Puerto Rico
An Outdoor Discovery of Puerto Rico’s History & Heritage
Program No. 15635RJ
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An Outdoor Discovery of Puerto Rico’s History & Heritage
An Outdoor Discovery of Puerto Rico’s History & Heritage
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Participant Reviews
Based on 48 Reviews
SHOWING
it was a perfect winter get away. I got to explore a tropical area and learn a lot about an interesting Island hat is part of the USA
— Review left February 9, 2026
This was my first road scholar tour and it was amazing! Can not wait to go on another tour.
— Review left December 24, 2025
This tour was a bucket list item for me. I have wanted to visit PR for many years to experience the people, culture, old San Juan, and hiking in the rain forest. All of my expectations for this tour were exceeded. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed meeting the friendly people of PR, my fellow adventurers, the fantastic tour leader (Scott), and the many tour guides wherever we traveled throughout the island. Our bus driver, Carlos, was unbelievably skilled as he took us through heavy San Juan traffic or along narrow, curvy mountain roads. The hotel accommodations were superior. I highly recommend this RS tour.
— Review left December 20, 2025
Got a good view of San Juan and also Ponce plus great travel over the innards of Puerto Rico. Saw life in the cities plus on a historic sugar plantation, local museums, tasty restaurants and Mofongo!
— Review left December 15, 2025
Great trip with an especially wonderful leader. Andrea’s youthful enthusiasm and desire to help us appreciate the places and people she loves so much made the trip special. I felt like I was being guided by a long-lost niece who really wanted to connect and make sure I’d have a wonderful time. Daily logistics were well managed and the way she and bus driver Carlos handled a potentially dangerous bus breakdown couldn’t have been better. Favorite activities that surprised me by how much fun they were - Ponce mofungo class and bomba class. Learned the most from docents at Sugar plantation and on the San Juan and Ponce tours.
Some itinerary suggestions based on my personal preferences.
1. Allow more time for the small museums in Caguas
2. Consider dropping the Don Q castle tour in Ponce.
Muchas gracias!
— Review left November 20, 2025
Exceptional guide. Andy Torres anticipated problems before they became issued. The day our bus broke down she made certain everyone was safe and then she started directing traffic. She was incredible. She had the menus for every group meal do we could preorder before we arrived. It was all so easy and efficient. She and our bus driver Carlos were a fantastic team
She taught us new words every day, but she gave us detailed info about the words. She demonstrated grace, patience, compassion and humor every day. I would seriously consider taking another RS trip that she was leading. Top performance!
— Review left November 20, 2025
This is a great way to get to know Puerto Rico, we saw nature, art and learned a lot about their history.
— Review left November 3, 2025
This trip is an exploration of the history of Puerto Rico -- it's not a Caribbean beach vacation. The staff, and especially Andrea Torres, were excellent but it helps to have a serious interest in indigenous, colonial, and modern Puerto Rican history, architecture and landscape. I would do the trip all over again but would add 1-2 days at the end to relax.
— Review left May 25, 2025
I really learned a lot about the geography, flora, fauna, culture, and history of Puerto Rico. Also, I really enjoyed being in a tropical climate for a week during my winter.
— Review left March 4, 2025
RS #15635/Puerto Rico's History and Heritage;Pre-History to Present Day
An amazing adventure that blended a talented tour guide, Andrea Torres, a group of local experts who excelled in their delivery areas, and a truly compatible group of traveling companions who ALL contributed in making this RS adventure one of the best ever. Kudos to all....
— Review left January 22, 2025
We really enjoyed our Puerto Rico Road Scholar Program, as we learned a lot about the territory's history, culture, and natural environment. Our leader, Andrea, was terrific, well organized, and accommodating to various participants' mobility challenges (including mine). One note -- the air conditioning on the bus and in the Hampton Inn lobby is very cold, so be sure to bring a sweatshirt and jacket.
— Review left January 21, 2025
I loved the focus onthe history and onging heritage of Puerto Rico. We had the best leader and the other pqarticipants were good to be with. The sites to vist were chosen carefully and they were balanced, good variety. A privilege to experience this program.
— Review left January 21, 2025
Five stars! Andrea Torres is an outstanding leader and trip organizer. She's intelligent, enthusiastic and so patient! What a delight to be shown around the island by her and our wonderful driver Benji. There is so much to learn about Puerto Rico - a very diverse culture with many influences. The people were warm and friendly and the food was delicious! I especially enjoyed the coquito - a special holiday drink. We saw and did so much within just a week. This was an excellent introduction and I look forward to returning soon. I highly recommend it.
