1. There are only 130 spots for the symposium as the LSWO is donating 30 student spots for
PR social work students (A total of 160 for the symposium). Please register early.

2. Travel Accommodations
You will need a Real ID to travel to Puerto Rico unless you have a current US passport. We also recommend you fly into the main airport at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Puerto Rico: SJU as it is the closest airport to the conference.

3. Hotel Accommodations, Transportation and Excursions
Hotels, Excursions and Transportation are being provided by Remarkable Places LLC, a Travel Agency from The MANN Club which is their Member Network. Click this link to access Remarkable Places LLC and The MANN Club.

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Remarkable Places, LLC has three hotel options in the T-Mobile District in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is an entertainment hub in San Juan with dining, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. It is also close to the university and transportation to the symposium will be in this area. Please go the link above for transportation and hotel options.

Remarkable Places, LLC is offering several excursions such as Ruta Cafe con Ron in Ciales, Catamaran with snorkeling, Ron de Barillito tour, walking tour of Old San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest Adventure, and Sunset Beach Salsa Class. Spots are limited for certain excursions.

We are also aiming to meet at dinner Viva Beach Club after the first day of the conference. Please note there is a transportation option after the symposium.

Remarkable Places, LLC is sponsoring a free coffee pop up on Sunday, March 22, 2026 details will be posted on their link.

Note: Remarkable Places, LLC does have a deadline of December 15, 2025.

Disclaimer: The LSWO is not responsible for, nor involved in, the coordination, management, or provision of any services offered by Remarkable Places LLC and The MANN Club. The LSWO is merely recommending Remarkable Places LLC and The MANN Club’s services as an optional resource to enhance participants’ symposium experience as they are providing hotel accommodations, roundtrip transportation, excursions, and entertainment. All such offerings are entirely optional and separate from the official symposium. Remarkable Places LLC and The MANN Club also offer participants the option to make reservations through a payment plan.

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4. Languages
The official languages are Spanish and English. However, keep in mind that only about 20% of people speak English fluently. In the San Juan metro area, most people speak English fluently. If you travel to more remote parts of the island people speak Spanish only.

5. Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time Zone

6. Weather
Although most people associate Puerto Rico with year-round warm and sunny weather that is perfect to go to the beach, there can be sporadic and oftentimes intense rain showers that may happen at any moment of the day, especially during spring and fall and that create a very humid environment. Please bring an umbrella.

7. Walking
You will need comfortable walking shoes. In Old San Juan, there are uneven cobblestone streets and a lot of hills. It is not a flat surface. Also, if you plan to hike, see caves, petroglyphs or waterfalls, hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

8. Transportation
While Uber is widely available in Puerto Rico, Lyft is not currently operational on the island. Taxis and Uber remain the most reliable options for transportation. Remarkable LLC is offering transportation options from the airport, for excursions, as well as to and from the symposium

If you plan on staying for a few days after the conference and exploring sites outside of the San Juan Metro area then it is a good idea to rent a car. We recommend using a reputable car rental company like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Alamo as sometimes the smaller companies do not have enough cars when you arrive even if you have a reservation number. Car rental options are available at the airport but lines can be long. Please secure a car rental before coming to PR. If you plan on staying
in San Juan Area many hotels offer free rental bikes. You can also rent electric scooters.

Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze work great to give you directions around the island, even providing information about the heavy traffic that is common in the metro area of Puerto Rico, though they do fail to warn you about how intense and intimidating it can be to actually drive in Puerto Rico.

And lastly, keep in mind that gas prices in Puerto Rico are actually measured in liters, not gallons, so don’t get excited when you see gas prices at $1.30 cents at a gas station, because it’s actually the same price if not more expensive than what you would find in the US.

9. Currency
Puerto Rico uses U.S. currency.

Accepted forms of payment at campus vendors: Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted as well as cash.

On the island, Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted payment processing networks. American Express is also accepted, but to a lesser degree, with Discover being the least accepted processing network. However, make sure to carry some cash with you since some small businesses such as food trucks or street vendors may only accept cash as well as to tip. Throughout Puerto Rico, many restaurants as well as vendors also accept Apple Pay but not on campus. Puerto Rico has a bigger sales tax of 11.5% for most goods and services except for prepared foods at restaurants and other dining places which charge a 7% sales tax.

10. Banks and ATMs
The closest and most accessible ATM on campus is from Banco Popular. This is the main banking system is Puerto Rico. There are no Chase or BOA on the island. CitiBank does not have a branch near campus. Several additional ATMs are located at nearby gas stations and malls within a 10-minute drive. Also, most hotels have ATM’s for a fee.

