Journey to Puerto Rican Culture

March  24-29, 2025

November 17-22, 2025

An Off the Beaten Path Journey to Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment 

Traveling off the beaten paths is an engaging way of going to places that are undiscovered, with a sense of exploration. It is finding stories of 'hidden gems', exploring them, and engaging with local Puerto Ricans. This way you will discover the unconventional routes and stories that offer a more authentic or secluded experience.

Stories of a rich culture and history, exceptional food, majestic mountains and welcoming Puerto Ricans — all packed into one sun-kissed Caribbean journey to paradise. Here, as you engage with local people, you’ll feel like you are family instead of just a visitor. Around every corner, in this off the beaten path journey, you’ll find a celebration of life, a vibrant cultural experience, food for the soul, and a captivating rhythm. Discover Puerto Rico through encounters with local experts and people while exploring the history and culture inside and outside the walls of Old San Juan and the southern majestic City of Ponce. 

For 6 participants

DATES

March  24-29, 2025

Deadline for Reservations - December 24, 2024

November 17-22, 2025

Deadline for Reservations - August 17, 2025

COST OF INCLUSION PACKAGE 

$1900 in double room pp.           

$2800 in single room

• Five nights accommodations at hotel in Old San Juan
• Meals: all breakfasts 
• Ground in taxis and AC van when traveling to The City of Ponce
• One day tour to the City of Ponce
• Pre-departure readings and face-to-face / online orientation 
• Travel Guide to plan for the trip
• Culturally sensitive-bilingual Puerto Rican Journey Leader
• Admission to all venues in the itinerary 

  IN OLD SAN JUAN

1. Princess Promenade
2. San Juan Cathedral
3. El Convento
4. San Jose Plaza
5. Centenary Park
6. La Fortaleza, the Governor’s Mansion
7. House of Spain 
8. Capitol Building 

IN PONCE

1. City Hall
2. Ponce Cathedral
3. Ponce Firehouse 
4. Serrallés Castle
5. Ponce Museum of Art

The Journey is carefully planned to offer exceptional experiences, and occasionally, certain experiences or restaurants may not be accessible. In such cases, they will be substituted with alternatives of equal or greater quality. A finalized itinerary, including daily experiences and dining options, will be shared approximately two weeks before the departure date.

• Round trip airfare to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Air tickets will be individually booked as soon as the group is complete with a minimum of 6 participants.
• Ground transportation  Airport - Hotel - Airport 
• Tips for hotel staff and driver
• Meals: 5 lunches and 6 dinners. We will make all reservations at our favorite restaurants.
• Optional afternoon and evening venues
• Travel Insurance

Our Journeys require moderate physical activity combined with short travel time in bus (max 1.5 hours). Activities may include city-walking tours (sometimes on uneven surfaces), stopping along the way, standing in museums for a few hours and some stairs (some restaurants will require the use of stairs). 

Day 1 ¡Hola Puerto Rico! 

Participants will book their flights and travel to San Juan to meet with the Journey Leader at the hotel. In the evening the group will gather for dinner. As your plane descends toward the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, you catch glimpses of Puerto Rico’s diverse landscapes— the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean, and the golden sands of its many beaches. The anticipation builds as you realize that you’re about to experience a place where old-world charm meets vibrant modern culture. Upon landing, the warm Caribbean breeze greets you, carrying hints of sea salt and tropical blooms. 

Day 2 Inside the Walls of Old San Juan

We will start the journey with an expert in Puerto Rican patrimony and art history who will lead a walking tour through the narrow streets of Old San Juan to experience five centuries of Spanish Caribbean history and colonial architecture. Called "La Ciudad Amurallada," (The Walled City), Old San Juan was founded in 1521. San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest city in the Americas.  