— Review left December 11, 2024
Leader Andrea was great as was driver Benjie. Beautiful country and good activities. More active than advertised. Vegetarians bring you own protein as Road Scholar is clueless.
— Review left December 10, 2024
We have always found the trip leaders on our Road Scholar trips to be wonderful. Somehow they always manage to get us everywhere we need to be on time without seeming to be pushy. However, Andrea Torres was exceptional. We had some rain during our week in Puerto Rico which was not unexpected as fall is the rainy season. But Andrea did her best to minimize the adjustments to the schedule. The only real impact was we were not able to go to the rain forest because the U. S. Forest Service closed it due to the threat of mudslides. But the visit to the Bicardi factory was a great substitute.
— Review left November 19, 2024
Excellent trip. Andrea was the best leader we have had on any Road Scholar trip. Her knowledge of the history, culture and ecology of Puerto Rico added to the ecperience. It rained, as should be expected during the rainy season but Andrea found alternate experiences. Highly recommend this tour and this leader.
— Review left November 18, 2024
I do not recommend this trip. There was too much free time and a few planned acivities were canceled. While the guide made suggestions for the down time, the hotels were situated very far away from everything, requiring a $25 cab ride in each direction, with no guidance on how to obtain a return cab to the hotel. There was very little scheduled for the last two days, and I left the tour early. I recommend changing to centrally located hotels.
— Review left November 13, 2024
Great trip that is a quick flight from the US vs an overseas journey. We had an excellent
guide and her passion for her country was infectious. There is lots to do that wasn't included in this tour so put it on your list of places to explore!
— Review left June 3, 2024
As a 1st program this was great. Puerto Rico is the 1st of many I hope.
— Review left February 13, 2024
This trip was great. We learned about the diversity of cultures that make up the Puerto Rico we see today— especially Taino, Hispanic, and African. We also saw the diversity of the natural environments— beaches, mountains, rainforests, valleys, cities, towns, and farms. They packed a lot into a single week without overwhelming us on any particular day. Andrea Torres was one of the best tour leaders we’ve ever had. Nelma was a fabulous driver that took great care of us every day.
— Review left January 14, 2024
I learned an incredible amount about Puerto Rico and its people. It was very interesting and delightful. Our guide, Andrea, and our driver, Nelma, were both so helpful and made our trip much more interesting. Great time!
— Review left December 26, 2023
Excellent program with a nice balance of education and free time, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. Puerto Rican culture is fascinating with its blending of original people, Spanish and African people. The Tour Leader (Andrea Torres) was outstanding. It was great to see the resilience after the tragic combination of Hurricane Maria, earthquakes and Covid. We were not excited by some of the food but it was plentiful. The hotel resort in Ponce was lovely with great food and we could have spent more time there. Highly Recommended!
— Review left December 14, 2023
A brief introduction to an island with a long and complex history. You will learn that there is much you do not know about Puerto Rico.
— Review left December 12, 2023
The program provides a well-balanced overview of the land, history, and culture of Puerto Rico. Very well chosen activities, excellent guides, and great food. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 25, 2023
You will love this program! The country is beautiful, its history is fascinating, the people are warm and gracious. Also the food is delicious.
Try Kings Ice Cream! And we had the best bus driver ever. Thank you, Nelma!
— Review left February 21, 2023
This program exceeded my expectations. Not only did I learn about the history of Puerto Rico, I came to greatly admire the attitudes of the people there who do not identify with any one race and recognize that every one of them is a combination of races. Only box to be checked is Puerto Rican. We could all benefit from the elimination of race and ethnic labels. Immersing myself into their culture through this RS program really made that hit home for me.
— Review left December 17, 2022
Puerto Rico is a beautiful place to visit and the people are very warm and friendly...
— Review left November 8, 2022
A fun, interesting program with an outstanding leader.
— Review left March 24, 2022
The Kaleidoscope of Cultures: Puerto Rico's History and Heritage from Pre-history to Present-day Program will charm, enlighten, enthuse, and entertain you from beginning to end.
— Review left March 22, 2022
Alberto was a great guide and I had fun on this trip. I learned a lot about Puerto Rico and its people.
— Review left March 21, 2022
Excellent trip - Exceeded my expectations
This is an excellent trip. It exceeds my expectations.