11. University Address
Inter American University of Puerto Rico – Metropolitan Campus
100 Calle Francisco Seín San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926
While Cupey is a district of San Juan, it is distinct from Río Piedras and is located approximately 20 minutes by car from central San Juan, depending on traffic (morning and evening traffic is heavy).

12. Parking Information
Visitors may park in the main parking lot adjacent to the main entrance of the campus. There is a parking fee, typically around $3.00 to $5.00 per day. Spaces for people with disabilities are available near each building.

If you plan to rent a car, there is usually a daily fee to park your car at your hotel typically $22.00 to $30.00 per day for in and out parking privileges.

13. Water
We encourage people to bring water bottles. There are a few water and hydration stations on the university campus. There are also vending machines that sell bottled water. The tap water is safe to drink. Most bottle water is purified and if you want spring water, we suggest you purchase it at Walgreens, gas stations and at hotels. Most hotels also have water stations where you can fill up
your water bottle.

14. Food on Campus
The LSWO will provide a continental breakfast and lunch included in your registration fee for both days. There is a cafeteria on the main floor. The campus offers a cafeteria with rotating menus, including vegetarian options. There is also a small coffee shop on the second floor. There are available vending machines of snacks, water and beverages also on the second floor. Please note
food and drinks are allowed in the sum conference room but not in the workshop rooms. Additionally, there are no close walking distance restaurants or coffee shops close to campus.

15. Central air is available on most of the campus.

The building has four floors. The conference and workshop rooms all have central air as well as second floor. Although some parts of the campus such as the main floor entrance have no central air.

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16. Campus Student Population
Typically, there are about three to four thousand students on campus. However, there will be less students on campus as that is a transition week as the school is between quarters.

17. The conference will be held in the second floor and there is a long ramp that goes all the way up to the 4th floor.

There are also elevators. You can take the ramp and we will meet in the Sum conference room. There will be round tables often. The room has two big screens, a podium, and is on a small, elevated stage (for panel discussion). The workshop rooms are all within walking distance also on the second floor.

18. Exhibitor Area
Leading up to the workshop rooms is the exhibitor area. There are two major and spacious hallways long (L shaped). There are spacious hallways on the second floor. We will have this area for organizational tables, student posters, and local artisan vendors.

19. Charging Stations
There are a few USB charging stations and standard outlets available in key common areas and libraries. However, the campus does not currently have EV charging stations for electric vehicles. We encourage people to bring battery charges.

20. Permission to Record Video
Yes, video recording is permitted on campus; however, prior written authorization must be secured.

21. University Restrictions
Some of the general campus guidelines include:
o No smoking inside buildings
o No alcoholic beverages on campus
o Limited access after business hours unless previously authorized
o Adherence to campus safety protocols and visitor identification requirements

22. Wi-Fi
The university has secure Wi-Fi access; guest login credentials will be shared closer to the event date.

23. Library, quiet areas and places to gather.
The university has a library, and spacious hallways with tables and places to gather. There are many quiet areas in the event you must make a call or work. Most places have central air.

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24. Touring Puerto Rico

Popular tours are to El Yunque Tropical Rainforest, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, Bacardi Rum,other rum tours, and coffee tours, bomba classes, Flamenco Beach, Luquillo Beach, Crash BoatBeach Condado Beach, Cueva del Indio, Cueva Ventana, San Juan National Historic Site, and Old San Juan.

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Old San Juan is a vibrant historic district with colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic sites like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Also known attractions: Calle de La Fortaleza, Paseo de la Princesa and Cathedral Basilica de San Juan Bautista.

La Placita del Santurce is a vibrant market by day that transforms into a wonderful nightlife with live music, food vendors, restaurants and overall energetic block party Friday and Saturday nights.

History buffs! Don’t sleep on visiting Cueva del Indio. Las Cuevas del Indio is a hidden gem located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, near Arecibo. Cueva del Indio is a huge oceanfront cave that offers beautiful coastal views. But besides it is natural beauty, the cave houses ancient Taino petroglyphs left behind hundreds of years ago by the indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico. The
attraction features a series of limestone caves that have been carved by the ocean over thousands of years, creating a unique and stunning landscape. Visitors can explore the caves, climb on rocks, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The caves are also home to ancient petroglyphs created by the indigenous Taíno people, adding a historical and cultural element to the visit. Overall, Las
Cuevas del Indio is a must-see destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike, offering a rare glimpse into Puerto Rico’s geological and cultural past.

Getting into the cave itself is an adventure, as you have to climb through a small aperture in the wall, but you can also stay on the top and see some of the petroglyphs from the window-like opening on top of the cave.

Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy in Arecibo. If there was a list of the greatest natural wonders of Puerto Rico, the Camuy caves would without a doubt be on that list. This large system of underground caves has been formed after many thousands of years by the passing of the third largest underground river in the WORLD, the Camuy River. The Camuy caves have been a
cornerstone of Puerto Rico's internal/external tourism because of its immense ecological and historic significance.

