Overview

Tour Overview

Take some time and travel to a tropical island. Hire a cast of thousands of friendly, welcoming people, most of whom speak English (in addition to their native Spanish). When you are looking for an exotic location, with miles upon miles of white sand beaches, plus an unbelievable rainforest and mountains, you come to Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico is a modern, progressive and civilized vacation spot that still maintains the charm and hospitality of days gone by. You will find everything the Caribbean has to offer in this all around family destination- and with it a people whose warmth is equaled only by the sunshine that gently kisses its shores. Sights, sounds and experiences will forever be embedded in the memories of those who come to visit.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive San Juan
Welcome to Puerto Rico! When you arrive in San Juan today, you will be met inside the baggage claim area, assisted with your luggage and then driven to your hotel.

One of the most luxurious resorts in Puerto Rico, the Caribe Hilton is set on an exclusive peninsula, made up of 17 acres of lush tropical gardens. This resort is ideally situated between the historic old San Juan and the exciting Condado area, offering a secluded beach, lavish accommodations and amenities tailored to families, couples and business travelers alike. The property offers beautiful oceanfront swimming pools, whirlpools and hammocks next to the secluded beach for relaxation and privacy. The full-service Olas Spa offers a wide range of relaxing body treatments, and the resort is home to an extensive array of boutiques. There is even a peaceful bird sanctuary

The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Caribe Hilton San Juan

Day 2: Catamaran Day Trip
This morning, head towards the eastern tip of the island where at one of Puerto Rico’s beautiful private marinas you board a catamaran and set sail for a tranquil, uninhabited island for a day of fun and relaxation. This is what the Caribbean is all about! The sailing is a leisurely one, taking about 45 minutes. The bar opens as the last line is slipped from the boat and we are under way! Enjoy Rum Punch or a Pina Colada while relaxing onboard and taking in the spectacular views of Palomino and Palominito Islands and the Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse. Two stops will be made, the first at a deserted island where you can snorkel (equipment is provided), lie in the sun, or stroll the beach. While you are exploring the beach or the underwater world, your captain and mate are preparing a buffet luncheon. Following lunch we visit a second spot, one that offers a deeper water snorkeling opportunity, or if you prefer, you can paddle around the bow ladder that’s lowered into the water, or just take a nap in the shade onboard.

Mid afternoon you will head back to the marina on a down-wind run. It’s a great day! Please be sure to bring along a towel, good sunscreen and a T-shirt to protect you from the tropical sun.

Lunch
Caribe Hilton San Juan

Day 3: El Yunque National Forest
Today we depart for an exciting day at El Yunque National Forest- the only tropical forest in the USA’s National Park System. First, enjoy a trail ride through the lush tropical foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest, along the banks of the Mameyes River, into the very heart of the legendary Puerto Rican countryside. You will love the gentle but spirited Paso Fino horses featured at Hacienda Carabali, stables for some of San Juan’s wealthiest families. Some have described the Paso Fino, which is not a large breed of horse, as being somewhat like a Tennessee Walker in that it provides one of the smoothest rides imaginable. Long pants are recommended, and closed toe shoes are a must. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes if you would like to take a dip in the river. Incidentally, there are fresh water shrimp in the river pool and it is quite a treat when the little miniature baby shrimp nibble at your feet! Totally harmless, but a most unique sensation.

Pause for lunch at the bamboo Lounge Restaurant (not included) located on site.

Then, take off on an exhilarating four-track adventure through the foothills of the rainforest and take in the majestic scenery of Puerto Rico’s east coast. Roam through towering trees. Tread through rivers and traverse the vast, rugged terrain on your own 300cc four track. When you arrive, you will be given an introduction on how to ride and operate a four track and safety instructions. These vehicles are perfect for beginners. The vehicles are rigged to not go over 25 miles per hour- fun, but safe! Then the adventure begins! Follow the experienced guides along carefully outlined trails. Climb hills, negotiate corners, roam the rugged terrain, splash through the river. Along the way you can stop and immerse yourself in the magic of the rainforest. The guides are full of knowledge and are happy to share their insights with you. Be sure to bring along your camera so you can take pictures of the panoramic views of the rainforest. Whether an experienced rider or just a beginner you can be sure of an exciting ride!

