puerto rico nature tours

Small Group Real Yunque Rainforest Tour (Road 191)

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Why Natural Wonders Puerto Rico

Quite simply we love our Island and we like to show it. With this in mind we have designed our tours with the perfect combination of off the beaten path places and popular attractions. Our goal is to show our guests an unforgettable experience while touring as a local.

Our tour guides reflect the passion and love we have for P.R. Their knowledge and fun personalities have been the reason that Natural Wonders PR has earned the certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for 14 years in a row. We have been featured on CNN and Another Shade of Blue.

Natural Wonders PR is the first company to offer off the beaten path tours at El Yunque National Forest and the only company to offer a Cave Tour that showcases the scenic diversity of our Island.

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Puerto Rico

When you take a Puerto Rico birding tour with Naturalist Journeys, you have the opportunity to explore America’s only tropical forest, 17 endemic birds, and 400-year-old Old San Juan — the second-oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. Puerto Rico offers lush mountain forests, dry coastal forests, and white sandy beaches … all without a passport! An added bonus? Puerto Rico’s excellent road system lets you explore with ease. We often combine our Puerto Rico birding tours with our Dominican Republic birding tours. If these or any of our other Caribbean birding tours interest you, please get in touch today.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

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Conservation Impact

Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions have been designed to directly support  our mission . They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Your expedition costs include fees that support conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the communities we visit, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global research and conservation programs . In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. The fund is seeded annually with money earned from our expeditions, and supplemented by donations from Oceanic Society travelers. Through the EIF, we award grants to our partners for their on-the-ground efforts to protect ocean habitats and the wildlife and human communities that depend on them.

Dates & Prices

May 05-12, 2025.

B, L, D indicates the meals provided each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Day 1: Arrive in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (D)

We will pick you up from the BQN airport, or arrange for a taxi service, where you’ll be transported a short drive south to the surf capital, Rincon, where we will settle into our home for the week and meet our guides. They will give us a briefing of the area, what to expect for the week and guide us down to the water’s edge to explore the tidepools of the marine reserve.

Day 2: Snorkeling at Tres Palmas (B, L, D)

We will start our morning visiting the beautiful Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, one of the most iconic places to snorkel in Puerto Rico! We will learn about Caribbean reef fish, coral reef restoration and coral diseases. Later, we will walk the casual grassy Community Trail adjacent to the reserve and learn about the conservation efforts and history of the area.

Day 3: Guajataca Forest Hike and Rincon Costal Trail (B, L, D)

In the morning we will head to the north central karst region to explore now-exposed ancient coral reefs overgrown with vegetation. Our hike will be through a semi dry forest where we can see all kinds of jungle vegetation. In the afternoon, we will dry off and take a casual walk along the historic railroad path along the coastline in Rincón while learning about the adaptations of plants living directly next to the salty, windy cliffside and visit the adjacent iconic lighthouse with amazing views of the ocean and the uninhabited Desecheo Island.

Day 4: Snorkeling at Shacks Beach (B, L, D)

We will take a short drive north of Rincón to visit the north coast of the island and snorkel at Shacks Beach with white sands and unique coral formations. We will work our way back to Rincón by stopping in Aguadilla to visit the lighthouse ruins with great photo opportunities and learn about the geologic past of Puerto Rico. The evening can include an optional night snorkel in Tres Palmas for the adventurous who want to experience the ocean after dark!

Day 5: La Parguera snorkeling in seagrass and mangroves (B, L, D)

In the morning we will snorkel at Collado reef where we will learn about seagrass, mangroves and the connectivity between these ecosystems and coral reefs. In the afternoon we will check into our hotel where we will spend one night, and then finish our day by exploring the quaint fishing village of La Parguera with dinner out together, followed by an extraordinary tour of the bioluminescent bay . We will spend the night here before traveling back to Rincon the next day *please bring a small overnight bag*

Day 6: Maricao waterfall hike, Art Walk (B, L, D)

We leave La Parguera in the morning to head towards the middle of the island to find a secluded waterfall. We will hike up a river to the waterfall where we will eat lunch here on the rocks and swim in the cool mountain water. The afternoon will be free time to relax by the beach or visit one of the nearby restaurants in the Rincón marina. In the evening, we will relax at the Rincon Art Walk where we can see all kinds of local artisans.

Day 7: Paseo Lineal walk in Isabela or Cueva Golondrinas (B, L, D)

In the morning we will head to Isabela on the north coast to visit the boardwalk along dunes and mangroves, or a wide cavern along the beach, depending on the swell conditions. We will spend the morning here before we return to Rincón in the afternoon and have free time to relax at the beach, shop for souvenirs or just chill at the house. In the evening, we will head out for our last night together and celebrate the trip with a local favorite- the pirata “Pirate” drink of rum and coconut milk served in a coconut!

Day 8: Fly home (B)

Our last morning together will end with breakfast as a group before departing for our respective flights. Guests will depart from nearby Aguadilla airport (BQN). We will help arrange airport transfers. You can also make your way back to San Juan to explore further on your own. ¡Buen viaje!

Accommodations

• La Parguera (1 night): Villa Parguera or Turtle Bay Inn
• Rincón: Private Rental Home

Naturalist(s)

Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:

Drs. Chelsea Harms-Tuohy and Evan Tuohy

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The 11 Best Puerto Rico Tours

Experience island living at its best on one of these guided trips.

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Coffee is a staple beverage in Puerto Rico; you can sample local brews on several food tours.

Whether you want to explore the rainforest, soar above the trees on a zip line , taste your way through Old San Juan or cruise to a nearby island, you'll find that each of these Puerto Rico tours boast friendly guides ready to share the beauty of their home. After considering both traveler opinion and expert sentiment, U.S. News determined that the following are the best Puerto Rico tours.

San Juan: Flavors Food Tours San Juan – Classic Old San Juan Food Tour

Sample the celebrated food and drink of Puerto Rico on this three-hour walking tour that visits several eateries, bakeries and coffee houses – usually five in total. Fare featured on this journey through Old San Juan's cobblestone streets typically includes ceviche, chocolate, mofongo (a Puerto Rican fried plantain dish) and a rum cocktail. Along the way, guides share insights regarding the area's history, architecture and culture, which visitors find both informative and entertaining. The food wins high marks, too.

The price – around $125 for adults and $85 for children – includes the food tastings and (for adults) a cocktail. Tours typically run daily at 10 and 11:30 a.m. as well as 3 and 4:30 p.m. Flavors of San Juan also offers a rum-focused tour and private outings.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Fajardo: Yokahú Kayak Trips – Bio Bay Kayaking

Visiting Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays (which glow thanks to tiny microorganisms who live in the waters) is a must-do for many travelers; this trip will help you check that item off your list. The two-hour kayak tour takes travelers across Fajardo's Laguna Grande to see it glow under the moonlight. It also includes a trip across a mangrove-surrounded canal. Guides provide information regarding the bio bay and the tiny critters shining from within it. Paddlers generally find the guides helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. However, several note that even in the best viewing conditions, the bioluminescence is dim.

Tours take place every day except Sunday at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (though times may vary slightly depending on the season). Tickets start at $55, and that includes use of a kayak, instruction on how to use it, as well as snacks. Participants must be at least 6 years old; pregnant women may not join the tour. The company also offers a combo tour of the bio bay and El Yunque National Rainforest .

Luquillo: Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park – ATV Puerto Rico

The creeks, hills and trails of Puerto Rico's rainforest can be explored atop all-terrain vehicles on this fast-paced tour. After instruction on how to drive the ATVs, a guide will lead you through Carabalí Rainforest Park (which is nestled near El Yunque rainforest) to explore Puerto Rico's natural beauty. You might even have the opportunity to dismount and take a swim in the Mameyes River, which flows from the rainforest. Motorists regularly describe the ride as great fun, the scenery as stunning and the guides as very professional.

Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park offers both one- and two-hour versions of this tour multiple times daily. Tickets start at $65 for drivers and $40 for passengers for hourlong rides and cost approximately $110 for drivers and $65 for riders during two-hour expeditions. Note: certain age, weight and height requirements apply. Other adventure tours, such as horseback riding in the forest, are also available.

