Companion Program
Puerto Rico and its surroundings offer a broad variety of
cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The companion program will offer
daily trips to places of interest during the entire conference, as well as
family activities.
Please note that individual tours are subject to cancellation and refund of tour
fees if an insufficient number of attendees reserve space for any given tour
prior to the beginning of the conference.
Tour Name |
Date & Time |
Adv. Reg. |
On-site |
Ponce City Excursion |
Sunday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
|
$70 |
$80 |
Old City Historical Walking Tour with Shopping |
Monday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
|
$45 |
$55 |
Catamaran Snorkeling |
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
|
$70 |
$80 |
Camuy Caves and The Arecibo Observatory |
Wednesday 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
|
$75 |
$85 |
Puerto Rican Fusion Cuisine |
Wednesday, 3hrs |
$85 |
$95 |
Eco Kayaking / Rio Grande
|
Thursday 8:30 AM – 1:00PM |
$30 |
$40 |
Old San Juan and Bacardi Rum Distillery |
Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
|
$48 |
$58 |
El Yunque Rainforest Excursion |
Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:00PM
|
$35 |
$45 |
Conference Arranged Tours:
Sunday: pre-registration $70,
at conference $80
Ponce City Excursion – All day, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, including 2.5 hours each way on the bus, box lunch and bottle water is included. Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
Puerto Rico's second largest city is located on the
southern coast and easily accessible by highway. The Pearl of the South,"
Ponce was named after Loiza Ponce de Leon, great-grandson of Juan Ponce de
Leon. Founded in 1692, Ponce is today Puerto Rico's principal shipping port
on the Caribbean. The city is well kept and attractive. A suggestion of a
provincial Mediterranean town lingers in the air. The streets are lit with
gas lamps and lined with neoclassical buildings, just as they were a century
ago. Horse-drawn carriages clop by, and strollers walk along sidewalks edged
with pink marble. Thanks to the restoration, Ponce now recalls the turn of
the 20th century, when it rivaled San Juan as a wealthy business and
cultural center. The all day group excursions, with knowledgeable
step-aboard guides, will include a visit to the Ponce Art Museum. With more
than 3,000 works of the European and American schools, from the 14th to the
20th centuries, the museum's collection is known worldwide for its superb
selection of Italian Baroque and British Pre-Raphaelite works as well as
French Academy and 17th century Spanish (Golden Age) schools. The Museum
also exhibits Puerto Rican and contemporary Latin American art. Visit
Musarte, the museum shop, for interesting gift & souvenirs. On a high hill
overlooking the city of Ponce is the Serralles Castle, once the baronial
estate of one of Puerto Rico's most powerful rum-producing families. It is
not really a castle but poncenos gave it that name because its elegant
clay-tile capped tower, its graceful arches, its long galleries and
landscaped terraces suggest a medieval castle. Its rooms now delight
visitors with their preservation of an elegant era and their exhibits of
artifacts from the rum and sugarcane trade.
The Serralles Castle is a magnificent example of Spanish
Revival architecture, popular in the 1920's. It was designed by architect
Pedro de Castro and was completed in the early 1930's. It occupies three
levels in the hillside. Minute detailing characterizes the windows, roofs,
ironwork and mosaics. Authentic furnishings include the original Serralles
dining room with its reminiscence of Medieval Spain.
A permanent exhibition chronicles the sugar cane and rum
industries, including information on the role of the Serralles family in the
founding Central Mercedita and Don Q, Ponce's world-famous rum.. There is a
cafe and arts and crafts shop on the grounds. Most people also visit nearby
La Cruceta del Vigia and climb the 100-foot observation tower to gaze at the
city, the islands and the sea. A box lunch and beverages will be provided.
Monday: pre-registration $45,
at conference $55
Old City Historical Walking Tour with Shopping –
All
day, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min.
early
This tour is designed for culture and history
enthusiasts who like to get up close to the sites and examine the past
first-hand. Knowledgeable step-aboard guides will take your party to Old San
Juan-the oldest city in the U.S. There, they'll be able to stroll through
Old Spanish cathedrals and forts such as San Cristobal, where they'll see
and learn how the Spanish built and defended their city. Afterwards, they'll
have an opportunity to do some shopping and have lunch on their own We
highly recommend comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen. Traveling
time is approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way. Duration is 6 hours
including transfer time.
Activity Level: Low Impact
Recommended Attire: We highly recommend comfortable walking shoes, hat and
sunscreen.
Tuesday: pre-registration $70, at conference $80
Catamaran Snorkeling – 3 hours, Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
These excursions have always had strong participation from groups visiting Puerto Rico, as they show off some of our best assets. The typical excursion entails a transfer to the marina where the guests will board one of our state of the art catamarans, to begin a leisurely sail to one of the off shore coral reefs. After anchoring near the reef the captain and crew will inform our guest as to the safety rules & procedures and pass out the snorkeling equipment and safety gear. Guests typically have between one and two hours to snorkel, swim or relax at the beach. Box lunches and beverages will provided.