In Utuado, Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park is thought to be the largest ceremonial site created by the Taínos anywhere in the Antilles. This is a beautiful and quiet place where you feel a connection to a much deeper history of the region. Studies estimate that this site was built more than 800 years ago by the Taínos, Puerto Rico's native ethnic group. Today, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de
Cagüana (Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park) features a small museum with Taíno artifacts, a gift shop, more than 20 large, well-preserved petroglyphs, and 10 plazas — known as bateyes — that were used for ceremonial purposes or to play games around 300 years before the Spanish arrived.

One of the most beautiful places in Utuado is Cañón Blanco. A short hike from the parking lot brings you to this stunning landscape of white, prehistoric-looking rocks, where the Rio Caonillas flows throughs and feeds natural swimming pools. Keep your eyes peeled for Indigenous petroglyphs etched into some of the rocks.

In the heart of Utuado, the Puerto Rico flag comes to life in vibrant colors on a building's facade. Additionally, Utuado's location in the Central Mountains offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures, coffee farms, and a rich cultural heritage reflected in its architecture.

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El Yunque Tropical Rainforest - From there choose one of the many kid-friendly trails. We personally recommend the Big Tree Trail, which leads to La Mina Falls where kids can splash around in the water or our favorite, Angelitos Trail, that will lead you to Charco Los Angelitos, where you will find the perfect spot for a picnic and a natural pool where kids can swim. Hiking shoes are a must and
swimming shoes are optional.

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Luquillo Beach has calm waters. The Luquillo Kiosks are comprised of a row of around 60 family-owned kiosks selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.

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Playa Flamenco in Culebra Island or Isla Culebrita, a small island that belongs to Culebra, hides one of the top beaches in Culebra, where you can swim with sea turtles and see the best coral reefs in the entire Caribbean. You get here by ferry or private plane.

You can only reach Culebra Island by boat. There are lots of Culebra catamaran trips that depart from Fajardo and make the stop on the island.

Vieques for the Mosquito Bay bioluminescence bay (recommend electric boat tour) or to see the last fort built there or go to Sun Bay Beach. You get here by ferry or private plane.

Charco Azul is a beautiful natural pool located in the town of Vega Baja on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush greenery and has crystal-clear turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The pool is fed by a nearby stream, which adds to its refreshing and natural feel. Visitors can relax on the rocky ledges surrounding the pool, sunbathe on the nearby beach, or explore the surrounding area, which includes other natural pools and waterfalls. Charco Azul is a peaceful and secluded spot, making it a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy Puerto Rico’s natural beauty.

Cabo Rojo has several beautiful beaches, including Playa Sucia, also known as La Playuela, which has white sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.

Cayo Aurora, also known as Gilligan’s Island, doesn’t have a typical shoreline, but it’s often considered a top beach for snorkeling in Puerto Rico for its shallow and clear waters. The cay’s surrounding waters are so shallow that they’re safe for your children.

Gilligan’s Island is located outside the coast of Guánica, you can only reach Gilligan’s island by renting a kayak or by private boat.

Although LosMorrillos Lighthouse itself holds historical value, the main draw of this popular attraction in Cabo Rojo is the surrounding scenery with cliff and rock formations that seem like out of a movie.

Puerto Rico holds some of the oldest industries in the New World. In fact, the salt extraction activities in Cabo Rojo Salt Flats date back to the Taíno indigenous people, before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s. Historically, salt was a crucial commodity for preserving food. For that reason, the salt flats played a significant role in the Puerto Rican economy and trade. Today the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats Interpretive Centre provides educational exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Piñones is one of the recommended destinations for foodies in Puerto Rico.

Ponce, Puerto Rico is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and cultural attractions. Other notable sites are Parque de Bombas, Castillo Serralles, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Plaza Las Delicias, La Guancha, and Caja de Muertos (island).

If you are visiting the town of San Sebastian, Gozalandia Falls is a must see. The stunning 60-foot waterfall and smaller falls are connected by a river with natural bathing pools.

Rincón Beach is known as a beach town for surfers. It's a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique blend of laid-back island vibes and surf culture. Rincón offers a variety of activities, from swimming and surfing to dining and enjoying the local culture.

La Ruta del Lechón, also known as The Pork Highway, refers to a gastronomic route in Cayey with dozens of kiosks and restaurants.

Mar Chiquita is one of the top things to do in Manatí for beach and photography lovers. Mar Chiquita means little sea and it refers to a small cove created by rock formations on the coast. Once on this route in Guavate, don’t miss out on visiting La Loma de los Reyes to snap great pictures.

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