Cataño: Casa Bacardí – Rum Tasting Tour

Despite its Cuban origins, Bacardí brand rum has become synonymous with Puerto Rico. During the distillery's Rum Tasting Tour, you can take guided exploration of the company's museum and learn about Bacardí's history. Your guide will then take you through a guided tasting of its premium rums paired with chocolates. Visitors find the tour highly informative and enjoyable.

The approximately 75-minute activity includes an open-air bus ride around the complex. Tours cost about $75 per person and are offered several times each day starting at 10 a.m. The price includes all tastings. Bacardí's distillery, which sits across the bay from Old San Juan, also hosts mixology classes.

San Juan Pickup: Castillo Tours – El Yunque Rainforest Tour

Explore the hiking trails, waterfalls and scenery of El Yunque National Forest on this 4 1/2-hour guided tour. As the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, the 28,000-acre park in eastern Puerto Rico is a must-see destination. Highlights during this excursion include climbing an observation tower and snapping photos at La Coca Falls. Reviewers praise guides, who they describe as knowledgeable, personable and insightful.

Tickets cost approximately $100 for adults and $90 for children ages 4 to 11, and that includes round-trip hotel transportation. Pickups occur between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Tours are offered year-round on Thursday and Saturday. Castillo Tours also operates excursions to Fajardo and Cueva Ventana , among others.

Fajardo: Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours – Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure

While the bioluminescent bay (and the organisms that cause it to glow) may be the main attraction of this kayak outing, the journey also spotlights other species of northeastern Puerto Rico's flora and fauna. Birds, mangroves and more may be glimpsed during this trip from the village of Las Croabas to Laguna Grande in Fajardo. Guides impress tour-takers with their professionalism and attentiveness. However, some kayakers express disappointment that the bay isn't as bright as they hoped.

This tour is offered year-round Monday through Saturday. Tours depart around 6 p.m. The tour lasts about three hours, with around two hours of kayaking, plus time for safety instruction and post-ride snacks. Tickets cost approximately $55 per person and participants must be at least 6 years old. The company also operates a full moon kayak trip.

Strolling the colorful streets of Old San Juan is a must-do activity when visiting Puerto RIco.

San Juan: Spoon – Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour

Stroll among Old San Juan's gorgeous buildings while sampling Puerto Rican delicacies on this approximately three-hour outing. The tour starts near El Morro and stops at four locally-owned eateries for tastes of traditional pastries, beans and rice, single-origin coffee and, of course, mofongo and two rum cocktails. Food enthusiasts rave about both the tasty fare and the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are generally offered daily, starting at 10 a.m. Groups are limited to 12 people. Tickets, which cover food and beverages, cost approximately $130 for adults and $110 for children ages 3 to 12. Spoon also offers a sunset version of the tour, among other options.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

San Juan Pickup: Bespoke Lifestyle Management – El Yunque Rainforest and BioBay Combo Tour

This full-day tour combines two of the best-known things to do in Puerto Rico: a hike through the island's rainforest and a paddle through a lagoon illuminated by tiny light-emitting organisms. The day begins with a trek through the rainforest that includes a lesson about the region's ecology and history, identification of different flora and fauna, and a swim in a natural pool. After the morning's expedition (and lunch), the tour continues with two hours of paddling around Laguna Grande. The driver/guides who conduct the outings are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

In all, the eventful outing takes about 12 hours. The approximately $165 price includes round-trip transportation to San Juan hotels , but does not cover lunch. Tours are offered daily starting at 9 a.m. Bespoke also runs coffee plantation tours, a Vieques snorkeling tour and other trips around the island.

Fajardo: East Island Excursions – Culebra Snorkeling Tour

Cruise to the beaches of Culebra – an island about 18 miles off Puerto Rico's northeastern coast – via motorized catamaran on this roughly six-hour outing, which departs from the Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo. The itinerary usually includes snorkeling at an underwater nature preserve, as well as a stop at the celebrated Flamenco Beach (or another nearby beach if water conditions aren't optimal at Flamenco Beach). Patrons find the shorelines breathtaking and the crew friendly and helpful. Others noted some disorganization during their trips.

The ticket price – around $125 for adults and $105 for children ages 4 to 11 – includes a boxed lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and games. Tourgoers are asked to bring their own snorkeling gear for sanitary reasons. Tours are offered daily starting at 9 a.m. East Island Excursions also runs boat tours around San Juan.

San Juan: De Tour Con Ali – Let Me Show You MY Island

Visitors hoping to see as much of Puerto Rico as possible in a single day can opt for this six-hour bus ride around the island. The tour, which is led by a local, takes visitors to beaches, caves and rivers as well as various historical sites. Drivers provide commentary about the island's history and its scenery, which riders generally regard as insightful. To make the most of your trip, De Tour Con Ali recommends wearing comfortable clothes, shoes and bringing water shoes and a swimsuit.

Tickets start at $95 for participants 12 and older, $50 for kids 3 to 11 and $25 for infants 2 and younger. Tours depart San Juan at 8:30 a.m. daily. De Tour Con Ali also offers guided hiking tours and airport shuttles.

San Juan Pickup: Caribbean Breeze Adventures: The Casual One

Caribbean Breeze Adventures promises you'll spend the day like a Puerto Rican local during this seven-hour tour. After picking you up from your hotel, guides take you to El Yunque for hiking, water slides (it's all natural!) and swimming. Then, you'll stop by Luquillo Beach and its family-owned kiosks for a dose of culture, food and drinks. Reviewers say the tour activities are excellent and particularly appreciate their guides, who they describe as funny and informative.

Tickets cost about $80 per person. Pickups start at 9 a.m. daily. The company operates a series of tours around the island, including one that visits the popular Crash Boat Beach, which sits on Puerto Rico's west coast.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Puerto Rico Hotels
• The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
• The Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Puerto Rico , Tours , Travel , Vacations

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Nature Tours

We promise to be excellent, if not the best, tour guides by continuously learning about nature, conservation and safety procedures in order to provide our customers with as much valuable information as possible while ensuring their safety.

• Calendar Tuesday and Friday
• Hour Glass 6 hours

El Yunque & Luquillo Beach

Enjoy panoramic views of Puerto Rico’s east coast from Luquillo Beach, where you can sip a piña colada from a pineapple! We also visit La Coca Falls.

• Calendar Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Half Day Rainforest Tour

Embark yourself in a half-day El Yunque rainforest forest tour for your amusement!

• Calendar Monday , Wednesday and Friday

El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour

Hike Puerto Rico’s famous El Yunque Rainforest with our expert guides. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system.

Best Hidden Waterfall Tour

Discover   Puerto Rico  by exploring these hidden,  secret waterfalls  tour outside of San Juan.

In partnership with SSA Education Abroad

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Puerto Rican Tour Programs

Puerto rico’s nature expedition: group tour to natural wonders.

• Architecture , Hiking & Outdoors , Historically Relevant , Monuments , Nature & Wildlife , People, Culture & Traditions , Puerto Rico , Social Projects , UNESCO Heritage Site

Up to 4 miles / day

Tour overview.

Program activities, schedules and personnel may change due to local circumstances.

In such an event, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

Overnight: San Juan

The group leader will welcome you and we will go over the program schedule, emergency procedures and answer any questions. After the orientation, we will go out with our group leader for a walk and explore the area around the hotel. At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a delicious menu as a welcome dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart in our private bus to Old San Juan, downtown, where we will meet our local expert who will guide us through the main points of the city. 

After the lunch break, we will continue our visit to the San Juan estuary, with approximately 156 km2 (97 mi) including different bodies of water that are linked by canals of great importance for the food chain of multiple species, birds, fish, among others.

Afterwards, we will move to attend a presentation by an expert naturalist who will talk about the natural diversity of Puerto Rico.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart in our private bus to the town of Cataño, to visit one of the largest wetlands in the metropolitan area of San Juan. The Ciénaga de las Cucharillas Natural Reserve is of great ecological importance as it not only serves as a pollutant filter for the island but it is also home to countless species of migratory and endemic waterfowl.

After the visit, we will rest while enjoying a group lunch at a local restaurant.

We will continue our route with a visit to the Afro-Puerto Rican community, a unique project that highlights the Afro-Boricua branch of the African diaspora.

Breakfast at the hotel.  We will depart by bus to the central municipality of Morovis to visit the Cabachuelas Natural Reserve. A local expert will guide us through this cave landscape, and we will learn about the conservation and education efforts of the locals to preserve it. We will find evidence that pre-Columbian people already used these caves as shelter. We will continue to the municipalities of Vega Baja and Manatí to visit the Tortuguero Lagoon, remarkable for its natural maintenance due to the balance of fresh and saltwater mixtures. We will find marshes, endemic flora, as well as endangered species, siliceous sands and hummocks.

