PULPO TOUR | Educational Tours - Puerto Rico

PULPO TOUR: 8 Days

HIGHLIGHTS

Pelícano tour highlights, plus….
Yauco: Tour the most colorful town on the island which included
famous “Yaucromatic.”
Eco-Service: Community-service dune restoration and beach clean-up.
 Mayagüez: Guided tour of Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus

DAY 1: OLD SAN JUAN

Afternoon: Arrive in San Juan and meet your dedicated tour director and experienced staff. Brief orientation to set the tone for your cultural journey.
Old San Juan – Stroll through Old San Juan, one of the oldest cities in the New World, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the colorful streets, historical forts, and captivating architecture.
Engage in our unique walking tour where you’ll hear enchanting legends, learn about local traditions, and explore the city with an insiders’ perspective.

Evening: Journey to Lajas – Travel to the picturesque southwestern town of Lajas, known for its stunning coastal views, and friendly atmosphere, and its famous bioluminescent bay.
Settle into your accommodations and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead.

DAY 2: PONCE & SERVICE

Morning: Reciprocal Service-Learning – Drive to Ponce, the island’s second largest city. Dive into a meaningful service-learning project followed by lunch on-site with the local community.

Afternoon: Ponce City Tour & Salsa – Take a guided walking tour of historic Ponce, exploring the vibrant Plaza Las Delicias, iconic Parque de Bombas, and the beautiful Ponce Cathedral. Stroll through colorful street murals and soak in the city’s artistic flair. Later, step into the rhythm of the island with salsa lessons at a local dance academy.

DAY 3: MAYAGUEZ & YAUCO

Morning: Community-Service Dune Restoration or Beach Clean-Up

Work alongside local conservation leaders to restore fragile sand dunes that protect coastal communities.
Participate in a meaningful beach clean-up while learning how small actions create a big impact on marine life and ecosystems.
Students gain hands-on environmental stewardship experience—ideal for service hours and college résumés.

Early Afternoon: – Mayagüez: University of Puerto Rico Campus Tour

After a community lunch, head off to Mayagüez, the third largest city on the island.
Explore one of the island’s most prestigious universities, known for its STEM and agricultural programs.
Meet student guides who share insights into college life in Puerto Rico.
A chance for high school students to envision their own future in higher education while walking the vibrant campus.

Evening – Yauco: The Colorful “Yaucromatic” Experience

Wander through Puerto Rico’s “coffee city”, transformed by massive street-art murals that tell stories of heritage and hope.
Discover how art revitalized the town, turning Yauco into an open-air museum of creativity.
A fun, photo-worthy stop that combines culture, history, and Instagram- worthy backdrops students love.

DAY 4: CABO ROJO/LA PARGUERA’S BIO BAY

Morning: Discover Cabo Rojo’s Salt Flats – Begin your adventure at the Centro Interpretativo de las Salinas, where you will delve into the fascinating world of salt flats. Learn about the historical and ecological significance of this unique landscape as you embark on a short guided hike. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystem, where you’ll encounter diverse wildlife and stunning plant life.
Relax at Playa Boquerón – Unwind at the iconic Playa Boquerón. This breathtaking beach is renowned for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Chat with locals, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply enjoy the serene views of the coastline.

Afternoon: Biobay Boat Adventure – Post-lunch, set off to the charming fishing village of La Parguera. Board a private boat for an exclusive guided tour of the stunning mangrove cays. Navigate through the intricate waterways, learning about the importance of these ecosystems and the local fishing culture from your knowledgeable guide.

Nighttime Wonder: Bioluminescent Bay – As the sun sets, prepare for a truly magical experience. Experience this optional swim in the enchanting waters of the bioluminescent bay and witness the captivating glow of dinoflagellates illuminating the darkness. This extraordinary natural phenomenon creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a highlight of your Puerto Rican adventure.

DAY 5: VEGA BAJA ADVENTURE AND BEACH

Morning & Early Afternoon: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends adventure with nature and science! Tour highlights
include:

Spelunking & floating through underground caves
Forest hikes & river trekking
Swimming in hidden limestone canyons
Wildlife spotting & tropical flora
Waterfall views and optional refreshing cliff jumps

The tour is led by certified biologists and local guides who will introduce the group to the region’s geology and ecosystems while exploring its raw beauty.

Mid-late Afternoon: After your cave swim, enjoy a well-earned lunch and unwind at a dreamy local beach.

DAY 6: EL YUNQUE/LUQUILLO

Morning: Explore the Majesty of El Yunque – Embark on a captivating journey through El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Experience the lush biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes of this unique ecosystem on a private open-air eco-tour. Your adventure begins with guided sightseeing, where you’ll marvel at the towering trees, vibrant flora, and diverse wildlife that thrive in this tropical haven.
Hikes & Waterfalls – Take part in guided walks tailored to all skill levels. Discover hidden trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and enchanting waterfalls, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in pristine natural pools. Feel the refreshing spray of cascading water as you immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.
Savor Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine – After a morning of exploration, indulge in a traditional rainforest lunch at a local restaurant that captures the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Savor delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the rainforest.

Afternoon: Relax at Luquillo Beach – Post-lunch, unwind at Luquillo Beach, known for its soft sands and clear turquoise waters. Take this time to relax, soak up the sun, or stroll along the beach, immersing yourself in the serene coastal ambiance.

DAY 7: FAJARDO CATAMARAN & LUQUILLO

Morning & Early Afternoon: Catamaran Excursion in Fajardo – Board a sustainable, locally operated catamaran as you sail along the clear waters of the Northeast Nature Reserve and nearby uninhabited cays.
Learn from your local guide about the region’s marine ecosystems, coral reef preservation efforts, and the ecological significance of seagrass beds and mangroves.
Afternoon & Evening: “Mantecado” & Luquillo – As you return, try local “mantecado” at Fajardo’s top “heladería.” Enjoy authentic local cuisine for dinner near hotel.

DAY 8: SANTURCE’S PLACITA & MURALS / AUTHENTIC PINONES

Morning: Explore Santurce’s La Placita – Kick off your last day in San Juan with a visit to Santurce’s La Placita, renowned for its lively atmosphere and the island’s best smoothies. Savor the refreshing flavors as you immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Artistic Journey – Dive into the heart of Santurce as you venture down Calle Cerra, famous for its stunning murals and street graffiti. Learn about the artists and their inspirations as you admire the colorful artwork that reflects Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage.

Afternoon Delight: Afro-Caribbean Lunch – If time permits, indulge in a delicious “Afro-Caribbean” lunch at Piñones, known for its authentic flavors and vibrant beachside setting. Experience the fusion of culinary traditions that make Puerto Rican cuisine truly special. Treat yourself to a variety of unique Puerto Rican snacks, including “alcapurrias,” “bacalaítos,” and “pinchos.” Each bite offers a taste of the island’s culinary diversity, leaving you with unforgettable flavors to remember your trip by.

Puerto Rico Pulpo Tour

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