Indiana Audubon 2025 Puerto Rico Tour

In 2025 Indiana Audubon will embark on a fun and easy exploration to the island of enchantment… Puerto Rico! With nearly 20 endemic birds and a full list of Caribbean specialties, there are birding opportunities galore, from jungle forest to rocky beaches, and more. We will visit all corners of this small island in just one week, and meet the friendly and colorful communities along the way.

As part of Indiana Audubon’s commitment to conservation in areas we visit, Indiana Audubon will donate towards The World Parrot Trust and their work being done to conserve Puerto Rican parrots in the Río Abajo area.

Trip Leaders: Amy Kearns is a long-time birder and Indiana Audubon member who has led dozens of trips and works for the Indiana DNR’s nongame bird program. The trip will also be guided by Gabrial Lugo from Wildside Nature Tours, who is the preeminent birding expert for those seeking the Puerto Rican endemic bird species.

The trip itinerary at a glance:

• Day 1. Feb 24: Arrive in San Juan
• Day 2. Feb 25: Northern Karst Endemics
• Day 3. Feb 26: Rio Abajo Endemics
• Day 4. Feb 27: Maricao State Forest and Cabo Rojo Flats
• Day 5. Feb 28: La Parguera and Bio Bay
• Day 6. March 1: Cartagena Lagoons and Plain Pigeons
• Day 7. March 2: Departure from San Juan

Indiana Audubon Field Trip Ratings for this trip include:

Birding Pace: Short Extended Tour. Multiple days with early starts. On certain days guests may have the opportunity to take a break from the regular activities to enjoy an afternoon at the hotel. Joining for the early morning birding is highly encouraged as it is the bird’s most active time.
Physical Requirements: Moderate. Puerto Rico is a hilly island with warm and humid temperatures. Participants can expect one or two miles or more of hiking per day at a birding pace on a variety of terrain and elevation under 4,000 feet.
Birding Skill Level: Beginner-Mid-Level. An extensive knowledge of local species is not necessary, but participants should be familiar with most bird families. Studying expected species prior to the trip is recommended.

Included with the Tour:

• IAS leader and Gabrial Lugo coordinating trip logistics before and during the tour.
• Spacious van or bus transportation with fuel included through the trip.
• All lodging for 7 days, 6 nights.
• All meals starting with dinner on day 1 and finish with breakfast on day 7.
• All entrance fees to reserves and national parks, Bio Bay, and feeders.
• Standard tips for restaurant wait staff.

Not included with the Tour:

• Airfare and airport taxes.
• Tips for hotel staff, bird guides and driver.
• Medical expenses, prescription drugs COVID testing, and other items of personal use.
• Additional tours offered in hotels (Spa, massage, etc.)
• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and anything else not listed on the menus of restaurants.
• Health and/or trip insurance
• Laundry service
• Souvenirs
• Any other expense or extra tour not listed as included above

Additional Considerations

The trip size is 6-10 participants. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Price

$3,699 per person IAS Member. $3,749 per person non-IAS Member.

Single Supplement: $575

A $200 deposit is required at the time of reservation booking.

The complete itinerary for this trip can be found here.