After a break for lunch, we will continue our route to Utuado, city where the Dos Bocas Lake of artificial water is located and is today a place of recreation for the Boricuas. Afterwards, free time to rest in the area. 

Breakfast at the hotel. We will travel to the municipality of Adjuntas to visit an important community self-management project, Casa Pueblo . Since 1980 this community has been working with the objective of appreciating and protecting the natural, cultural and human resources. After this visit and a break for lunch, we will continue our route to Jayuya to discover the indigenous petroglyphs, a sample of their legacy. At this point there is a recreational area next to the river, perfect for a swim.

Overnight: Vieques

Breakfast at the Hotel. We will transfer to the small town of Ceibas to hop on the ferry that will take us to the small island of Vieques, located east of Puerto Rico.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Wildlife Refuge and its community, considered one of the most ecologically diverse wildlife refuges in the Caribbean.  It contains habitats that include beaches, coastal lagoons, forested upland areas and mangrove wetlands. It is also home to endangered plants and animals, such as the West Indian manatee, the brown pelican and four species of sea turtles.

In the afternoon we will check in at the hotel and enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

In the evening, we will experience the most exciting activity of the trip: a kayak tour of the Bioluminescent Bay.

Breakfast at the Hotel, we will visit the famous Vieques breakwater, an area with abundant marine life, corals, reefs, diversity of fish, turtles and even crabs. Contemplate the vastness of the sea and the greenness of the Vieques mountains. We will continue our visit to Fortín de Girasol where we will have time for lunch on your own. 

We will visit the fort, the last fort built by the Spaniards in America. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the town of Isabel, second in Vieques and the nearby cays. The fort was never completed and there are now houses, an art and history museum, as well as the Vieques historical archives and a radio station.

After the visits we will relax with free time at Black beach, a unique beach due to the color of its sand and its volcanic origin.

Breakfast at the Hotel. We will take the ferry back to Ceiba and our hotel in San Juan. After lunch we will spend some time relaxing on the beach.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to pack, explore or rest.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport at a designated time.

Tour Inclusions

• Bilingual staff
• Expert tour coordinator during the entire program
• Expert local guides for the visits included
• Local experts for one lecture
• Private ground transportation
• Entrance fees to San Juan Estuary, Ciénagas de las Cucharillas Natural Reserve in Cataño, Cabachuelas Natural Reserve in Morovis, Tortuguero Lagoon in Vega Baja, Lago dos bocas in Utado, Visit to Piedra Escrita, Wildlife Refuge in Vieques, Rompeolas, Fortín del Conde de Girasol.
• Enriching experiences: Afro-Puerto Rican community of Loiza, Community project in Adjuntas, Kayaking activity in Bioluminescent bay at Vieques
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Accommodation in 3- 4* hotel at city center in San Juan and Vieques
• Worldwide Health Insurance through CISI for the duration of the entire program
• Tips are included throughout the visits programmed
• 24/7 Emergency support

Tour Pricing

Price per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $570.

For a minimum of 15 pax.

Additional Experiences

Customize your trip according to your interests by adding any of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Half-Day Trip to Loiza Aldea

Day Trip to “Casa Pueblo”

Horse Riding at a private ranch

Charter a Helicopter

Navigate Northern PR (Day trip)

Snorkeling at Isla Culebra

Request more info.

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The Original Rain Forest Water Slide Tour

More than 1500 5-star reviews across the web.

Join this exciting tour with one of the original guides and support families, not corpororations who are copying our tour. We pick the best times to avoid possible crowds and have very high safety standards. 

Only for nature lovers!

Our tours are from nature lovers, to nature lovers!

Safety first!

Unlike the copy cats of our tour, we take safety serious and keep our groups small

We create memories!

Small groups + fun & awesome guides = lifelong memories

Only for nature lovers

Welcome to our website – the first step to have a blast and create long lasting memories! Join the original and support a local business. We are adventurous nature lovers who invite visitors of Puerto Rico to explore some of the most stunning, even hidden locations around the island with us and try our best take you away from crowds.

Our concept differs strongly from most other tour companies on the island and instead of quantity and maximum profit, we focus on keeping the groups small and a bit more private to ensure everyones safety and the best time possible. Because of this, we are grateful to have received more than 1500 5-star reviews across Google, Airbnb and Facebook.

Rainforest Water Slide Tour

Welcome to our famous Rainforest Water Slide Tour and the #1 adventure tour on Airbnb Puerto Rico! Do you want to experience the El Yunque Rain Forest in a unique way while you are in Puerto Rico and be close to nature? Join the original tour, that was copied by too many over the years and get the full experience, with guides who truly care for your safety and good memories.

Petroglyph Canyon Tour

If you are looking for a bit of a challenge and want to be far from other people, then this incredible tour is your best choice – a mix of ancient history and thrilling hiking & climbing. We will start hiking at the bottom of a beautiful river, climbing over rocks until we get to multiple indigenous Taíno rock carvings – so called Petroglyphs – which survived 600-1000 years for you to see it up-close.

Bio Bay Kayak Tour

Experience the glowing wonder of one of only five Bioluminescent Bays on the planet, of which one is located in Vietnam, one in Jamaica and 3 of them in Puerto Rico’s waters. The “Bio Bay” in Fajardo is the one easiest to get to by rental car when visiting Puerto Rico. Unlike the bigger tour companies operating there, we won’t just process you through with large groups and as usual take our time for you to enjoy a private tour.

Snorkel Hiking Tour

Snorkeling is a must-do experience for everyone who is not afraid of water and even for beginners and non-swimmer. After a short but very nice hike through the dry forest, we will have a chance to watch peaceful moray eels, turtles, stingrays, octopus, blow fishes among many other fish types. Every visit at the reef is completely different and there is always something interesting to see.

Paradise Tours Puerto Rico

Why book with us.

Unlike the bigger companies that aren’t based on the island and who started copying our tour with large crowds, we can keep you safe. We will offer an actual guided tour and no boring shortcuts. We will take pictures of you so you can focus on enjoying the moment – hands free. Our groups are kept small, so we have the chance to get to know you and with it your fears and wishes, to make sure your tour with us will offer long lasting memories and not end in disappointment. You really get what you pay for and you are supporting real families, not corporations!

We love kids

We specialize in smaller groups for safety and the best experience for our guests. For that reason families choose us be their guide, because we can ensure the safety of your family and friends. We also host tours with kids with disabilities including blindness with great success. Our safety record is outstanding, unlike the aforementioned copy cats who bring more people than they can handle, which already resulted in serious injury and even death. Not with us! Your children and your family and friends are safe with us and we keep the groups small and private.

Excellent reviews

We have more than 1500 5-star reviews all over the web and are very grateful about the warm response to what we offer. Even more amazingly, we have become friends with so many of our guests over the years and stay in contact in social media where we see our families grow and appreciate each others adventures elsewhere. We are looking forward to meet you soon and explore nature together. Book the original 🙂

My experience on this journey was like something straight out of a movie. Everything about it was amazing including our guide Chris who was such a spectacular tour guide and a great person to be around. The location itself is very beautiful and magical with several waterfalls and no mosquito to be found. There is so much adventure to have including a 100% painless natural water slide, an exhilarating leap into the beautiful waters from a high ledge, and a daring rope swing that you can’t just go on once. Although this experience can be more on the wild side it does not have to be and you can take a more laid back approach and have just as good of a time with the beautiful sights and sounds that surrounds you. I highly recommend this amazing experience and hope you can have as much fun as I did, you’ll be glad you did.

Adriana was an amazing tour guide! We had a great time hiking through the forest. Our favorite part was the natural water slide, cliff jumping, and rope swing into the water. El Yunque is beautiful, and Adriana was so helpful and explanatory during the entire trip! Definitely an experience we will never forget 🙂

I am so glad my husband & I ran into Chris from Paradise Tours in PR. We had an amazing Snorkeling experience (They made sure I was safe, and patiently thought me how to go around snorkeling and enjoyed the great sights as I can’t really swim). More than anything it was Chris’ passion & personal interest to give a tourist the whole package filled with thrill, adventure, exploring, being in complete awe by drawing you close to nature, info about must see places that made our vacation more memorable.  If you ever plan a trip to PR I strongly recommend you to contact Paradise Tours to get the experience of your life.