Today, it is the most complete Spanish urban center in the Caribbean with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. These styles of architecture create a sense of drama and authority with their beautifully detailed ornamentation, arches, and domes. We will become acquainted with significant architectural features of the city, historical sites, forts, plazas, cultural centers, fountains, museums and galleries, and with Old San Juan lively people's cultural life and idiosyncrasy. After lunch we will visit the Governor’s Mansion, “La Fortaleza de Santa Catalina”. La Fortaleza means “The Fortress,” and it was certainly intended as such when it was completed in 1540 as part of a massive construction effort to secure the island’s defenses. 

Day 3  Visual Arts And Dance  

After breakfast we will visit the Puerto Rico Art Museum.  Inaugurated in July 2000, will visit the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, a modern five-story structure in a 1920 neoclassical  building. The Museum supports Puerto Rico's 500 years old tradition in painting, sculpture, graphics, ceramics, folk art, photography and other contemporary media.  

After lunch we will join a dance company to meet dancers for a demonstration and  conversation. 

Day 4   Beyond the Walls of Old San Juan 

Our day will start with a visit to the Capitol Building of Puerto Rico. On our way to the Capitol we will explore the evolution of new San Juan after the wall of the city came down in late 19th century. Neoclassical, Spanish Moorish and Beaux Arts architecture flourished outside the old city. For Puerto Ricans, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico stands as a powerful symbol of self-government. After lunch we will have time for to visit optional venues.

Day 4 The Majestic City of Ponce 

After breakfast we will begin our transfer to Ponce, birthplace of our Journey Leader,  over the Central Mountains into the Valley of Cayey, then south to Ponce. Our visit to the City of Ponce will expand our understanding of Puerto Rican history and culture, when we explore its unique architectural venues. Ponce is also known as the "Ciudad Señorial" (Majestic or Noble City), because of its many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades. Ponce was founded in 1692 by Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson - Loíza Ponce de León. Ponce was Spain's capital of the southern region until it fell to the U.S. in 1898.  

We will start our exploration with a walking tour that unveils an enchanting portrait of colonial history, architecture, and culture at Plaza of Delights. The architectural splendor and detailed neoclassic and art deco style of the city makes Ponce an essential part in our journey. The city’s buildings such as the City Hall, Cathedral and Fire House demonstrate more than 300 years of an elegant tradition. 

The tour will be followed  by a visit to the Serrallés Castle, former estate of the wealthy Serrallés family, which were sugar industry barons and the owners of Don Q rum. The history, architecture and lifestyle of the Ponce wealthy families will be emphasized, followed by a rum tasting experience. 

After our visit to the Serrallés Castle, we will have lunch and, after lunch, we will explore the Ponce Museum of Art. In 1965, the building that is home today to the Museum was designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. The collection of the Museum consists of approximately 4,500 works of art and is renowned for its great examples of Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian paintings as well as Puerto Rican and Latin American art. The Anton J. Konrad Conservation Center of Museo de Arte de Ponce, established in 1979, is a leader in art conservation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Then we will travel back to Old San Juan or a farewell dinner.

Day 6 ¡Hasta Luego Puerto Rico! 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.  If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time.

Please Contact Us and provide your contact information. As soon as we hear from you, we will email a registration packet with required forms and instructions.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1ST PAYMENT 

Registration Deadline  - 50% of the Inclusion Package

2ND PAYMENT 

60 days before departure - remaining 50% of the Inclusions Package 

PAYMENT OPTIONS
 

Check - payable to Marcos Carvajal 

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
 

1. All cancellations must be submitted via email in writing and dated 
2. If we decide to cancel a program due to insufficient number of participants, all funds received will be 100% refunded. 
3. Refunds for airline tickets are based on individual airline policies. 
4. Cuban tourist visa costs are non-refundable.

IMPORTANT DATES                                                           REFUND 

Less Than 60 Days Prior to departure                            0 % of total

90 to 60 Days Prior To Departure Date.                          50 % of total

120 to 90 Days Prior To Departure Date                         100 % 

Citizens of the United States traveling to Puerto Rico need only a government-issued form of photo identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, a driver's license or a photo ID card issued by a U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles.