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Tours and Holiday Activities in Puerto Rico
 Triple
Play Adventure Day - Enchanted Island Eco ToursThis combination fun day has been designed for the most active guests in mind! It is also perfect for short vacations over the weekend to make the most out of your stay. Our Triple Play Adventure Day combines our Rainforest Nature Walk Adventure with our Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure in one day and it adds a "criollo" lunch to enhance your cultural/culinary experience along with a relaxing stop at the beautiful Seven Seas Beach. These two natural wonders, are "unique" to Puerto Rico and most of our guests consider them the highlight of their vacation and a must do. Enchanted Island Eco Tours is proud to say that we are the tour operator for both tours offered in this package the only sub-contracted service is the transportation. This tour is highly ranked by those who go on it.
Ponce is Puerto Rico's second city and because of its unique beauty, it is known as the Pearl of the South. You'll visit the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park and Seralles Castle, with the city's stately plazas and mansions and its famous red and black firehouse. After a short scenic drive from San Juan, you'll arrive in about an hour on a scenic expressway through the central mountain range and will see lovingly restored mansions, each a unique criollo interpretation of the Neo-classical architecture. Then, visit the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park, discovered in 1975. The first inhabitants of the area had constructed ceremonial parks where they used to celebrate festivals and important events. See burials, charms, idols, vessels and other artifacts used by Indians who had lived in the Ponce area. The tour concludes with a visit to Seralles Castle. Take in the city's stately plazas and mansions and its famous red and black firehouse. A stop is made for lunch (not included in price) during this full day tour. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels Departure Times Return Details: Tour returns at approximately 6:30 pm
Relax and unwind on a leisurely catamaran sail to Icacos, a deserted island paradise off the coast of San Juan, with miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Here you can search the island, collect shells, sunbathe, wade or swim offshore and view the underwater wonders of a living coral reef. Your picnic lunch and complimentary pina colada is served on board by the crew - what more could you ask for? Spread your wings and take a leisurely sail to a deserted island from San Juan. Cruising aboard the new Barefoot III or sister ship Stampede , this trip promises to be the highlight of your San Juan vacation. The tour takes you on a relaxing sail by catamaran to the uninhabited island of Icacos. Spend the morning exploring the island, collecting shells or swimming offshore in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. If you're a novice, you can receive professional instruction in the art of snorkeling. After you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a scrumptious picnic lunch freshly prepared onboard by the crew, accompanied by pina coladas and rum punch. After lunch, you'll anchor over a breathtaking coral reef, home to colorful tropical fish and underwater wonders. Then, after a full day at sea, it's time to hoist the sail for the return trip to San Juan, completing a truly different day in paradise. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels. Departure Time Return Details: Tour returns at approximately 4:30 pm
Enjoy a guided tour of Bacardi, the world's largest rum distillery, where you can sample the goods or buy some liquid souvenirs. Then, visit one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world, Old San Juan. The entire city is a National Historic Preservation site that is a must-see on any visit to Puerto Rico. Departing from your San Juan hotel, you'll enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Bacardi, the world's largest rum distillery. You'll have the chance to sample the goods or buy some bottles to take with you. Next, you'll visit Old San Juan, the second oldest city in the New World, dating back to 1513. You'll see excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture, walk along the old cobblestone streets and visit the museums, churches and forts that make Old San Juan one of Puerto Rico's must-see destinations. The tour also includes a fascinating 30-minute stop at the 500 year old Cristobal Fort. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from most major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels Departure Time: Hotel pick-ups commence at approximately 12:50 pm Return Details: Tour returns at approximately 5:30 pm
A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete without descending into the depths of a million year old cave! Few cave systems in the world are as massive or dramatic as the Rio Camuy Cave Park. If that's not enough, wait until you see the Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest radar/radio telescope, nestled in the tropical mountains of northern Puerto Rico. This tour takes you from San Juan to Northwestern Puerto Rico, part of the third largest underground river cavern system in the world. You'll enjoy a safe, guided tour of the marvels. From sinkholes and cathedral-like caverns to views of the mysterious river and its eons-old stalactites and stalagmites. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes! This tour also takes you to where you'll see the largest radar/radio telescope. Operated by Cornell University, the telescope probes the ionosphere, examines planets and monitors natural radio emissions from distant galaxies, pulsars and quasars. The caves at Camuy are actually 45 million years old, but it took a few million years for nature to adorn their towering ceilings with crystalline stalactites, their walls with flowing stone tapestries and their floors with mushroom mounds of stalactites. Few cave systems in the world are as massive or dramatic as the Rio Camuy Cave Park; none have a thundering tropical river traversing countless miles of uncharted channels. Three crater-like sinkholes and one cave of the huge system in the park are open to the public and they are truly memorable experiences. The Arecibo Observatory is nestled in the mountains of northern Puerto Rico, about 30 minutes from Arecibo and is the world's largest radar/radio telescope. Here, scientists from all over the world use a giant 1000 foot (305 meter) diameter dish to listen to the universe. You may view the huge telescope from an observation platform, where its austere metallic symmetry shimmers in dramatic contrast with the dense, green, tropical landscape. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels Departure Times Return Details: Tour returns at approximately 4:30 pm