This is a MUST DO when you are PR! We signed up at the last minute because we had an unexpected free day and this ended up as a highlight of our trip. Jan is super fun and informative; an absolutely amazing guide! It is an adventure tour, so prepare to come home tired (and muddy!) at the end of the day. It was a great value for the experience. Even with the adventurous nature, my two middle-school-aged kids were totally capable of participating in all of the fun. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

We had the best time on this tour. Adriana was our tour guide and she was great. She told us a bunch of interesting facts about plants and wildlife at the rainforest and was just a very pleasant person to be around. Everything is as advertised, it’s really an adventurous adventure tour too. Would recommend and hopefully do it again some time!

We had Jan as our guide. He did an amazing job helping us navigate up and down the trails. He was knowledgeable of the area, did a great job answering any questions, and helped us have fun jumping, sliding and swimming in the area. He took pictures for us to help us capture our memories of the day.

This was our first time in Puerto Rico & the 2 morning we spent with Chris were the highlight of our trip. I was with my three children ages 12, 14, & 16 and we all had an absolute blast! We spent our first morning learning how to SUP for the first time. Chris was so patient and let everyone go at their own pace. He took us to a remote beach where we were able to find some beautiful conch shells to bring home with us. The second morning we spent at the rainforest relaxing in the natural pools, cliff diving, and going down natural water slides. I loved that Chris took safety very seriously and gave everyone the perfect amount of attention. This was so gorgeous and something I’ve never experienced before. We were the only people there so I loved the privacy. I don’t think we would have been able to enjoy Puerto Rico without these tours. Chris was the best! I highly recommend taking both tours and if we return to Puerto Rico Chris is on the top of my list to schedule our adventures.

We had a tour with Jan and he has incredible! Very informative, went at our pace, and gave us several options. He also took some of our favorite pictures on our entire trip! The hike itself wasn’t difficult but the terrain was a bit treacherous. Be prepared to scramble, get dirty, and wet in all the best ways (with areas to clean up of course). It’s also great to start at 8 am and have privacy before seeing tons of groups enter as we were leaving. 10/10 would recommend.

This tour was beyond AMAZING!!! I had so much fun with Chris and the other people along in our tour. I really loved how he stopped and took the time to explain to us the various plants and wild life along the way. He played a little trivia game with us along the way. It was refreshing to see someone really care about nature and want to preserve it. He also made sure we were safe at all times. He always offered his assistance to make sure we got through the trail smoothly. I absolutely recommend this tour and the tour guide to anyone who loves nature and wants to explore new things!!! After our tour he took us to a local food place; literally the best Mofongo I had the entire trip!! 10/10 would absolutely go on his tour again!!!

This was a wonderful adventure! Chris was able to spot out pieces of the rainforest that one would not originally notice. His genuine care for our safety as well as adventure on the trip was admirable. This was a nice escape from a larger crowd and has me still smiling thinking about it (8 hours later) thank you Chris!

Can’t say enough good things about Jan and Paradise Tours. This was hands down one of our favorite experiences on our vacation. The scenery was amazing, the slide and jumps/rope swing were a blast, and it was nice to learn more about Puerto Rico and the rainforest on the educational portion. Jan was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating, and put in genuine effort to ensure we had a great time. I will recommend this to anyone visiting Puerto Rico!

My family and I did the rainforest water slide tour and it was AMAZING! Our guide’s name was Jan and he was the best! He made it such a memorable experience! Don’t bother with the other companies. Paradise Tours PR is hands down the best! As we were ending our tour we saw many other companies with very large groups and it looked awful to be a part of such a large group. Thankfully our tour was small and private which made it a much more enjoyable experience!

Questions about our tours or ready to book? Send us an email. For the fastest reply or booking, please send us a text in Whatsapp!

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Explore Puerto Rico Eco-Tourism Adventures

Immersive guided eco-conscious tours of Puerto Rico

Hidden Rainforest Waterpark Tour

Indulge yourself in Puerto Rico’s national treasure

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico. You don’t want to miss it! Join us for a professionally guided tour where you will experience a scenic hiking trail, a natural rock slide, pristine rainforest pools, and much more.

RIVER EXPEDITION

Discover one of Puerto Rico’s lushest regions and its rich Taino culture

Step out of San Juan and journey into the culture and mythology of Puerto Rico’s indigenous roots for a fully immersive all-day tour. From one of the richest locations on the Island, known for its lush scenery and raw nature, to a farm-to-table meal with local crops that are unique to Puerto Rico’s cuisine, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience — don’t miss it!

Meet Your Guide

Tristan Lebron

Tour Guide / Guía Turístico

​ Buenas! Bienvenidos a Tranki Tours, my name is Tristan. 

I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there is little to no Boricua nor Caribbean culture. While it’s a culturally rich region in the United States, something was still missing. I remained intrigued and curious about my family’s roots in Puerto Rico. After beginning my travels around the world, I decided it was time to seek the same fulfillment from Isla del Encanto.

Since relocating in 2020, my life has blossomed into everything I never imagined it could be. I increasingly appreciate our island, people, and culture with each passing day, and I aim to spark that feeling within you during our time together. I love being outdoors and connecting with people. And the fact that I can do both in my favorite place on earth is a blessing for me. Puerto Rico is full of enchantment, and it’s an honor to make our tours the highlight of your trip!

What are you waiting for?

Acampa Nature Adventure Tours

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Acampa Nature Adventure Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Nature/Birdwatching Tours

Puerto Rico is home to hundreds of endemic, visitor and migrating bird species such as warblers, hummingbirds, cuckoos, parrots and more. The avifauna of Puerto Rico is composed of 349 species, 18 of which are endemic. Approximately 120 species, including both native and introduced, breed regularly in the island. Our experienced guides will put you in direct contact with nature and will help you find and identify the birds. If you love birds and nature, this birding expedition is for you.

The Island is full of many other animals, plants and wonders of nature worth exploring. You can see manatees, crabs, whales, dolphins, lizards... There are many different places to be in contact with nature like forests, beaches, caves, rivers and more. These tours are also customizable. We can give you several options of places to go, length of the tour and other activities to combine it with. Contact us today to design the right nature tour for you.

Anativa Tours is a local business based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, dedicated to providing customized guided tours of the main attractions in our Island. Our guides have more than 30 years of experience offering unforgettable tourism experiences to our visitors from all over the World. Our experience and professionalism are backed by our government certifications and by loyal tourists who come back to us. Anativa Tours is an equal opportunity employer.

Why Choose Us

• Puerto Rico Tourism Company certified tour guide
• AQUILA certified tour guide
• Trasportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) granted by USA Department of Homeland Security
• Over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry
• Personalized service and customized tours

First Class Transportation

We want you to be comfortable and safe at all times. That is why we drive our valued customers around the Island in our updated, 7 passenger Mercedes Benz van with AC and comfy seats. We can pick you up at the port, airport or hotel. If you come with a larger group, we can provide an extra vehicle. All our vehicles and guides are certified. Relax and enjoy your tour!

The best guided tours in Puerto Rico

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BirdsCaribbean Partnership Tour

Puerto rico: birding the island of enchantment, tour focus birds & wildlife.

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• PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment Quantity Deposit/Payment per Person:
• 2024 :: December 03 - December 08
• 2025 :: January 02 - January 07
• 2025 :: February 04 - February 09
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SCHEDULED TOURS

Trip leaders, gabriel lugo.

From: $2,750  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from San Juan (SJU)

3 - 7  Participants

AVAILABILITY

December 2024: 7 spaces available

January 2025: 6 spaces available

February 2025: 7 spaces available

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

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Highlights of PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment

• Explore the many varied habitats of Puerto Rico
• 19 endemic bird species and many other Caribbean specialties
• Several threatened or endangered species, such as the Puerto Rican Parrot!
• Great food, great scenery, great time in paradise!

