Home to the largest sports complex on the Island, an internationally recognized marathon, and a town known as the “Land of Champions,” Puerto Rico’s south region is a must-visit for athletes and sports fans alike. In this itinerary, you’ll find sports-centric excursions as well as can’t-miss outdoor adventures.
Albergue Olímpico German Rieckehoff Sampayo can accommodate baseball games, tennis matches, swim meets, and more.
Sports Venues in the South Region:
- Albergue Olímpico Germán Rieckehoff Sampayo houses professional facilities for baseball, aquatics, tennis, and more;
- Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico, a 45,000-sq.-ft. convention center equipped to host boxing matches and other sporting events;
- Juan "Pachín" Vicens Coliseum, an 11,000-seat coliseum suited to host everything from basketball and volleyball to cheerleading and dance competitions;
- Coliseo Dolores Toyita Martinez, an indoor-outdoor event center with basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields.
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort can accommodate large groups and teams.
Day 1: Welcome to Puerto Rico
Your sports group has a few options for flying into Puerto Rico. Both Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Rafael Hernández International Airport are about 1.5–2 hours from Ponce, the main town in the south region. Ponce is also home to Aeropuerto Internacional Mercedita (PSE), a smaller airport with limited regional flights. Whichever airport you choose, we recommend renting a van or hiring a transportation service to get around the Island.
View transportation options in Puerto Rico
When it comes to accommodations, the south boasts several recommended hotels for sports groups, including:
There's no better place to refuel after a travel day with the team than Campioni Pizza Birra & Tapas.
Once everyone has settled into their rooms, rally the troops for a night on the town in Ponce, known as the “Pearl of the South.” Grab dinner at Campioni Pizza Birra & Tapas, known for their wood-fired pizzas, followed by beers (for those 18+) at Papa Rupe Brewing Co., an eclectic microbrewery located in a historic house. End the evening with a stroll around Ponce’s charming town plaza, best enjoyed with an ice-cold King’s Cream in hand.
Olimpia Water Park, located at the Olympic Training Center, is open all summer long.
Day 2: Puerto Rico's Largest Sports Complex
Grab breakfast at the hotel, then kick things off with a day of discovery at the Albergue Olímpico Germán Rieckehoff Sampayo (Olympic Training Center), a 1,500-acre athletic training and recreational venue in Salinas. Founded in 1986, the center is used by professional and amateur athletes alike. Your team can explore the center’s wide array of facilities, including an aquatic complex, tennis courts, gymnastics pavilion, and boxing gym. The center is also home to the Puerto Rico Olympic Museum, which boasts a significant collection of sports memorabilia. If you’re visiting during the summer, take the team to Olimpia Water Park to enjoy waterslides and rides, rock climbing, and mini golf.
The coastal town of Salinas is known for its fresh seafood.
Next up: Seaside dinner in Salinas. The city is known for its fresh seafood and el mojo isleño, a creole sauce crafted with tomatoes, onions, bay leaves, and olive oil. Opt for lobster and fried red snapper at the iconic Ladi’s Place. Or visit El Roble Restaurant, a mesones gastronómico serving everything from shrimp mofongo and chapín fritters to tostones and seafood salad.
Isla Caja de Muertos is a secluded island off Puerto Rico's southern coast.
Day 3: Islands, Beaches & Boardwalks
Nestled along the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico’s south region is a hot spot for water-based adventures. Plan a day of beach-y fun on the Ponce coast, beginning with a hearty breakfast and local coffee at Panadería Siglo XXI or Café Melao Coffee Shop before heading to Isla Caja de Muertos, an uninhabited island just off the coast.
To reach the island, you can take the ferry from La Guancha de Ponce boardwalk (available Friday through Sunday) or book a private charter. Once there, your group will have their fill of outdoor adventures — from hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing to uncovering the ruins of a historic lighthouse.