Sit back and relax on this leisurely half-day trip to the El Yunque rainforest. You'll discover an amazing world of nature trails, waterfalls, scenic views and the sub-tropical rainforest habitat of Puerto Rico's endangered wildlife. This half-day tour takes you to a place held sacred by the Puerto Rican locals. According to ancient Indian legend, the good spirit Yuquiyu reigned at El Yunque on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people. On this fascinating tour, you'll pass typical native towns before ascending through rapidly changing vistas of amazing vegetation to reach El Yunque. The rainforest is home to more than 240 species of plants and wildlife, waterfalls, streams and hiking trails leading to enticing locations. You'll see tree orchids, giant ferns, wild flowers, tropical hardwoods and spectacular waterfalls, and see panoramic views of the entire north-east coast. The tour stops for vistas of the most beautiful sights on this tour, so don't forget to bring your camera. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels. Pick up is not provided from San Juan Cruiseship (port/dock). The closest hotel is the Condado Plaza. Pickup from the Condado Plaza is at approximately 8 am. Departure Time: Hotel pick-ups commence at approximately 8:10 am
For an up-close tour of El Yunque that includes a
semi-athletic hike, put on your walking shoes to enjoy a
35-minute hike to La Mina. You'll discover an amazing world
of nature trails, waterfalls, scenic views and the
sub-tropical rainforest habitat of Puerto Rico's endangered
wildlife. After hiking through the rainforest to La Mina (35 minutes each way), cool off with a relaxing swim or dip in La Mina Falls (10-minute stop). Make sure you have a good breakfast before taking this tour. The rainforest is home to more than 240 species of plants and wildlife, waterfalls, streams and hiking trails leading to enticing locations. You'll see tree orchids, giant ferns, wild flowers, tropical hardwoods, spectacular waterfalls and views of the entire north-east coast. The tour stops at the most beautiful photographic sights, including Jokahu Tower, so don't forget to bring your camera. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels (see Hotel List below)
Departure Times Return Details:Tour returns at approximately 3:30 pm
Departing from San Juan, you can combine a visit to the rainforest with an afternoon at one of the world's most beautiful beaches. On the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico, Luquillo Beach is the island's best and most popular public stretch of tranquil waters and golden sand. Offshore are coral formations and spectacular sea life and tropical fish. The water is calm and comfortable. From here, you'll explore the cool, mountainous and semi tropical El Yunque rainforest. The abundant rainfall is shed through rocky rivers, creating many cascades of waterfalls and pools. El Yunque hosts a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican parrot and the tiny coquis, an indigenous tree frog. According to ancient Indian legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people. The name Luquillo is derived from this god's spirit's Indian name. Departure Point: Tour commences with pick-up from major San Juan, Puerto Rico hotels
Departure Times Return Details: Tour returns at approximately 5 pm Videos of Puerto RicoRincon, Puerto Rico
An easy 20 minute drive down Route 2 takes you to the turnoff for Rincon. Rincon has a variety of hotels, resorts and rental properties to fit any budget. We recommend the Rincon Beach Resort. It is a little bit south of the town but a long, isolated beach is the perfect medicine for relieving stress. Also, do try the Mahi Mahi Restaurant (see menu) just south of Rincon. It is be best seafood in all of Puerto Rico in our opinion. Say hello to Montserrat for us. SETI, Setting for the motion picture, "Contact"
Caguana, Taino Ancient Meeting Place
In addition to a large court where a ball game was played similar to that played by the Mayan people, there are eight smaller courts at Caguana. The site, dating back to 1200 AD, does have some evidence of permanent housing in the surrounding area so previous theories that it was only a gathering place and not an ongoing community may be in error. In any event, the courts found at Caguana indicate this was a religious and social center for the entire Caribbean. It is even believed children were brought here to be schooled in socioreligious ceremonies. The center has been restored by the Institute of Puerto Rico Culture and turned into a botanical garden so visitors can learn about native trees and plants. Here you will find Ceiba, ausubo, capa, tabonuco, palma real, cedro and maria. Towns in Puerto RicoAguadilla - Located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla has some of the most reasonable resorts on the island. This is in spite of having some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, like Crashboat. Arecibo - Home of SETI, the "ears to the stars" and the setting for the movie, Contact. Cabo Rojo - Located in the south-west part of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo offers a quiet and relaxing holiday. Dorado - Golfing paradise in north-central Puerto Rico. Fajardo - On the extreme north-east, Fajardo is the perfect location to stay while visiting the rain forest or the smaller islands of Puerto Rico. Humacao - The main attraction here is Palmas del Mar, a lovely resort. Isabela - Great surfing beaches and fun for the entire family. Attractions include The Rio Camuy Cave Park, 0ne of the most impressive cave systems in this hemisphere, and the legend of Pozo Jacinto and his Cow in an unique Seawater Blowhole. Lajas - Near Cabo Rojo, Lajas also offers a remote getaway where you can relax and restore the spirit. Mayaguez - Pretty heavy with industry, Mayaguez offers a low-budget vacation but not much more. Ponce - Situated in the south-central section of Puerto Rico, Ponce if flush with culture and history. Rincon - One of the great surfing locations anywhere, Rincon is also a tourist's delight. Located on the western side of Puerto Rico (you get to see the setting sun), Rincon offers a wealth of hotels, from the small boutique hotel to world-class resorts. San Juan - The most populated and visited city in Puerto Rico. A visit to Old San Juan is recommended. |
A US protectorate, Puerto Rico requires no passport for U.S. travelers. It is on the U.S. Dollar. Our advice is to visit the western part of the island for the best holiday experience. In particular, we suggest spending your holiday in the Rincon area. Rincon is known as the surfing capital of the Caribbean and is visitor friendly. You can fly directly to the Aguadilla airport and avoid the crowds in San Juan. From there it is an easy 20 minute drive to Rincon. The handy booking engine to the left will give you very good prices on car rentals in a number of locations in Puerto Rico. Puerto is known as the Scotland of the Caribbean because of the quality of its golf courses. You can find golf links on the left side of this page. Although we are most fond of the western coast of Puerto Rico, the people everywhere on the island are kind and helpful. We suggest learning a few words of Spanish before going. Puerto Ricans are very appreciative of those who are trying to learn this beautiful language.
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