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School Trips To Puerto Rico

Take your students on an educational journey to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, where history, politics, and culture come to life. From exploring Parliament Hill and national museums to experiencing Indigenous heritage and vibrant arts scenes, Ottawa offers a perfect blend of learning and adventure.

Points of Interest

  • San Juan

  • Loíza

  • El Yunque National Forest

  • Utuado (Cueva Ventana & Tanamá River)

  • Jayuya

  • Mosquito Bay

  • Playa Negra

  • Culebra (Flamenco Beach)

Whether diving into Canada’s political system, walking along the historic Rideau Canal, or visiting world-class institutions like the National Gallery and the Canadian Museum of History, students will gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rich past and evolving future. A school trip to Ottawa is an inspiring experience filled with discovery and cultural connection.

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in San Juan – Stepping into the Caribbean

    Our journey begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, where we are immediately greeted by the warm Caribbean air and the rhythmic sounds of salsa music. We check into our accommodations before heading to Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful colonial buildings, centuries-old forts, and lively plazas. A walking tour takes us through El Morro and San Cristóbal Fortresses, where we learn about the island’s strategic importance during Spanish rule. We stroll along Paseo de la Princesa, stopping to admire ocean views and local artisan stands. As the sun sets, we gather for a welcome dinner featuring mofongo, a classic Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains, garlic, and savory fillings. We discuss the journey ahead, preparing to dive into the island’s culture, history, and adventure.

  • Day 2: Afro-Caribbean Rhythms & Culinary Traditions

    Today, we explore Puerto Rico’s Afro-Caribbean influences, beginning with a visit to Loíza, a town known for its deep African heritage and vibrant Bomba music and dance. A local instructor introduces us to the powerful rhythms of Bomba, an interactive dance that tells stories through drumming, movement, and call-and-response singing. Next, we engage in a culinary workshop, learning to make traditional dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pastelón (Puerto Rican lasagna), and tostones (fried plantains). We discuss the African, Spanish, and Indigenous Taino influences that have shaped Puerto Rican cuisine. The afternoon is spent relaxing on Piñones Beach, where we can swim, enjoy fresh coconut water, and explore the beachfront food stalls offering alcapurrias and bacalaítos (crispy cod fritters).

  • Day 3: El Yunque Rainforest – A Natural Paradise

    We set out for El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. A guided hike takes us through lush jungle trails, cascading waterfalls, and towering ferns, where we encounter coquí frogs, tropical birds, and vibrant flora. We stop at La Mina Falls, where we can cool off with a swim beneath the waterfall. Along the way, our guide shares insights into the rainforest’s ecological significance and the Taino people's spiritual connection to the land. After a picnic lunch, we visit a sustainable farm that focuses on agroforestry and conservation. We meet local farmers and learn how traditional and modern techniques help protect Puerto Rico’s biodiversity.

  • Day 4: Caving & Kayaking in Utuado

    Today, we explore the Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) in Utuado, an incredible limestone cave with a dramatic opening overlooking the valley below. As we venture inside, we learn about the Indigenous Taino people who once inhabited these caves, leaving behind petroglyphs and sacred sites. Next, we head to the Tanamá River, where we embark on a kayaking or tubing adventure through limestone canyons and lush forest. We paddle through underground river tunnels and natural rock formations, experiencing one of Puerto Rico’s hidden gems of eco-tourism. In the evening, we gather for a traditional storytelling session, where a local Taino historian shares myths, legends, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

  • Day 5: Coffee Culture & Mountain Villages

    We travel into the central mountains of Puerto Rico, home to some of the finest coffee plantations in the Caribbean. At a family-owned coffee hacienda, we trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup, learning about harvesting, roasting, and brewing methods. A guided tasting session introduces us to the complex flavors of Puerto Rican coffee, renowned for its rich aroma and smooth finish. After lunch, we explore the mountain town of Jayuya, known for its Taino heritage and artisanal crafts. We visit a local pottery workshop, where we try our hand at traditional Taino ceramics, learning the symbols and techniques used by Indigenous artisans for centuries.

  • Day 6: Bioluminescent Bay – A Natural Wonder

    We spend the morning exploring the island of Vieques, home to one of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bays. After a short ferry ride, we spend the afternoon relaxing on Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) or exploring wildlife reserves filled with wild horses and tropical flora. As night falls, we embark on a kayaking adventure in Mosquito Bay, where microscopic bioluminescent plankton create a magical glow in the water. Every paddle stroke illuminates the bay, making this one of the most unforgettable natural experiences in Puerto Rico.

  • Day 7: Beach Day & Coastal Exploration

    No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a day of sun, sand, and sea. We head to Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, we snorkel among coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. For those seeking adventure, paddleboarding and cliff jumping are available, while others can simply relax on the pristine white sand. In the evening, we return to San Juan for a farewell dinner, reflecting on our journey over a meal featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and a final taste of Puerto Rican coffee and desserts.

  • Day 8: Reflection & Departure

    On our final morning, we gather for a reflection session, sharing our favorite moments, lessons learned, and newfound connections to Puerto Rico’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Before heading to the airport, we take a final stroll through Old San Juan, stopping at artisan markets for local crafts, hand-rolled cigars, and bottles of Puerto Rican rum to take home as souvenirs. As we say our goodbyes, we leave Puerto Rico with a deeper appreciation for its landscapes, traditions, and the warmth of its people, carrying the island’s spirit with us wherever we go.

School Trip Journal