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From charming Old San Juan to the dazzling sands of Vieques – that fun, sunkissed escape you’re dreaming of? Find it in Puerto Rico in just five days

What's included

  • All activities shown in itinerary including mofongo cooking class, bioluminescent kayaking & catamaran cruising
  • Stay in a hand-picked 4 star hotel
  • Shared twin room - Watch our 60s clip about room sharing (Single rooms available)
  • 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners including an eclectic welcome meal in San Juan
  • Private minibus & private boat
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Experienced, local Pack Leader throughout

Why Flash Pack

  • Max. 16 people per trip
  • Everyone at a similar life stage
  • 98% travel solo, 80% stay in touch

About your trip

A beach-dream adventure that’s been crafted for anyone craving a reset (just a quick hop from the US, too); Puerto Rico delivers on Caribbean charm, lively bars and mesmeric natural beauty.

Sure, dazzling-white beaches and rum cocktails are a given; but what about five-mile-wide Viques Island, a secret Caribbean paradise that so many people miss? Or the bioluminescent bays of El Yunque National Park that come to life beneath you as you kayak in darkness? And then there’s the island’s rich culture of Taino, Spanish and African traditions, which you’ll get a taste of as you cook up a feast with a local chef… So yes, if you’re after re-energising, quick escapism in five days, this is it. But it’s the culture-rich, friendship-building, dance-the-bomba-late-into-the-night kind. Because it’s never just a beach trip with Flash Pack.

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Day 1

Piña coladas & a mofongo feast

Arrival Arrival in San Juan Airport (SJU)
  • Touch down at the airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your characterful hotel in Old San Juan
  • Start your adventure with a mofongo cooking class led by a local chef, where you’ll learn how to prepare this tasty plantain-based dish – the perfect introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine
  • Get to know your Pack Leader and group further as you enjoy your welcome meal together, raising a fresh piña colada to the adventures to come
Day 2

Learn to bomba on the beach

  • Take a deep dive into Afro-Puerto Rican culture at the seaside town of Loiza, visiting Maria De La Cruz Cave and a not-for-profit cultural center to see local artisans at work
  • Enjoy a bomba dance workshop on the beach, learning how music connects the community with their ancestral African roots
  • Spend a free evening in vibrant San Juan, home to colourful street art, the birthplace of the piña colada and fascinating historic fortresses; there’s plenty to immerse yourself in. Need guidance? Your Pack Leader will always be on hand.
Day 3

Kayak on a bioluminescent bay

  • This morning it’s on to El Yunque National Park; a lush rainforest that’s home to cascading waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning mountain views
  • Spend the afternoon hiking through tropical trails and swimming in wild freshwater pools
  • End your day experiencing the brightest bioluminescence on the planet as you kayak through the shimmering water of Bioluminescent Bay
Day 4

Catamaran cruising & San Juan nightlife

  • Now to end on a high: board your catamaran and sail across to the untouched island of Viques
  • Enjoy a full day of sailing, stopping at secluded stretches of sand and snorkelling among rainbow coral reefs as you look out for sea turtles
  • All too soon it’s time to return to San Juan for your farewell dinner; your Pack Leader knows all the best spots for salsa dancing into the early hours
Day 5

Farewell, Puerto Rico

Departure Departure from San Juan (SJU)
  • It’s time to make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, although you could easily spend a few more fun-filled days exploring Puerto Rico
  • Back home, Puerto Rico may feel a million miles away, but you’ll take part of its vibrancy with you; memories of azure waters, sparkling bioluminescence and energetic nightlife emblazoned on your mind (and heart) forever

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

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Hotel Rumbao San Juan

A characterful hotel in a prime location in Old San Juan, right on the waterfront. From the beautifully decorated rooms to the chic on-site bar (perfect for a post-adventure debrief with new friends) – it’s a cool, boutique base for enjoying the city.

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Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15-20 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is 15-20 minutes away from your final hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travelers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

3. Government travel advice

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

This is a relaxed itinerary that should be fine for most levels of fitness. The kayaking is gentle and no previous experience is needed, but please note there is a weight limit of 250 kg per two-person kayak.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Am I guaranteed to see bioluminescence?

While bio bays worldwide are seasonal, the bioluminescence in Puerto Rico is year-round and it’s one of the most reliable places in the world to see this natural phenomenon.

When it comes to experiencing bioluminescence, the less light the better. However, even on a full moon the water will still glow, but you may need to use a tarpaulin over your kayak to block out the moonlight. Using glass-bottomed kayaks give the best chance to see the water light up all around you.

As with anything in nature, nothing is 100% guaranteed.

Do I need to have kayaked before?

No previous experience of kayaking is necessary. You will be in stable two-person kayaks in a sheltered bay and you don’t have to paddle too far to experience the bioluminescence.

What is the island of Vieques like?

Vieques is a rustic, largely undeveloped island with a slow pace of life. You won’t find the glitzy nightlife of San Juan here but it’s ideal for a tranquil Caribbean break. The beaches vary from palm-shaded white sand to sparkling black sand and you might even see wild horses on the beach. 

Why is this trip more expensive than other short stay trips?

Many travelers are surprised to discover that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is comparable to – or slightly more expensive than – the US. As an island, many products are imported, plus there is an 11.5% tax rate on all goods and services. Add to this a lack of reliable public transport and all-inclusive hotels, and prices can be relatively high.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 100 USD per day for extras such as meals and drinks. A simple plate of rice and beans can cost 20-25 USD.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.

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