Description of PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment

This fun and easy exploration of Puerto Rico’s prime birding locations will target the island’s 19 endemic birds and other Caribbean specialties during 6-days/5-nights with our local guide and Caribbean specialist, Gabriel Lugo! Many of the island’s specialties are threatened or endangered, and many species currently recognized as regional subspecies may one day be split to become an island endemic. In the case of the Puerto Rican Parrot and ‘Caribbean’ Sharp-shinned Hawk, there are very few individuals left in the wild. During our trip we will explore a variety of habitats; from the cliffs and rocky beaches along the northern coast, to the jungle forests on karst ‘haystack hills’ in the northwest, to the salty lagoons and dry thorn scrub along the southwest coast, through the central cloud forests, to the sandy beaches of the eastern coastline. We’ll visit all corners of this small island looking for some great birds and enjoying the friendly and colorful communities of Puerto Rico along the way!

Some tours may be combined with our DOMINICAN REPUBLIC tour! Ask us for more details!

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival in San Juan Day 2 – Northern Karst Region endemics (BLD) Day 3 – Rio Abajo endemics & Puerto Rican Nightjar (BLD) Day 4 – Maricao endemics (BLD) Day 5 – Cartagena Lagoon & Plain Pigeon (BLD) Day 6 – Morning birding & airport drop-offs at noon (B)

(BLD = Breakfast, Lunch Dinner included)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival in san juan.

Arrive at anytime today for your night in San Juan at the Airport Hotel. No meals are included today. We will begin as a group the following morning.

DAY 2 – NORTHERN KARST REGION ENDEMICS

Today we’ll bird the Northern Karst region, driving from San Juan and stopping along the way to look for Puerto Rican endemics plus many Caribbean specialties.

Karst, a landscape characterized by eroded limestone, covers more than one third of the island’s territory. The Northern Karst is located primarily in the subtropical moist forest life zone. The karst region originated in a marine environment, as many as 140 million years ago. Geological processes have created spectacular landforms, such as the haystack hills, or mogotes, which are unique formations within the United States. Due to its rugged topography the karst region of Puerto Rico holds the most extensive forest canopy cover on the island.

The karst region also harbors the richest biodiversity in Puerto Rico, with more than 1,300 species of plants and animals found here. It is prime habitat for most of the native and endemic species of wildlife, including 30 Federally listed threatened and endangered species. Many of these species are only known from karst ecosystems. More than 75 species of Neotropical migratory birds use the karst as wintering habitat. The northern karst belt of Puerto Rico has also been identified as a viable release site for the establishment of the second wild population of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.

Some of the forests and reserves we may visit:

Tortuguero Lagoon Natural Reserve, Cambalache State Forest, Caño Tiburones.

Endemic birds that are possible in this area:

Adelaide’s Warbler Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Emerald Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Mango Green Mango Puerto Rican Owl

Other interesting birds possible today:

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Lesser Antillean Pewee (Nearly Endemic) Black-whiskered Vireo Grasshopper Sparrow Mangrove Cuckoo Bridled Tern White-tailed Tropicbird White-cheeked Pintail West Indian Whistling-Duck White-crowned Pigeon Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail-Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Northern Red Bishop Least Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 3 – RIO ABAJO ENDEMICS & PUERTO RICAN NIGHTJAR

Rio Abajo State Forest is the home of the most successful population of the extremely endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Because El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico’s highlands was the last place the parrots survived in the wild, biologists had long believed the parrots should be reintroduced there. But after years of frustrating attempts to establish a healthy population at El Yunque, they decided to try another site, selecting Rio Abajo, a region of rugged terrain 60 miles to the west. Parrots disappeared from Rio Abajo in the 1920s following the loss of primary forests, but today the area supports dense second-growth woodlands suitable for the birds. In 2006, scientists introduced a new flock to the region, and since then, “the population in Rio Abajo has taken us by surprise,” says Tom White, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist with the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. “We had no idea it would work so well.”

Two years ago, after nine releases of 133 birds, the Rio Abajo flock numbers at least 72 and perhaps as many as 134. The lower figure is the number positively identified during the last oficial count, but parrots can disappear into this rugged terrain for months. At least 69 birds have fledged from wild nests. Many continue to settle around the aviary cages, creating a flock of captive and wild birds. The sight of wild parrots wheeling through the forest and the sound of their clown-horn squawks stimulate captive birds to lay. On the walk in Rio Abajo we’ll be looking for quail doves along the road plus as many endemics if still needed after our first day.

After Rio Abajo we’ll visit hummingbird feeders to have looks of our 2 endemic hummers: Puerto Rican Emerald and Green Mango, plus the Antillean Mango. Then we will drive along the northwestern coast on the way to the subtropical dry forest in the southwestern side of the Island. This area might be the driest part but is one of the greatest areas for birding and beautiful landscapes in Puerto Rico. We’ll have a short drive at dusk looking for Puerto Rican Nightjar.

Tonight we’ll stay at Parador Villa Parguera, from where you’ll have the option to visit the Bioluminescent Bay to see one of the most spectacular natural shows. Please, if you want to swim in this spectacular place, let us know to arrange this optional trip for you (around $45). We have two nights for this.

Bioluminescent Bay (ofen called Bio Bay) is one of the Puerto Rico’s key tourist destinations. The water luminescence is triggered by dinoflagellates, oceanic plankton which is able to generate an emerald green and ultramarine illumination when water is physically disturbed. Dinoflagellates are incredibly delicate microorganisms and are very sensible to the environment conditions such as balance of salt in the water, local climate, deepness of lagoon, air and water pollution, etc.

Some of the forests/reserves we may visit

Rio Abajo State Forest, La Parguera, and Guajataca Cliffs.

Puerto Rican Parrot Puerto Rican Emerald Green Mango Adelaide’s Warbler Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Nightjar (at dusk)

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Lesser Antillean Pewee (Nearly Endemic) Black-whiskered Vireo Mangrove Cuckoo Bridled Tern White-tailed Tropicbird Masked Duck White-cheeked Pintail Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail-Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 4 – MARICAO ENDEMICS

Today will feature birding in the Maricao State Forest looking for our targets the Elfin-woods Warbler and Puerto Rican Tanager plus any additional endemics. Then we’ll drive to south coast with birding stops along the way. The Elfin-woods Warbler was first observed in 1968 by Cameron and Angela Kepler while they were conducting observations on two Puerto Rican endemic birds, Puerto Rican Parrot and Puerto Rican Tody. On May 18, 1971, a specimen was captured in El Yunque National Forest. A year later Kepler and Parkes described and named the species making it the most recent warbler of the large and familiar genus Setophaga to be discovered. Also, it is the first species described in the Caribbean since 1927 and the first Puerto Rican species described in the 20th century. The species name, angelae, is a tribute to Angela Kepler. Elfin-woods warbler is an alternative spelling, and Reinita de Bosque Enano is the Spanish name.

The Puerto Rican Tanager—which is not really a tanager—now an endemic family, Nesospingidae, of which it is the sole member, making it a unique endemic bird indeed! We plan to arrive back at our hotel in the afternoon, hopefully after finding the very local and endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.

Maricao State Forest, La Parguera, Cabo Rojo Salt Flats.

Elfin-woods Warbler Puerto Rican Tanager Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Adelaide’s Warbler Green Mango Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Owl Puerto Rican Nightjar (at dusk if we don’t get it the first try)

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Endemic ssp.) Antillean Nighthawk (Summer) White-cheeked Pintail Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail- Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Venezuelan Troupial Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 5 – CARTAGENA LAGOON & PLAIN PIGEON

We’ll explore Cartagena Lagoon National Wildlife Refuge looking for West Indian Whistling-Duck and other species before departing to search for the endangered Plain Pigeon in the central mountains. Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge offers unique scenery that mixes wetland with dry forest and one of the oldest geological formations in the Caribbean.

The bird diversity here is sure to entertain even non-birders. Once you enter the dirt road that signals the way to the refuge you enter a mosaic of habitats, you get a feeling of going someplace special. First there are some hay and cattle farms, where we can find a myriad of open land bird species like doves, swallows, grassquits and some established exotic finches. In the background you will see the ancient Sierra Bermeja, home to the endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar and a very unique flora with high endemism. There’s a stark contrast of open land, forest, and then a big expanse of water. There is a dike where we’ll walk and have a good view of the surrounding wetland.

Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge and East-Central IBA.

White-cheeked Pintail Yellow-breasted Crake Masked Duck Plain Pigeon Mangrove Cuckoo Black-faced Grassquit Yellow-faced Grassquit Grasshopper Sparrow Orange Bishops Bronze Mannikin Scaly-breasted Munia

DAY 6 – MORNING BIRDING & AIRPORT DROPOFFS AT NOON (B)

After some morning birding we will make all airport drop-offs at 12:oopm/noon. Please plan afternoon departure fights accordingly.

