bay on Earth. |
| 6 | Vieques Airborne | Early Ferry back to Fajardo. Churros Breakfast. Luquillo Beach (time permitting). Flight home. |