Caribe Hilton San Juan

Day 4: La Marquesa Forest- Las Cabezas de San Juan
Today has a very thrilling day in store! First visit La Marquesa Forest Reserve to experience an exciting canopy tour. Upon arrival, you will be given safety instructions and get geared up and then the adventure begins! Walk up a short hill to embark on a graveled trail that, after about 15 minutes, takes you to the first platform. After a detailed demonstration of procedures and key instructions, the guide will ask for the first brave volunteer zip away into the forest! Glide from platform to platform taking in the breathtaking views of the forest, while at the same time enjoying the rush of gliding, falling and flying through the trees! This is a once in a lifetime experience that definitely allows you to enjoy Puerto Rico from a truly unique perspective. Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Long pants are recommended and tennis shoes or shoes with a back are a must. If you decide to bring along a camera, make sure it can hang safely around your neck, or have a backpack as your hands must be free at all times to participate. Please note that there is no way for guides to retrieve fallen objects.

Return to the hotel fore lunch and to rest up a bit.

This evening the adventure continues! Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays and tonight we visit one of the finest. Under the blanket of the night sky and the historical lighthouse of Fajardo you can touch the waters that glow with bioluminescent microorganisms. Scoop up a handful of water and let it spill back in a shimmering waterfall of diamonds. Your activity starts at sunset in the small fishing village of Las Croabas. Here you will meet your friendly eco-guides who will get you settled into your own PFD (personal floatation device). This excursion gets you into two person kayaks with trained life guards/CPR qualified guides who will lead you through mangrove channels of an environmental preserve. During the paddle your lead captain will stop periodically to provide commentary about the mangrove forests, bird life that inhabits the area, the marine life that uses the lagoon as a sanctuary, information about the bioluminescent microorganisms that give the water its mysterious light and point out the visible stars in the night sky. Watch as fish dart through the mangrove roots creating a streak of light. Not recommended for people who are afraid of the dark. To participate in this activity you should be physically fit.

After an unforgettable evening, return to your hotel.

Caribe Hilton San Juan

Day 5: El Yunque- Las Mina Falls
Part of the U.S. National Park system, El Yunque boasts over 240 varieties of plants and received upwards of 240 inches of rainfall annually- put in more alarming terms, that is 100 billion gallons per year! Your visit includes a stop at Coca Falls, a visit to El Portal, which is a beautiful visitors center in the rainforest, a stop at Yokahu Tower which commands a view of the entire northeast coast of Puerto Rico, and a low impact hike along the Caimitillo trail where your guide will point out various insights of the rainforest. For the physically fit, an alternative of hiking down to Las Minas Falls is offered. The hike is approximately 45 minutes going downhill with a 55-minute return uphill. There is a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at Las Minas, so you will have an opportunity to wade in the water.

Caribe Hilton San Juan

Day 6: Depart

Today you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport for your flight home.

Departures

Please Contact us for more details.

Prices

Pricing:

With accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express, San Juan:
$1,695 per person, double occupancy.
$1,495 per person, triple occupancy.
$1,395 per person, quad occupancy.
$2,395 Solo Traveler.

With accommodations at the Caribe Hilton, San Juan:
$2,295 per person, double occupancy.
$1,995 per person, triple occupancy.
$1,895 per person, quad occupancy.
$3,495 Solo Traveler.

With accommodations at the InterContinental Hotel, San Juan:
$2,495 per person, double occupancy.
$1,995 per person, triple occupancy.
$3,995 Solo Traveler.
Quad occupancy not available at this property.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of August, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:
· Airport meet and assistance. Please note: if your arrival into San Juan and departure from San Juan is between 6pm and 8am there is an evening transfer surcharge. Your iExplore Adventure Consultant will give you the details.
· Land transfers and transport as indicated on a private basis
· Five (5) nights accommodations at the Caribe Hilton in a Garden-view room, including buffet breakfast, room tax and resort fee, OR, · Five (5) nights accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express in a Run of House Room, including continental breakfast, room tax and resort fee, OR, · Five (5) nights accommodations at the InterContinental Hotel in a Deluxe Pool/Garden View-Room, including, room tax and resort fee.
· Catamaran Day Trip, including round-trip transfers, lunch, open bar and snorkeling.
· Horseback riding excursion and ATV excursion including round-trip transfers.
· Zip line canopy tour, including round-trip transfers.
· Bio-Bay kayaking trip.
· El Yunque Rainforest excursion

Exclusions:
· Flights to/from San Juan
· Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
· Drinks unless specified
· Airport taxes
· Travel insurance
· Gratuities

These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.

Group Discounts

The more people you bring on your next Caribbean Cruiser adventure, the more you save. Learn how with Caribbean-Cruiser Discounts.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

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