Cost Details

Cost is $2,750 per person, based upon double occupancy, from San Juan (Airport code SJU). This trip ends in San Juan (Airport code SJU).

Single Supplement

If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $450 will be assessed.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

Activity level, activity level rating:  2  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

Easy walks with a fair bit of driving between locations.

Additional Information

Purchasing flights.

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

SPECIES LISTS & TRIP REPORTS

2024 Puerto Rico February eBird TRIP REPORT

2024 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico December eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico November eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico February eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico December Trip 1 eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico December Trip 2 eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico with Sierra Club eBird TRIP REPORT

2020 Puerto Rico with Orange County Audubon Private Trip eBird TRIP REPORT

2021 Puerto Rico Dec 10-15 eBird TRIP REPORT

2021 Puerto Rico Dec 2-6 eBird TRIP REPORT

2018 (3 – 5-day tours / 2 – 3-day tours all post-hurricane) Puerto Rico Checklists

2017 Puerto Rico eBird TRIP REPORT

2017 (2 – 5-day tours all before hurricane Maria) Puerto Rico Checklists

2016 (5 – 5-day tours / 1 – 1-day trip) Puerto Rico Checklists

2015 (8 – 5-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

2014 (6 – 5-day tours / 2 – 1-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

2013 (6 – 5-day tours / 3 – 1-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

iNaturalist Guide to Wildlife, Insects, & Plants seen on this tour!

Image Gallery

Location Map

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• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Bacardi Distillery and Old San Juan Combo Tour

On this tour we’ll be exploring the Bacardi Rum Distillery and the Historical area of the Old San Juan.

Our Adventures Include:

Puerto Rico's Biggest Waterfall Adventure!

Book your adventure today!

Big Waterfall Rappelling!without all the hassle and work of managing ropes. We will do the HARD work for you as you enjoy the broad view of this beautiful waterfall as you go down in our modern Yagua(guided rappel)

More than 150' of Waterfall Rappelling!

The challenge of rappelling awaits you in a beautiful, tropical setting.

In order to reach the top, we will climb up a via ferrata, securing ourselves to steel cables as we progress.

We will be hiking through a primary forest, where a diversity of native trees and a unique tropical habitat can be observed.

Taking in the views of Puerto Rico's central mountain range.

Experience Puerto Rico's

Best waterfall rainforest adventure, i magine, as an adventure traveler, getting the chance to go off-grid and move away from all the classic touristic things you get offered 24/7 and bypassing the crazy amount of filters of “things to do” while traveling to puerto rico. finally, you found us, the real deal. if you want to go deep inside puerto rico into an exclusive area and hike, climb, see amazing views, enjoy great nature, rappel down amazing waterfalls and in the end get to enjoy authentic food with the locals, i think you finally are in the right place. get ready to discover one of the best things to do in puerto rico., prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Some of Our   Signature Adventures

Our adventures are epic and action-packed each one starts with a warm-up hike through the rainforest, followed by river climbing and waterfall rappelling. our goal is to help you reconnect with nature and provide you with a unique and exhilarating outdoor experience. .

INTO THE MOUNTAINS WATERFALLS, HIKING & COFFEE

A tour for the Hikers , Culture, History, and Waterfalls Lovers. Enjoy the culture of the Countryside of Puerto Rico as you enter the "Door of the Mountain Range." sightseeing, Waterfalls, and more in one of the most beautiful natural spots in Puerto Rico!!!

SAN SALVADOR HIKING & RAPPELLING ADVENTURE​

Off The Beaten Path River Hiking

Waterfall Rappelling Adventure in Puerto Rico"

(At the moment only by request)

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN RANGE HIKING & RAPPELLING ADVENTURE

Off The Beaten Path Hiking

The Best Off The Beaten Path Rainforest Adventure in Puerto Rico , Big Tree Forrest Hiking, River Trekking, Waterfall Rappelling ,  and more!  Includes   Transportation (from a Pre-Selected Meeting Point. Please check CONTACT/HOW TO GET THERE) , Certified Guides, All Equipment, and a full  Puerto Rican Authentic Countryside Lunch (subject to change - if this happens a secondary option or alternative will be provided) .   Our exclusive location(private nature reserve ) seats close to the Highest Rainforest Reserve in Puerto Rico, Toro Negro Reserve, and Bosque Estatal Tres Pichachos NOT in EL Yunque but away from the big crowds. PLEASE NOTE: READ THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BOOKING ONE OF OUR ACTIVITIES.   Powered by  FareHarbor:   Booking software and services for tours and activities  www.fareharbor.com .

We are more than an ecotourism company...

We are an outdoor adventure community!

Smile more, Regret a little less

We love outdoor activities, and have done a variety of different tours on several islands ( hiking, four wheeling, snorkeling,zip lining, jet skiing,archeological excavations...); this was definitely the most natural and most intense of all of them! This waterfall rappelling tour is the REAL DEAL--beautiful hiking & bouldering in the forest, and the COOLEST experience of rappelling down waterfalls ( yes, INSIDE the waterfall!) !!

dvmtravel... Poughkeepsie, Estado de Nueva York

“WOOHOO!! A REAL adventure trip!”

P.O. BOX 1289 Aguas Buenas, P.R. 00703

  [email protected]  |

 Tel: +1 787-315-8797

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Altura and covid - 19.

ALTURA is committed to following the most up to date COVID 19 Health and Safety Guidelines. Some of these practices are but no limited to practicing good hygiene, avoiding physical contact, limiting group sizes, cleaning, and sanitizing accessible spaces before, during, and after every experience. 

Enchanted Secret Waterfall Hiking Tour

8 Fun And Unique Puerto Rico Adventures

T here are so many fun Puerto Rico Adventures that you can enjoy during your visit to this fun tropical Island. Excursions in Puerto Rico are some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. Not only do you get outdoors, but you are able to experience the thrill of trying new things and the excitement of exploring a tropical destination and all of its wonders. 

Over the years, Puerto Rico’s history has been shaped by its nature and culture, making it a perfect place to explore. One of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico is snorkeling and scuba diving. Along the scenic beaches of Puerto Rico, you can enjoy exploring its abundant coral reefs with diverse marine life.

Puerto Rico excursions range from water and boat activities to those in the rainforest and on dry land. It offers a variety of adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts. You could spend a full week on the island and not even experience all the adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico. 

You may want to consider adding one day in San Juan before or after your adventures, as the city is well worth the time to explore.

Here are several adventures in Puerto Rico that involve getting into or on the water or outdoors and into nature. 

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT.

Where To Stay In Puerto Rico

One of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico is the Caribe Hilton in San Juan . It’s not only oceanfront, but it has its very own private beach with calm waters for snorkeling, an incredible outdoor pool area, and several restaurants on sight. I stayed here during my visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico and used it as a great central location. It’s only a 10-minute Uber ride to Old San Juan or a 15-minute Uber ride to the international airport.

Click here to check rates for Caribe Hilton.

If you’re looking for more fun in Puerto Rico beyond the adventurous experiences, then you may want to consider combing your trip to be part-adventure and part-relaxation and book a few nights in one of the top Puerto Rico resorts for families .

Puerto Rico Adventures

If you want to discover Puerto Rico in the most epic way possible, then this is the perfect guide for you. From snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, and more, there are plenty of ways to experience a thrilling adventure traveling to Puerto Rico.

Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bays

Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bays with Pure Adventure . Experience the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence by kayaking through the bioluminescent bays in Fajardo. Paddle through the dark waters and witness the water glowing with natural light caused by bioluminescent organisms. Going on a kayak tour will surely make it easy to spot them!

I experienced an incredible trip kayaking with Pure Adventure and saw the unique bioluminescent bays. It’s a truly unique excursion that I’ve never experienced before.

Snorkeling or Diving in Vieques

Explore the underwater wonders of Vieques Island, an island municipality of Puerto Rico. Book a snorkeling tour or dive in the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and the famous bioluminescent bay. Take a short flight as we did, or hire a snorkeling boat tour. 