Wednesday: pre-registration $75, at conference $85
Camuy Caves and Arecibo – all day (9 hours, including 2.5
hours each way on the bus). Box lunch and bottle water is included. Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
The Camuy Caves System - For those who love Natural wonders and rock formations you will visit the third largest underground river system in the world, which has taken millions of years to carve out the spectacular 300-acre network of subterranean chambers known as the Rio Camuy Caves. Today the underground cave system is part of a natural reserve that is recognized as one of the world's most impressive natural wonders. Developed and operated by the; Puerto Rico Land Administration, the park provides visitors the opportunity to visit three of the system’s most remarkable sinkholes and caves in safety and comfort. The Visitors will board trolleys for guided tours that carry them down the spiraling enplaned sinkhole, into one of the system's largest caves. After a walk through the 170-foot Cueva Clara, another shuttle takes them to a platform overlooking the 65-foot wide and 400 feet deep Tres Pueblos Sinkhole.
The Arecibo Observatory - The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is an independent federal agency whose aim is to promote scientific and engineering progress in the United States. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provide additional support. As the site of the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, the Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy. Use of the Arecibo Observatory is available on an equal, competitive basis to all scientists from throughout the world. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research as ascertained by a panel of independent referees who review the proposals sent to the Observatory by interested scientists. Box lunches and beverages will be provided.
Option – (if enough attendees sign
up in advance) pre-registration $85, at conference $95
Puerto Rican Fusion Cuisine
Presented by the Conquistador Chefs – 3 hours
Our proposal includes a 3 hour experience with some of
the talented Chefs of El Conquistador; Robert Bokins, Executive Chef, Pascal
Gresser, Executive Sous Chef, Juan Saniel, Sous Chef and Sammy Perez, Sous
Chef.
The Conquistador culinary team has won gold and silver
medals in the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition 2003 in Jamaica,
as well as gold, silver and bronze medals in the 2003 Florida Restaurant
Show.
Each member of the class will receive an apron and chefs
hat upon entering El Faro, Isabela's Restaurant.
-
Bebidas – Guests will learn how to prepare Mojitos
and Sangria
-
Appetizers – Guests will incorporate local
ingredients such as plantain and shrimp into alcapurrias, a bite size
appetizer.
-
Entree – Guests will be led into Isabela's kitchen
for a lesson in preparing Sangria marinated pork loin stuffed with sweet
mofongo, a Puerto Rican staple, with papaya salsa
-
Dessert – Back in El Faro, guests will learn about a
Canasta de Frutas...a pastry basket dipped in chocolate and filled with
mango mousse and garnished with fruit
Thursday: pre-registration $30, at conference $40
Eco Kayaking / Rio Grande Nature Reserve
– 8:30 AM – 1:00PM. Snacks and beverages are included.
Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
Kayaking brings to the traveler the opportunity to explore remote areas inaccessible to most forms of marine transportation. The Mangrove river labyrinths that wind their way into salt lagoons sustain a wide variety of wild life, land and sea dwellers alike. Upon arrival at each site you will be given a brief safety and kayak lesson before teaming up in a tandem kayak. Our sturdy kayaks and knowledgeable tour guides will assure a safe and fun experience for beginners and advanced sportsmen.
Note: This tour has been modified and will be conducted via Kayak. As we gather more information, it was clear that the walking trails really provided very little ability to see the area and that the Kayak is the only good way to see the sights. The tour operator provides all of the equipment and the guides. The stream system is calm and easy to navigate. If you desire more detailed information, contact the companion program director (barblewe@u.washington.edu).
Friday:: pre-registration $48, at conference $58
Old San Juan and Bacardi Rum Distillery-Group Activity – Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
Visitors to Casa BACARDI will be guided through seven
exquisitely designed and historically accurate rooms created to engage
visitors as they experience the sight, smell and taste of BACARDI rum.
Nosing booths invite visitors to take in the delicious smells of eight
BACARDI rums. Learning of the secrets of the Bacardi rum making, including
the secret strain of yeast isolated in 1862 and still used today.
Demonstrations by professional bartenders making
BACARDI classics such as the Cuba Libre, Mojito and Daiquiri from the
Company's "Golden Cocktail Age," which occurred during prohibition when
visitors flocked to Cuba to enjoy a then-American taboo. State-of-the-art
technology allowing visitors to send e-video messages to their friends from
Puerto Rico against a backdrop of a tower composed of more than 375 bottles
of BACARDI rum amid a five-screen presentation of the brand's current
commercials from around the world.
