Island of Enchantment

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Ponce

Welcome to Puerto Rico! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager, enjoy an Afro-Caribbean lunch at the iconic village of Piñones. Learn about the Afro-Caribbean culture as you sample unique Puerto Rican snacks such as alcapurrias and experience a private coconut-cutting demonstration that teaches you about how coconuts grow, their importance and their many uses. Next, visit Ponce, the island's second-largest city. Discover the city's highlights on a walking tour that will include Plaza las Delicias and the island's most photographed site, Parque de Bombas. Tonight, enjoy a salsa dancing lesson and an authentic welcome dinner.

Day 2: Ponce

After breakfast head to Cordillera Central, the central mountain range of Puerto Rico for a unique day of adventure in the river canyon. Enjoy a forest hiking excursion and spelunking in the caves of Utuado with a local guide and ziplining. Learn about indigenous Taíno markings, visit a hidden bat-filled cave and gain a different perspective on your scenic surroundings from a suspension bridge. Then visit a family owned organic farm for insight into sustainable farming and Puerto Rican agriculture. Stop for a quick lunch in the forest or have a medianoche sandwich at a local panadería. Lunch is included today instead of dinner. Return to Ponce for the evening and enjoy the chance to seek out your choice of authentic local cuisine from one of city's many restaurants for dinner.

Day 3: Ponce

Today take an excursion to Cabo Rojo on the southwestern tip of the island. Walk through natural salt-flats as you hike the region's dry coast, exploring breathtaking cliffs and viewing the beautiful Los Morrillos Lighthouse that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Then relax and swim at the beautifully secluded and ironically named Playa Sucia. This afternoon embark on a private boat tour of La Parguera's mangrove cays, learning about sea and land creatures with a local fisherman guide. Jump back in the water this evening for an unforgettable night swim in the dazzling Parguera bioluminescent bay, followed by dinner.

Day 4: Fajardo

Connect and give back this morning during a community service project following breakfast. The specific nature of your project will depend on the organization's needs at the time of your tour. Following lunch with locals, journey to northeastern Puerto Rico. Discover the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, El Yunque National Forest, via a guided walk, an optional hike and swimming under waterfalls. Tonight you will sample local cuisine for dinner at an authentic rainforest restaurant. After dinner enjoy a game of dominos, a favorite local pastime.

Day 5: Departure

Transfer this morning to spend your last day in the New World's oldest living city. Take a unique walking tour of Old San Juan to learn some folk legends, taste the island's best smoothies in the Santurce neighborhood at La Placita market and visit Calle Serra to admire the world-famous murals and street graffiti. This afternoon, explore Castillo San Cristóbal, completed in 1783 to protect Old San Juan from land attacks. Take a tour of the extensive systems of tunnels that connect different sections of the fortress and enjoy views of Old San Juan and the oceanfront from the atop it. Or you may choose to visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro instead. Spend a little time shopping and getting lunch on your own before heading to the airport.