Snorkeling tours are often the most popular choice for families looking for a Puerto Rico adventure, as it is relatively easy and safe. However, if you are up for more Puerto Rico outdoor activities that are more intense, scuba diving can be a great option. 

Horseback riding  – Carabalí Rainforest 

Take a ride through the beautiful landscape of El Yunque National Forest and go on a ride along the banks of the Mameyes River. This horseback riding tour is a perfect way to explore the lush rainforest connecting with Puerto Rico nature.

The Carabalí Rainforest Park: Rainforest Horseback Riding Tour is a 1 to 2-hour guided tour so be sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty of nature with some incredible pictures. Along the way, you’ll learn a little bit about the natural history of the area and the park organization that is dedicated to protecting the environment.

Book your horseback riding tour to experience the stunning beauty of Puerto Rico and admire the countryside on horseback.

Hike El Yunque Rainforest and Natural Waterslide

If you’re up for adventure in Puerto Rico and you want to see one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico , then this tour is a must-do!

Hiking in El Yunque National Forest should be on your Puerto Rico bucket list. Explore the lush tropical rainforest of El Yunque and it’s natural pools! It’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and diverse flora and fauna.

Book this Rainforest hike that lasts 7 hours, including transportation From San Juan. 

Carabali Rainforest ATV Tour

If I were to pick only one family activity in Puerto Rico to go to, it would be the Carabali Rainforest ATV Tour . Everyone will surely enjoy this adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures with expert guides in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the El Yunque Tropical Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean.

Book this rainforest ATV tour that will allow you to see the spectacular scenery of the east coast of Puerto Rico while roaming through towering trees, treading through creeks, climbing hills, and coasting through vast, rugged rainforest terrain on our 650cc four tracks! This is a 2-hour four-track ride that is available daily, well, make sure to book your rainforest ATV tour early to guarantee a spot.

Snorkeling Boat Tour to Culebra

Have an underwater adventure when you book this snorkeling boat tour to Culebra , an island municipality of Puerto Rico that is known for its pristine white sand beaches and colorful marine life. Or, consider spending a night or two on the island and exploring all the fun things to do in Culebra .

If you do decide to take the boat tour, know that it is accompanied by professional guides. To start, you’ll head toward Culebra Island on an approximately 1-hour boat trip, and once you’re there, you’ll jump into the water and snorkel around the amazing coral reefs.

They provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices, so all you need to do is swim around and explore the gorgeous reefs and beautiful marine life. Book your snorkeling boat tour to Culebra and experience a thrilling adventure in the ocean.

Other Adventurous Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Zip-lining in toro verde adventure park.

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the mountains of Orocovis at Toro Verde Adventure Park. The park offers one of the longest zip lines in the world, called “The Beast,” where you can soar high above the treetops. Book your zipline tour here !

Surfing in Rincón

Known as the “Caribbean’s Surfing Capital,” Rincón is a popular destination for surfers in Western Puerto Rico. The town offers excellent waves for all skill levels, making it a great spot to catch some waves or take surfing lessons.

Caving in Camuy River Cave Park

Embark on an underground adventure at Camuy River Cave Park, one of the largest cave systems in the Western Hemisphere. Book a full day tour and explore the vast network of caves, marvel at impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and take a guided tour of this natural wonder.

Old San Juan Walk and Taste Tour

Old San Juan area is home to some of the oldest colonial settlements in the Americas. Book a walking and taste tour of Old San Juan and enjoy not only the vibrant colors of the city’s architecture but the incredible food.

You’ll be able to take in the sights and sounds of local culture and browse through boutique shops. Plus, there are many outdoor activities in San Juan, Puerto Rico so take advantage of it while you’re in the area.

Book a Travel Photoshoot in San Juan

One of my favorite things that I booked during my visit to Puerto Rico was a Flyotographer travel photoshoot . It’s a way to hire a local professional photographer to capture photos of you and you family or friends on your trip. Talk about a perfect set of xmas card photos to share with family and friends this year! Use the code: LetsTravelFam to save $25 when you book here .

Book your travel photoshoot now and lock in your spot with Flytographer. Use the code: LetsTravelFam to save $25 when you book here .

Explore Mosquito Bay

During our trip here, I learned that the brightest bioluminescent bay is Mosquito Bay which is on Vieques Island. It was recognized by the Guinness world records. You can book your Bio Bay Tour here to take you to the best spots. It is widely known for its natural beauty and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico.

Go to National Parks

Explore the natural beauty of Puerto Rico by visiting one of its many national parks. El Yunque National Forest, Guajataca State Forest, and Toro Negro State Forest are just a few of the natural wonders that Puerto Rico has to offer.

These are just a few of the many outdoor activities in Puerto Rico. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, or exploring natural wonders, Puerto Rico has something to offer for every adventure seeker.

FAQs about Excursions in Puerto Rico

When it comes to going on adventures in Puerto Rico, there are often several questions many people have.

Yes, there are many unique things to do in Puerto Rico. From ATV tours in rainforests to zip-lining through mountain treetops, Puerto Rico has no shortage of adventure activities to choose from.

Yes, Puerto Rico is close to several other islands and attractions. It can take about a 1-hour ride from San Juan on the ferry in Ceiba to visit the islands of Vieques & Culebra.

Most locals speak in Spanish and most of them do not use the English language regularly. But, English is widely spoken in tourist areas such as Fajardo and San Juan, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Yes, there are a number of recommended itineraries for exploring Puerto Rico. However, if you want to free travel, our tour recommendation mentioned above can really help you enjoy the most of your trip.

The post 8 Fun And Unique Puerto Rico Adventures appeared first on Let's Travel Family .

More From Forbes

3 lavish caribbean hotels for rum lovers.

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Rum has historically been known as "kill-devil" due to its strong taste and aroma.

While iconic Caribbean dishes span from ackee and saltfish to coucou and flying fish to mofongo, each island across the region is united by one common spirit: rum, to be precise. Derived from fermented and distilled molasses, this alcoholic beverage has played a major role in Caribbean culture for centuries, with the world’s oldest surviving rum distillery deed dating back to 1703 and hailing from Barbados. In the modern era, the spirit also serves as a major draw for tourism, with the Caribbean’s most opulent hotels and resorts offering carefully-curated rum experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you plan your next booze-focused foray into the region, don’t miss out on these world-class hotels.

King Christian Hotel, St. Croix

The U.S. Virgin Islands were administered by Denmark until 1917.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has earned abundant acclaim for its scenic beaches and charming settlements—and for those hoping to explore the idyllic beauty of Christiansted, the King Christian Hotel is the perfect base. The property rests just steps away from the Christiansted National Historic Site, providing guests with ample opportunity to explore the town’s many shops and historic attractions, while visiting seafarers are welcome to set off on a snorkeling tour of nearby Buck Island. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick close to the property can spend the day lounging in the outdoor pool or catching some rays on the sundeck.

St. Croix is home to its fair share of charming bars, but when it comes to boozy rum concoctions, Breakers Roar is tough to beat. Housed within the King Christian Hotel, this nautical-themed drinking and dining concept has mastered the art of tiki, with no shortage of complex cocktails to sample during a stay. Options around here range from the coconut and vanilla-infused Banana Bana to the gin and passionfruit-loaded Saturn Cocktail, while truffle fries, Thai chili wings and other small plates are up for grabs as well. And as an added bonus, St. Croix’s Cruzan Rum Distillery reopened for tours in early 2024, providing island visitors with an opportunity to sample local rum straight from the source.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to a wealth of endemic species ranging from the elfin woods warbler to the ... [+] Puerto Rican boa.

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Perched on the pristine shores of northeastern Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve showcases the spectacular beauty of the island’s Río Grande municipality. For visiting nature lovers, the property’s 29 hectares serve as a crucial haven for all sorts of native birds and reptiles, while those hoping to explore one of Puerto Rico’s most dazzling preserves can make their way to the iconic El Yunque National Forest for a lengthy hike—and to sweeten the deal, the property has mastered the art of relaxation as well. For those in need of an idyllic getaway, amenities span from a sprawling outdoor pool complex to an on-site Rainforest Spa, while the recently-opened Villas en la Reserva come complete with soaking tubs, open-air balconies and decadent pan sobao delivered daily.