After our tour of the Bacardi Facilities, we will
depart for Old San Juan. We've designed this tour for culture and history
enthusiasts who like to get up close to the sites and examine the past
first-hand. Knowledgeable step-aboard guides will take your party to Old San
Juan-the oldest city in the U.S. There, they'll be able to stroll through
Old Spanish cathedrals and forts such as "San Cristobal", where they'll see
and learn how the Spanish built and defended their city. Afterwards, they'll
have an opportunity to do some shopping and have lunch on their own.
Saturday:
pre-registration $35, at conference $45
El Yunque Rainforest Excursion – 4 hours. Participants are asked to arrive in the lobby 20 min. early.
El Yunque Rainforest is the perfect place to spend some
quiet time, take unique photos and
enjoy the vistas from your mountaintop location. The Caribe Indians spent
some 200 years living in their 28,000 acre tropical paradise while here on
earth and when you explore their mountain named after their “Good Indian
Spirit, Yuquiyu”, you can imagine the serene life they must have lead. The
3,624 foot mountain is home to 240 different species of trees and with over
120 inches of rain each year you couldn’t conceive of the lush ground cover
of vines, tubers, ginger and orchids.
Waterfalls into cool pools abound blending sounds with
those of tropical creatures such as the birds and frogs in this sanctuary.
Observatories, walking trails and great places to sit and contemplate make
this tour a special one.
Duration of this step into nature is 3.5 to 5.5 hours depending on departure
point.
In addition to the conference organized tours listed above,
there are many activities that can be booked at the hotel by individuals. We
list here descriptions of the Kid’s Klub and scuba diving offerings. Other
activities are listed at the hotel web site and include a variety of beach
related activities, horseback riding at the hotel’s private island, and numerous
aquatic activities. The hotel also offers several swimming pools, tennis
courts, golf course, and general activity rooms. We have two companion program
chairs this year, and we they will be available during the conference to help
with hotel based programs that are not part of the conference arranged tours.
Kid’s Klub
The Kid’s Klub is a five star recreational supervised
program designed for kids from 4 to 15 years old. Our goal is to enhance the
child’s experience through the provision of recreational indoor & outdoor
fun – educational activities during their stay at Wyndham El Conquistador
Resort & Golden Door Spa. Children should bring with them a swim suit under
casual clothes (T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers) as well as extra sun block.
The children must be completely potty trained, no training pants are
accepted.
The registration takes place every morning at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. At the
Kids’ Klub House located at the Main North Pool and the parents pick them up
at 4:00 p.m. at the same place. Parents must come with the kids to the
registration to sign a regulation and release form before 10:00 a.m.
The Kid’s Klub House is equipped with a wide variety of games to entertain
the children. We have available: board games, Playstations 2, TVs,
Computers, mini theater, arts & craft, balls, hula hoops, toys, kid’s
tables, bean bags, fun rugs, kitchen, snacks, popcorn machine, refrigerator,
vending machines, sound system, dance-revolution systems, and much more.
Some of the outdoor activities included on the program are: swimming,
basketball, volleyball, kayaking snorkeling, soccer, treasure hunts and sand
sculpting.
The counselors are highly motivated professionals that have over 5 years of
experience working with kids as elementary & junior high school teachers,
babysitters & physical education instructors.
The program offers different activities programs for different age groups:
4-8 years, 9-12 years & 13-15 years. For more information see the daily
activities program.
Personalized Underwater Adventures – Scuba diving from the hotel
Patch reefs, mini-walls and small grottoes punctuate the
sandy sea floor. Shallow like camouflaged stealth bomber. Visibility often
soars to 100 feet, with most days around 50. Winter water temperatures never
drop below the mid-70’s and bathe you in the mid-80’s during the summer months.
Complementary bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, fresh
fruit and fresh towels are available throughout your trip. And if you desire,
and ice-cold beer will be waiting for you after your last dive during the trip
back to the marina
Dive to Culebra
Twenty miles off Fajardo, the Island of Culebra rises from
the shallows to form the only landfall between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, just 15 miles east. You’ll find thick schools of grunts, Creole wrasse
and angelfish. Grouper—rare are more common here.
Take the plunge? Try Discover Scuba
If you’ve always wanted to try scuba, and experience the
thrill of breathing underwater for the first time, this is your perfect
opportunity. Learn the basics in just and hour with our professional
instructors in the pool. Then hop on our boat for a guided shallow dive on the
local coral reef.
Barb Lewellen
Companion Program Chair
Phone: 1 206 598 6253
E-mail: barblewe@u.washington.edu
University of Washington
Carolyn Hoffman
Companion Program Co-Chair
Phone: 1 310 471 1464
E-mail: Carolyn.Hoffman@verizon.net
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