Led by professional naturalists, Birding Puerto Rico: Its Endangered and Endemic Species is an adventure into the island’s diverse habitats to discover endemic species of birds, including the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot and the colorful Puerto Rican Tody. A series of field trips through Puerto Rico’s parks, forests, biosphere reserves and wildlife refuges will educate participants about each habitat, emphasizing endemic bird species and preservation issues. Participants will seek out rare specimens in Guanica Dry Forest and hike the Porta Del Sol region. They will also explore the Maricao Cloud Forest, El Yunque rainforest and San Juan’s National Botanical Gardens.

Known for it natural beauty, Puerto Rico is also home to a vibrant culture and history. Cultural Puerto Rico: Discover its Colorful and Rich History is an opportunity to experience the island’s history, from pre-Columbian times to present U.S. stewardship. Participants will visit historical towns and regions on field trips led by local certified guides. Highlights include viewing the Museo de Arte’s world-class collection of European and Puerto Rican art; exploring the Centro Ceremonial Indigena de Tibes; meeting researchers at the Arecibo Radio Telescope; visiting the Casa Pueblo conservation project in Adjuntas and taking a guided walk through Old San Juan. The adventure concludes with a visit to the Casa-Bacardi rum distillery and an optional guided night walk to see the illuminated ramparts of La Forteleza.

Tropical USA: Hike, Kayak, and Snorkel Puerto Rico is an exploration of the island’s natural beauty by getting active in its many unique habitats. Park biologists, experienced kayaking instructors and certified snorkel/dive masters team up to take participants deep into the island’s diverse natural areas. Highlights include hiking in the U.N. Biosphere Reserve at Guanica; kayaking the mangroves and snorkeling the coral reefs near the shores of Parguera; trekking through Porta del Sol and the Boqueron Wildlife Refuge; traversing the mountain trails of El Yunque rain forest; and a guided walking tour and presentation in the National Botanical Garden in San Juan.

“Puerto Rico’s close proximity and the ease of reaching it make it an appealing getaway during the winter months,” says Fran Rivkin, associate vice president of North American programs for Elderhostel. “Each of these learning adventures is an in-depth look at Puerto Rico as much more than home to white sand beaches, and aims to educate about the natural habitats and lively culture of the island.”

Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for older adults. More than 160,000 people enroll in Elderhostel’s nearly 8,000 programs annually. Elderhostel provides exceptional learning adventures throughout the United States and Canada and in more than 90 countries around the world. In 2004, Elderhostel launched Road Scholar to meet the needs of a new generation of independent educational travelers. For more information, please visit www.elderhostel.org or www.roadscholar.org.