Our guide, Alberto Melendez, is excellent. He's very knowledgeable, very personable, and very organized.
We had thorough discussions regarding the arts, culture, environment, history, cuisine, and social aspects of Puerto Rico.
The people of Puerto Rico are incredibly resilient given the challenges of Hurricane Maria, the subsequent earthquake, and covid 19! It's amazing what they've been through over the past few years yet they continue to function.
The local people I met on the street and in shops are some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
The Puerto Rican cuisine is incredible!
An extra bonus of this trip is that my Spanish improved every day I was in Puerto Rico.
I can't wait to go back.
I highly recommend this trip. Puerto Rico is amazing! It's a must see!
— Review left March 17, 2022
Old town San Juan is like old Havana with newer cars. Ponce was a good experience with do it yourself meal and great hotel.
— Review left March 16, 2022
This program on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico provided me with information and experiences that helped me learn more about the history of the island and its people. We were able to learn not only about the struggles throughout history but the recent ones following natural disasters of hurricanes and earthquakes. The people of Puerto Rico are kind and helpful. The group members shared experiences of a lifetime. Some of our new friendships will endure.
— Review left March 7, 2022
A great opportunity to understand and appreciate the history and culture of Puerto Rico - a small island with great diversity.
— Review left March 7, 2022
I had a wonderful time on my trip - and have already started strongly recommending Road Scholar to friends and acquaintances!
— Review left February 9, 2022
I would recommend this trip to anyone. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well organized, informative, and we had a great time with fellow Road Scholar travelers.
— Review left February 7, 2022
This was a great trip. I knew little about Puerto Rico and learned so much. About the original people (the pre-Taino and Taino), the blending of the Taino, Spanish, and African people that are today's Puerto Rican people. About the history and ecology. And our group leader Alberto was fabulous - an excellent ambassador for his island and the Road Scholar program. And our group was fun and very interesting. Glad this was our first real trip after a 2-year, pandemic-induced hiatus.
— Review left February 7, 2022
I thought it was a great trip. The field lectures were particularly interesting and informative.
— Review left March 18, 2020
We greatly enjoyed this program. Because of major earthquakes just days before our trip began, our itinerary changed and we stayed in the San Juan area for the whole week. But due to the professionalism of Road Scholar and our excellent tour director, Alberto, the modifications were seamless and our experience was lovely. We learned about the culture, wildlife, geography, history and people of this enchanted island, and we were fortunate to be there for the Festival of San Sebastian, which was a real highlight. Great program, highly recommended.
— Review left January 24, 2020
Don't be afraid of going to Puerto Rica. Road Scholar won't go near the earthquake area.
— Review left January 20, 2020
This was my first Road Scholar trip traveling solo, and it was great. The instructor and other group members were a big asset to me in the learning adventure. The weather was terrific and the experience was just wonderful.
— Review left December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico is a unique and fascinating place with its mix of racial and ethnic identities and its commonwealth relationship with the United States. This program has a lot of variety so it is a good choice for participants who want to get an overview of Puerto Rico's natural beauty, history, and current culture. There is a lot of good food, beautiful scenery, and lovely architecture. Alberto was attentive, personable, and well-organized as our leader. His passion for his native Puerto Rico rubbed off on us all! The heat and humidity made physical activity more strenuous. Take along a wide-brimmed hat and comfortable walking shoes; you'll be in the tropics!
— Review left December 22, 2019
Great program, well described and led. Highly recommended.
— Review left April 10, 2019
Our tour throughout Puerto Rico was an excellent adventure! I highly recommend this program.
— Review left April 8, 2019
Alberto was a wonderful tour leader and we all enjoyed interacting with him. We saw many parts of Puerto Rico and got a good overview of what life is like there now. It is a very interesting island and we learned a lot about its culture.
— Review left April 8, 2019
This is a great program. Alberto, the leader, was very well organized. We experienced a variety of activities and trips to learn about Puerto Rico and its people.The hotels were splendid. I especially liked the two day stay in Ponce and the trip to the coffee plantation.
— Review left April 8, 2019
Consider yourself lucky to have Alberto as a tour guide on this very interesting tour of a lovely place with friendly, admirable people and a complex history.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Very interesting program with an excellent leader. No classroom talks, but learning as we went to various places. Each site had a knowledgeable leader.
Excellent accommodations.
— Review left March 4, 2019