La Guancha is Ponce's iconic waterfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
After exploring the island, head back to the boardwalk to enjoy food vendors, bars, and live entertainment. If the timing works with your visit, end your day with a Leones de Ponce baseball game (part of the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rico’s main baseball league) at Estadio Francisco Montaner, or a professional basketball game at Juan "Pachín" Vicens Coliseum.
Coamo's beautiful and popular hot springs.
Day 4: Day Trip to Coamo
After a day of fun in the sun, it’s time for some relaxation in the town of Coamo. Start with a sweet, indulgent breakfast at La Piñata Bakery in Santa Isabel, a town known as the “Land of Champions” thanks to its rich sports history. MLB legends Jóse Guzmán, Carlos Correa, and Benito Santiago were all born right here!
If your players are experiencing sore muscles from competition, let them soak the day away at Coamo Hot Springs, rumored to be Ponce de Leon’s fabled Fountain of Youth. The springs have two outdoor pools filled with thermal waters of varying temperatures, as well as an on-site spa offering hot stone massages, bamboo therapy, and more.
Mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish, pilled high with meat, seafood, and sauces at La Ceiba.
After the soak, take time to tour the course of the famous Maratón San Blas, an Island tradition for more than 50 years. The race draws around 25,000 spectators every February as athletes from around the world race through the streets of Coamo. While meandering along the route, your group will come across several historic landmarks, including the Hollywood Theater.
End your day in Coamo with dinner at La Gota de Rojas, one of the town’s most popular restaurants, where you can savor Puerto Rican staples like plantains and delicious cuts of meat. Another fantastic dinner option is La Ceiba Bar & Restaurant, where you’ll find mofongo smothered with your choice of meat, seafood, and sauces.
The Lluberas trail is the longest trail in the Dry Forest at nearly 10 miles round trip and has several side trails.
Day 5: Natural Wonders in Guánica & La Parguera
Guánica, located 45 minutes from Ponce in Puerto Rico’s west region, is one of the warmest and driest towns on the Island — which is why locals call it the “Paradise of Eternal Summer.” The city’s rich geographical and ecological diversity have also made it a haven for outdoor excursions.
Go hiking at Guánica’s Dry Forest, a 9,000-acre park featuring 12 unique trails with varying degrees of difficulty, as well as access to the idyllic Tamarindo Beach. Or book a kayaking trip with Pino’s Boat and Water Fun Inc. to Gilligan’s Island, a small mangrove cay whose calm, pristine waters offer some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico. Follow your morning of adventure with a casual bite at Mojito Beach Bar, known for tapas-style dishes and — you guessed it! — mojitos.
Kayak your worries away at La Parguera.
Next stop: La Parguera, a small seaside town just 10 miles west of Guánica. If you have watersports fanatics in your group, be prepared to drag them away! Here, they can do everything from scuba diving and snorkeling to swimming among glow-in-the-dark microorganisms at La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay.
Discover 6 days of underwater adventure in La Parguera
Before driving back to the hotel, stop at El Malecón for an hour or two of kiosk-hopping. Along the boardwalk, your team can taste authentic Boricua bites and cocktails from local food vendors while watching the sun set.
Hike to La Soplaera, an incredible waterfall in Peñuelas.
Day 6: Savor One Last Day in Puerto Rico
Make the most of your last day on-Island! If your group is headed back to San Juan to catch a flight, make a pit stop in Cayey to sample Puerto Rico’s world-famous lechon on the Pork Highway. If you have a little more time, hike to La Soplaera waterfall in Peñuelas. Or take a tour of Hacienda Buena Vista on your way out of Ponce to learn about Puerto Rico’s storied coffee industry. Don’t forget to grab a cup to-go before your travel day ahead!
We know each sports group’s agenda is unique, so feel free to customize this itinerary to fit your needs. Squeeze in activities between practices or games, or add on a few days before or after your event to fully experience the beauty and culture of Puerto Rico!
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