Puerto Rico Landscapes and Culture in 6 days

Surrounded by thousand-year-old trees, catching glimpses of the vibrant Puerto Rican parrot, and listening to the distinctive chant of the coquí frogs—said to fall silent if taken from the island—you’ll understand why native Puerto Ricans once believed this forest was the home of the god of happiness. El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is an incredible place to experience the rich biodiversity of a true rainforest.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Puerto Rico’s lush tropical canopy as you glide above the shoreline, mountains, and lagoons. Please note: this activity has a maximum weight limit of 230 lbs and a maximum waistline of 42 inches.

Explore Cueva Ventana, or “Window Cave,” which offers breathtaking views of the lush Río Grande de Arecibo valley. Discover unique geological formations and observe endemic plants and wildlife—all while learning about Puerto Rico’s rich cultural history and the legacy of the original Taíno people.

Picturesque Ponce is quite possibly the prettiest city in Puerto Rico. Its colonial architecture, colorful balconies, horse-drawn carriages, and marble-lined sidewalks all combine to give Ponce its unbeatable charm. The town’s elegant cathedral rises from the main square, across from the almost gaudy former firehouse—its bright red and black stripes contrasting with the surrounding edifices’ calm pastels. Step inside to explore the museum honoring the bravery of the city’s firemen and showcasing antique fire engines.

Learn to cook traditional Puerto Rican dishes with a local chef, then enjoy an authentic, made-from-scratch meal.

Explore a local reef, where you can snorkel in calm, shallow waters, encounter marine life like starfish and sea cucumbers, and marvel at vibrant coral formations.

A truly spectacular and magical experience—enjoy an evening kayaking or swimming adventure as the water around you emits an otherworldly blue glow that lights up the night. The bioluminescent bay is home to millions of single-celled dinoflagellates—half-plant, half-animal organisms—that flash with blue light when stirred by nighttime swimmers.

Visit this protected heritage site and explore the artifacts and spaces that held cultural and spiritual significance for the native Taino settlers in this region. Students can observe stone monoliths, petroglyphs, and bateys, stone courts where ceremonies were held.