Tropical Puerto Rico
Cook up a mofongo feast, learn to bomba like a local & kayak by night across a sparkling bioluminescent bay
Tropical Puerto Rico
Tropical Puerto Rico
Cook up a mofongo feast, learn to bomba like a local & kayak by night across a sparkling bioluminescent bay
Tropical Puerto Rico
Unique Experiences
ABOUT YOUR TRIP
Dreaming of dazzling-white beaches and rum cocktails sipped under swaying palms? Puerto Rico certainly delivers on Caribbean charm — but with Flash Pack you’ll experience so much more.
Over five balmy days, you’ll dive into Old San Juan, where colorful colonial architecture and lively bars line the cobblestone streets. You’ll stay up past bedtime to explore bioluminescent bays, kayaking through shimmering waters alive with natural light displays, and you’ll explore the country’s rich tapestry of Taino, Spanish and African traditions, making mofongo with a local chef and learning to bomba like a true Boricua.
Naturally, we couldn’t let you leave without exploring Vieques’ beaches – which are every bit as dazzling as you dreamed of. And those rum cocktails? They’ll taste even better when toasting your new Flash Pack friends.
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced Pack Leader with your throughout the trip
- Arrival airport transfer
- Local transport
- Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Itinerary
YOUR ITINERARY
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Day 01 Piña coladas & a mofongo feast
Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico! Touching down at the airport, a Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you straight to Old San Juan, the oldest and most atmospheric part of the capital. Set on an islet, linked by bridges to the rest of the city, you’ll find a candy-colored confection of Spanish townhouses, majestic forts, imposing churches and historic plazas encircled by a 16th-century wall. After meeting your Pack Leader and group, it’s time for your first activity: a mofongo cooking class with a local chef. This tasty plantain-based dish is a national staple and the perfect introduction to Puerto Rican food. And to drink? Piña coladas were invented in San Juan, so it would be rude not to indulge. ¡Salud!
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Day 02 Learn to bomba on the beach
Today, you’ll take a deep dive into Afro-Puerto Rican culture at the seaside town of Loiza, a short drive from San Juan. The area was settled by members of the Yoruba tribe who were brought here as slaves from West Africa. Together with a local guide, you’ll explore a cave where ancient artefacts have been found and visit a not-for-profit cultural center to see local artisans at work. Down at the beach a drumming circle awaits for your bomba dance workshop. Learn how the soulful folk music connects the community with their ancestral roots. After time for lunch and a swim, travel to the island of Vieques, six miles off the southeast coast. Renowned for its gorgeous Caribbean beaches, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
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Day 03 Kayak on a bioluminescent bay
Waking up to views of azure bays, a day of beach-hopping awaits. Much of Vieques is protected by a wildlife refuge and the coastline remains natural and undeveloped – you might even spot wild horses that were introduced by Spanish settlers. From the horseshoe sweep of Media Luna to the black sand of Playa Negra, you’ll stop off at some of the island’s best beaches to snorkel the clear water, surrounded by tropical fish. Tonight is the moment you’ve been waiting for: your chance to witness the brightest bioluminescence on the planet. After dark, you’ll paddle out into Mosquito Bay in a two-person glass-bottomed kayak. Marvel at the electric-blue glow of the sparkling water beneath you – a truly magical experience.
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Day 04 Island chilling & San Juan nightlife
After your incredible late-night excursion, we’ve left today free for you to relax and enjoy Vieques at leisure. Kick back by the hotel pool with a tropical fruit smoothie or rent a golf buggy to explore the island and find your own secluded stretch of sand. Feeling blissed out and sunkissed, you’ll catch the last ferry back to the mainland and return to San Juan for your farewell dinner. It’s been a fun-filled few days but the night is yet young. From rooftop bars to waterfront lounges, there are nightlife options to suit everyone. Your Pack Leader knows all the best spots for creative cocktails and salsa dancing into the early hours.
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Day 05 Farewell, Puerto Rico
All too soon, your adventure has come to an end and it’s time to make your way to the airport. If you’d like to extend your stay in Puerto Rico, there are plenty more places to explore, including America’s only rainforest, El Yunque, where natural rock-slides plunge into pristine jungle pools. Still not ready to head home? Perhaps a short stay in Oaxaca is calling, or a longer adventure in Cuba. Our Travel Experts are ready and waiting for your call.
OUR FAVORITE HOTELS
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Hotel Casablanca, San Juan
A characterful historic hotel with quirky Moroccan-inspired decor in a prime location in Old San Juan. From the beautifully decorated lobby and brunch cafe to the rooftop spa terrace (perfect for sundowners) and Speakeasy bar, it’s a cool, boutique base for enjoying the city.
Hacienda Tamarindo, Vieques
With a tranquil hilltop location overlooking Esperanza Bay, this Hispanic hacienda features lovely gardens, an inviting pool and tropical island-style rooms adorned with local artwork. Dine under the shade of a 275-year-old tamarind tree that grows up through the lobby.
Important Notes
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Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15-20 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is 15-20 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
This is a relaxed itinerary that should be fine for most levels of fitness. The kayaking on Mosquito Bay is gentle and no previous experience is needed, but please note there is a weight limit of 250 kg per two-person kayak.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Am I guaranteed to see bioluminescence?
While bio bays worldwide are seasonal, the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico is year-round and it’s one of the most reliable places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Mosquito Bay is considered the brightest bio bay due to the high quantities of microscopic single-celled organisms that light up bright blue when agitated.
When it comes to experiencing bioluminescence, the less light the better. However, even on a full moon the water will still glow, but you may need to use a tarpaulin over your kayak to block out the moonlight. Using glass-bottomed kayaks give the best chance to see the water light up all around you.
As with anything in nature, nothing is 100% guaranteed.
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Do I need to have kayaked before?
No previous experience of kayaking is necessary. You will be in stable two-person kayaks in a sheltered bay and you don’t have to paddle too far to experience the bioluminescence.
Be aware that, as per the name, there can be mosquitos in Mosquito Bay so you may want to apply insect repellent before setting out.
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What is the island of Vieques like?
Vieques is a rustic, largely undeveloped island with a slow pace of life. You won’t find the glitzy nightlife of San Juan here but it’s ideal for a tranquil Caribbean break. The beaches vary from palm-shaded white sand to sparkling black sand and you might even see wild horses on the beach.
The island is home to around 10,000 residents and you should find everything you need in the towns of Esperanza on the south side and Isabel II on the north.
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Why is this trip more expensive than other short stay trips?
Many travelers are surprised to discover that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is comparable to – or slightly more expensive than – the US. As an island, many products are imported, plus there is an 11.5% tax rate on all goods and services. Add to this a lack of reliable public transport and all-inclusive hotels, and prices can be relatively high.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
We recommend budgeting around 100 USD per day for extras such as meals and drinks. A simple plate of rice and beans can cost 20-25 USD.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
OUR PROMISE
Joining the Flash Pack comes with a few special guarantees
THE PEOPLE
Our mission to create 1 million friendships so we obsess over the group dynamic. Everyone is aged 30-49, 98% travel solo & 80% stay friends. Want to know more about your group? GET IN TOUCH
THE SECURITY
We operate using a 3rd party trust bank account meaning we guarantee refunds in 14 days if your trip has to be cancelled BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
THE TRIPS
Our trips are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences – think staying on your own private island in the Arctic and glamping in Land Rovers on the Serengeti SEE TRIPS
THE GUIDES
We only work with trusted local guides who know their destinations better than anyone.
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