History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Day 1: Arrival in Old San Juan

Morning:
Depart from your school and arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Afternoon:
Meet your Zoni Tour Manager at your hotel and drop off your luggage.

Enjoy lunch on your own at a local eatery and take a guided walking tour of Old San Juan, exploring its colorful streets, artisan markets, and charming plazas.

Evening:
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Puerto Rican flavors.

Check into your hotel and rest as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Historical Sites and Bayamón Adventure

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Explore the historic forts of San Juan, El Morro and San Cristóbal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learning about their significance in Puerto Rican history and enjoying panoramic views of the city and coastline. Watch kites take flight in front of these historic structures and beat the heat with a traditional piragua (shaved ice).

Afternoon:
Head to Bayamón to visit Plaza “El Mercado”, a modern take on the town markets of old. Enjoy shopping and have lunch on your own at one of many dining options.

Enjoy a visit to the Center for the Conservation of Caribbean Manatees (Centro de Conservación de Manatíes del Caribe), where you can learn about the efforts of the local community to protect and care for these endangered sea creatures.

Evening:
Return to San Juan and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Day 3: Rainforest Adventure and Luquillo Beach

Morning:
Enjoy breakfast before departing for El Yunque National Forest.

Begin a guided tour through the lush rainforest, the only one in the United States National Forest system, discovering its unique flora and fauna and dipping your toes in crystalline natural pools.

Afternoon:
After lunch on your own, relax on Luquillo Beach, known for its calm waters and golden sands.

Indulge in dinner at the Kioskos de Luquillo, a collection of vibrant food kiosks that showcase the diversity of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Evening:
Experience the magic of the bioluminescent bay tour at Laguna Grande, Fajardo, one of only five places in the world where you can find enough of these glowing microorganisms to create stunning light displays.

Day 4: A Taste of Puerto Rico

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Hacienda Muñoz, a coffee plantation, to learn about coffee cultivation, processing, and the history of coffee in Puerto Rico.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican lunch in Guavate, Cayey, a region known for its lechoneras (roast pork restaurants). Try root vegetables like yams, taro, and yuca and experience some of the best food to be found anywhere on the island.

Visit La Casa Histórica de la Música Cayeyana (The Historic House of Music of Cayey), a museum dedicated to Puerto Rican musical history. Enjoy live performances or music lessons as you explore the house and its exhibits.

Spend some free time in Cayey's newly refurbished town plaza. Visit the municipal church, explore Ramón Frade's art, meet local artisans, and enjoy ice cream as you take in the majestic mountains all around.

Evening:
Enjoy a light dinner on your own at a local restaurant.

Return to your hotel in San Juan.

Day 5: Sugar Hacienda and Beach Relaxation

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Hacienda La Esperanza, a historic sugar cane plantation turned museum. Learn about Puerto Rico's colonial history, the sugar industry, and its impact on the island while also exploring the rich ecology of the location.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a delicious lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Travel to Playa Mar Chiquita in Manatí, a picturesque beach known for its natural rock formations and clear blue waters. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal beauty.

Evening:
Indulge in Puerto Rican cuisine at a beachside restaurant.

Return to your hotel and relax.

Day 6: Museum Exploration and Departure

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit a prominent cultural museum in San Juan, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico or the Museo de las Américas, to explore Puerto Rican art, history, and culture.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local bakery, enjoying some of the traditional sandwiches known across the island such as tripletas, cubanos, and medianoches.

Spend some leisure time exploring the city or doing last-minute shopping for souvenirs.

Depart from Puerto Rico with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for the island's culture and natural beauty.

Immersive Cultural Experience: This itinerary offers a well-rounded experience that combines historical exploration with cultural immersion, allowing students to delve into Puerto Rico's rich heritage and vibrant traditions.

Educational Value: From visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites to engaging with hands-on museum exhibits, this tour provides educational opportunities that align with various subjects, promoting learning outside the classroom.

Natural Wonders: Students will have the chance to discover the beauty of El Yunque rainforest and witness the enchanting bioluminescent bay, fostering an appreciation for the island's diverse ecosystems.

Unforgettable Memories: With a balanced mix of guided activities and leisure time, students can create lasting memories while connecting with their peers and experiencing Puerto Rico's unique culture.

• Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter. English and Spanish are widely spoken, but locals appreciate the use of basic Spanish phrases as you interact with them.

• Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The peak tourist season is December to April, but hurricane season is from June to November. Keep this in mind as you plan dates for your tour.

• The standard voltage in Puerto Rico is 120 volts AC. This voltage is supplied at a frequency of 60 Hz and is the same as what is available in the United States, so you won't need an adapter. Be advised, however, that Puerto Rico experiences frequent power outages. Bring a surge protector, if possible, to protect your devices.

• Puerto Rico uses the U.S. Dollar as its official currency. Be aware that fewer businesses accept debit and credit cards, but ATMs are available across the island. Inform your bank that you will be in Puerto Rico prior to travel to avoid problems.

• Travel time to and from various parts of the country may modify these itineraries.
• Passports are NOT required for U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico.
• Itineraries are fully customizable.
• Flexible payment plans are available.