Puerto Rico is home to world-class rum brands that span from BACARDÍ to Ron del Barrilito, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is perfect for sampling all that the island has to offer. Immediately upon arrival, guests can swing by the opulent Lobby Bar to sample an Old Timer, a rum-loaded riff on the Old Fashioned that features cinnamon, jalapeño, and local Puerto Rican rum. For those who prefer to relax poolside, La Mina makes a stellar Mai Tai, but for anyone in need of a truly dazzling dinner destination, Nori Teppanyaki is an essential spot. Upon arrival, guests can snag a refreshing lemongrass mojito as they marvel at the restaurant’s expert chefs, with dishes like pad thai, seafood fried rice and miso salmon all gracing the menu.

Colony Club, Barbados

Barbados is largely formed from coral limestone, a quality that imbues the island with clean ... [+] drinking water within its underground aquifers.

Home to beloved rum brands like Mount Gay and Foursquare, the sovereign island of Barbados has a deep connection to the spirits industry that dates back centuries—and few hotels exemplify this as well as Colony Club by Elegant Hotels . Just a few steps past the property’s outdoor koi pond, the Rum Vault offers a world-class drinking and dining experience that showcases the splendor of sugarcane distillate at its very finest. There are 150 rums up for grabs within the space, with options spanning from homegrown Bajan spirits to far-flung distillates from Japan and Mauritius—and the venue even comes with its own expert Rum Ambassadors to provide insight into each beverage as the Vault Chef crafts decadent cuisine to pair with each drink.

While the Rum Vault is certainly a highlight of the Colony Club, it’s far from the only amenity in place for guests to enjoy. The property’s Luxury Swim Up rooms serve as particularly relaxing accommodations, allowing guests to access the sprawling lagoon pool right from the patio, while carefully-manicured gardens and the hotel’s scenic strip of white sand beach both play host to all sorts of native Bajan wildlife. During early morning hours, guests are welcome to take advantage of a complimentary yoga or Pilates class, while afternoon brings the opportunity to set off on a guided stand up paddleboarding tour for a truly relaxing day on the water.

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Where to fly on a budget this summer

Airfare experts share their forecasts for summer vacation destinations that won’t break your budget.

This summer is shaping up to be another scorcher , and the demand for summer travel is piping hot, too. If early 2024 trends are any indication of what’s to come, “it’s looking to be busier than 2023,” said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight booking site Going . Recent airport passenger volume numbers have regularly exceeded last year and pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com , says airline capacity has rebounded from pandemic complications, but strong travel demand means summer flight prices can be high, depending on when you’re hoping to go. Flying in June, July or early August will be more expensive than later in the season, according to the company’s summer forecast .

“And it’s not just the airfare,” Klee said in an email. “Expensive hotel rates and crowds everywhere make Western Europe tricky for the summer.”

Despite the price tag, “people are going to go,” said Melanie Fish, the head of global public relations for all Expedia Brands, including Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com . “When we look at searches for destinations, they are definitely up year over year.”

For popular destinations like Europe , Klee and Fish say to push trips later into August, September or even October. Not only will prices soften, but you’ll alleviate some of the strain of overtourism .

“My number one tip is go ahead and take that summer vacation, but maybe hold on to take that big, big trip in September,” Fish said.

According to Expedia’s summer 2024 travel outlook , we’re currently in the sweet spot for shopping for early summer flights at the best rates, as Fish says lower fares tend to pop up 21 to 60 days out. It doesn’t hurt to start your search even earlier, setting up price alerts to flag when airfare drops. If you can swing it, look to fly on a Monday for international trips or a Tuesday for domestic trips to save up to 15 percent on fares, Fish added.

It’s not impossible to find good deals on airfare, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach trip , a mountain adventure or a vibrant city. Here are places that are trending cheaper — and the destinations you’ll want to avoid.

Go to Mexico

Sun, surf, culture, chilaquiles — Mexico is always a good idea , but particularly so this summer. With the opening of the new airport in Tulum , U.S. airlines have been adding gobs of new flights to Mexico, particularly to beach regions. “We’ve seen a healthy amount of deals down to Mexico resort areas like Cancún,” Nastro said.

Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , says three Mexican cities — Cancún, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — are among the top 10 destinations offering travelers the best bang for their buck in 2024.

To escape the summer heat, Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , recommends high-altitude destinations like Mexico City or Ixtapan de la Sal, a town near Mexico City with thermal springs.

Avoid European port cities

If you’re considering a visit to a popular European city that’s also a cruise hub, beware. Not only will you be battling the usual summer crowds, you’ll be joined by thousands of day-trippers flooding into the ports — meaning Barcelona, Venice , Athens and Santorini.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , says you can avoid some of the madness in these hot spots by staying in neighborhoods away from the typical tourist zones. You can also visit top sites in the late afternoon or evening, after cruise travelers have returned to their ships.

Better yet, wait to visit until the shoulder season

Go to Colorado

Epic hiking, breathtaking nature and more craft beer than you could ever try in a lifetime: The Centennial State is a domestic gem. Ashlee Collins of Inspirato , a luxury travel and lifestyle subscription service, says Vail is popular among members this summer. Not only is the ski resort beautiful sans snow, it’s drivable for many, cutting a significant cost for travelers.

Airfare to Colorado is looking more reasonable than other domestic vacation hubs. Nastro recently spotted a Miami-to-Denver, round-trip fare over the July Fourth holiday for just $199. She says an average round trip from major U.S. cities is running between $173 and $250, but those prices are expected to climb upward of $350 the closer we get to summer.

Avoid places at risk for wildfires

Wildfires have become an unfortunate fixture of summers in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year’s fires in Europe — including those in Cyprus and Greece — were among the worst so far this century, the European Commission reported .

Stoller says fire risk has been a factor in her summer travel planning; she nixed a New England cruise after remembering how bad smoke was last year because of the fires in Canada . “None of us can predict everything, but that would be something I would be aware of,” she said.

Extreme heat is also an issue. Last July, Southern Europe experienced excessively high temperatures from a “heat dome.”

“There’s a concern about heat,” Stoller said. “Last summer was really painful.”

Go to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has its peak tourist season during the winter, when Americans flock to warmer waters. That means summer trips to the region tend to be quieter and cheaper.

“You can go under $300 to pretty much all of the islands: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba, Dominican Republic,” said Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper . She’s seen similar price point flights to Colombia.

Lindsay of Skyscanner also said Puerto Rico and the Bahamas offer some of the most affordable flights from the United States this summer.

Avoid Paris

Unless you’re going for the Olympics , skip the French capital this summer.

“Paris is always a top destination in the summer, but this summer … it’s going to be on another level,” said Madison Pietrowski, head of U.S. brand at GetYourGuide .

Not only are hotel prices high, “we’re seeing that some of the top attractions like the Louvre have raised their ticket prices,” Pietrowski said.

Nastro says the crowds are going to be “bananas” during the Games, and not just in Paris. Olympic travelers are likely to add on other French destinations to their trip, like Nice — which will host soccer games — or the Côte d’Azur, which already gets popular in the summertime.

Even if you try to get ahead of the rush by visiting before the July 26 start date, you may still have some Olympics-related headaches in the French capital. As the city races to finish prep, “you might find that there’s going to be eyesores and scaffolding and loud noises early in the morning,” Nastro said.

Go to rural Europe

Interest in Western Europe has not slowed down, and Americans are expected to surge back en masse this summer. If you’d like to avoid them, put rural European destinations on your radar.

Weinacht is bullish on Spain’s Rioja region , the Basque countryside and the central Italian region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany but does not see the same levels of tourism. She’s also a fan of Carinthia, the least-populated state of Austria. “It is castle- and lake-dotted, doesn’t get too hot, and oh, the food and stories the cities and villages can tell,” Weinacht said in an email.

Weinacht says she’s been getting more requests from Americans for trips to her homeland, Germany. The country is easy to navigate with its high-speed trains, and offers a mix of small and big cities spread across powerhouse wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and many food festivals . According to Skyscanner, airlines in the United States have been increasing their flights to Germany — namely, Frankfurt, an international business hub — meaning you may be able to find more deals.

Avoid Sicily and Amalfi

If your dream Italian destination has been featured on TV lately, that’s a red flag. The last season of “The White Lotus” spurred an interest in already popular Sicily ; the same is happening to the Amalfi Coast thanks to the new Netflix miniseries “Ripley.”

“They’re really going to be the most expensive and they’re going to be pretty crowded for the summer,” Schwimer said.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.