If you have not done so yet, please enter your preferences for excursions.

Details (e.g. departure, arrival times) are still subject to change.

Excursions

Main conference attendees and accompanying guests are invited to join two excursions:

Tuesday excursion: El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque is the 3500' peak within Puerto Rico's Caribbean National Forest. The name derives from the Indian word "Yuqui" meaning white land, but was changed by the Spanish to "Yunque" which means anvil. When the peak is viewed from the north, it actually resembles an anvil.

The rainforest, covering 28,000 acres, contains 75% of the virgin forests left in Puerto Rico. The entire area is a bird sanctuary and holds claim to being the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Thanks to receiving 100 billion gallons of rain per year, the forest is able to sustain some 250 species of trees, 50 types of ferns and as many as 20 varieties of wild orchids. In addition to the flora and fauna, El Yunque is also home to an array of Puerto Rican wildlife.

We will depart from the conference hotel at 13:00, taking boxed lunches. Closed-toe, non-slippery shoes are highly recommended. Participants opting for the La Mina Hike are also encouraged to bring their bathing suit and take a towel and a change of clothes.

Option 1: Nature Walk

This is the non-strenuous option, with a stop at the park's Visitor Center, a stop at La Coca Falls, a stop at the Yokahu Tower Observatory, and a leisurely walk through one of the designated nature trails in the rainforest.

Option 2: La Mina Hike

This the more strenuous hike and is recommended for those that want a more physical challenge. Includes the stop at the Visitor's Center, a stop at the Yokahu Tower Observatory, and then a hike to the La Mina waterfall where it is possible to swim.

Thursday excursions

Participants will have a choice of three excursions on Thursday, all departing at 13:30 from the hotel

Option 1: Carite Forest and Guavate

This tour has unfortunately been cancelled☹. If you signed up for this trip, please email the general chair to change to another tour.

Option 2: Walking Tour of Old San Juan

We will first visit Fort San Cristobal for a guided tour of this fortification that successfully defended the old city from attack by the British and Dutch in centuries gone by. The next stop is Plaza del Quinto Centenario, the Plaza of the Quincentennial, a celebration of the discovery of Puerto Rico. From here we will take a leisurely downhill stroll through history through the following locations: Plaza San Jose, Gardens of Casa Blanca La Plazoleta de la Rogativa (the Plaza of the Procession), San Juan Gate, The Cathedral and many other places along the way. Participants will also have some time explore the area around Plaza Colón their own.

Option 3: Bacardi Distillery Tour and City Tour

A visit to the Bacardi Distillery for a tour and rum sample. After the tour at Bacardi, we will drive to Old San Juan for a visit to Fort San Cristobal and a short overview tour of the Old City ending at Plaza Colón for some free time to explore Old San Juan.