Things to Do in Puerto Rico – IRF Caribbean Congress 2024

The 12^th International Road Federation (IRF) Caribbean Regional Congress in San Juan, Puerto Rico is coming up soon. From July 30 to August 2, 2024, public works agencies, road contractors, civil engineers, and more will attend the conference to network and share valuable insights with one another.

If you’re planning on attend the IRF Caribbean Congress, make the most of your time by attending as many sessions and networking events as possible. We're especially excited about presenting at the conference. Join us for our session, "Optimizing Pavement Life Cycle Costs: Strategies for Efficiency and Sustainability," on July 30, 2024, at 11:15 am EDT. Joel Perkins of iWorQ & PublicWorks1 and Rueben Jennings, Deputy Commissioner at  Department of Public Works, U.S. Virgin Islands, will lead this insightful presentation. Be sure to stop by our booth to say hello, learn more, and enter our prize drawing. We look forward to seeing you there

Additionally, If you have some free time or plan to extend your stay, exploring the natural beauty of Puerto Rico can enrich your experience. The island offers stunning tropical landscapes and a rich island culture. Here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico during your visit:

San Juan’s historic district is a must-see when visiting Puerto Rico. With colorful Spanish architecture, charming restaurants, local shops, and live music, Old San Juan has something for everyone.

When you’re in Puerto Rico, you cannot miss El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest registered in the U.S. National Forest System. El Yunque is one of the most biologically diverse forests in the United States, home to the Puerto Rican parrot, the small Indian mongoose, coquís, giant tree snails, and various species of bats, lizards, and snakes. El Yunque is perfect for any nature enthusiast, thanks to its lush flora, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Consider outdoor activities like ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, and swimming while you’re there.

Take a day trip out to Cayo Icacos, a small island located a mere 15-minute boat ride out of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. With its pristine waters, golden beaches, and colorful coral reefs, Cayo Icacos is a prime spot for snorkeling. You might come across schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and/or dolphins!

Did you know there are only five bioluminescent bays in the entire world, and three of them can be found in Puerto Rico? Taking a kayak tour through one of these rare natural wonders is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The brightest and most popular bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is Mosquito Bay. Tourists highly recommend this activity and often say it was the coolest part of their trip. Pro tip: the darker the sky, the better the conditions for seeing the bioluminescence.

Of course, you can’t go to Puerto Rico without spending a day at one of the island’s many beaches. Different areas of the island feature distinct beaches, each offering their own unique vibe and attractions. Some highly recommended beaches include:

• Flamenco Beach – crystal-clear waters, white sand, food stands, palm trees, snorkeling, and umbrellas and beach chairs for rent
• Crash Boat Beach – turquoise waters, snorkeling, scuba diving, watersports, live music, food stands, and a pier
• Balneario La Monserrate (aka Luquillo Beach) – calm waves, coral reef, picnic areas, food stands, palm trees, clean sand, bath house
• Balneario de Carolina (aka Carolina Beach) – clear waters, white sand, beach volleyball courts, watersports, restaurants, kids water park

iWorQ Systems and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, will be presenting at the conference on July 30 at 11:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time/ (EDT). Learn more about how you can visit us at the conference here.

See you there!