Close to the conference
Mayagüez
Explore Plaza Colón, the historic Teatro Yagüez area, local restaurants, and the city that anchors Puerto Rico’s west-coast academic community.
Destination highlight
The west coast is part of the experience.
Mayagüez provides a practical base for exploring Puerto Rico’s western coast. Playa Buyé in Cabo Rojo is known for calm Caribbean water, while Rincón is associated with surf culture and west-facing sunsets. These places are presented as nearby destination context; transportation and any organized activity remain to be confirmed.
Please wait before booking. Plan for arrival on March 8, scientific sessions March 9–11, and departure March 12, 2027. The venue and room blocks remain unconfirmed. If requesting support, obtain written cost approval and booking instructions before committing supported expenses.
Think · talk · explore
Make space for science—and for Puerto Rico.
The conference is being shaped to leave room for focused work, informal scientific discussions, and new collaborations. Around that shared scientific purpose, attendees can also experience tropical Puerto Rico at their own pace: a sunset, a local meal, a walk through Mayagüez, or a longer visit before or after the meeting.
Destination suggestions are optional and independent unless an activity is later listed as part of the official program.
Ideas for time in the west
Sunset & surf
Rincón
Plan an evening for west-facing sunsets, surf culture, beaches, and casual coastal dining. Ocean conditions vary; use guarded areas and follow local guidance.
Beaches & landscapes
Cabo Rojo
Consider Playa Buyé, the salt flats, Los Morrillos Lighthouse, and Playuela. A car is useful, and visitors should verify access, weather, and operating conditions before leaving.
On the water
La Parguera
The waterfront village is a base for kayaking, snorkeling, and guided boat experiences. Reserve only with established operators and confirm weather and cancellation policies.
Start planning with the official Discover Puerto Rico west-region guide.
Before or after the conference
Consider a San Juan extension.
Travelers using SJU may wish to add a night or two in the San Juan area. Old San Juan offers walkable plazas and streets, local restaurants, museums, and the historic forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal. Keep this extension outside the conference program so the scientific days remain protected.
Explore Old San Juan →Preliminary hotel planning
No conference hotel or room block is confirmed yet. The following established Mayagüez properties can help attendees understand the likely range of locations; listing them is not an endorsement or a request to book.
TRYP by Wyndham Mayagüez
Downtown location near Plaza Colón, restaurants, Teatro Yagüez, and the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez.
Holiday Inn Mayagüez & Tropical Casino
Located along Highway 2 north of central Mayagüez, with on-site parking and access to the regional road network.
Booking advice: Wait for the official venue, negotiated rate, reservation cutoff, and cancellation terms. If you must reserve early, choose a flexible or refundable rate.
Airports & ground transportation
Any conference shuttle or shared-transfer option remains to be determined. Do not assume airport transportation is included until it appears in the confirmed program.
Uber, Lyft, taxis & private transfers
San Juan & SJU
Rideshare is generally easiest in the metro area
Uber and Lyft both list service in San Juan. At SJU, the airport identifies designated Uber pickup areas at Terminal A and at Terminals B and C, columns 16–19. Check the app after landing for the current pickup point, estimated fare, vehicle size, and wait time.
Mayagüez & the west
Do not rely on on-demand availability
Rideshare coverage in western Puerto Rico can be inconsistent, especially early in the morning, late at night, and outside town centers. An app may show service without a nearby driver accepting the trip. Arrange a rental car, taxi, hotel transfer, or prebooked driver when arrival times or connections are critical.
SJU to the west
A driver may accept the long-distance trip
Some Uber drivers may accept a trip from SJU or San Juan to Mayagüez, but acceptance and return availability are not guaranteed. Check the live price before requesting; once matched, promptly confirm that the driver is willing to make the west-coast trip. For a predictable arrival, reserve or prearrange a private transfer and obtain written confirmation.
Airport and local taxis
Confirm the complete fare before departure
SJU reports airport taxis with fares regulated by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. For a long trip to Mayagüez, ask the dispatcher or driver to confirm the total fare, tolls, luggage charges, accepted payment method, and waiting policy before leaving. In the west, ask the hotel to arrange a licensed taxi in advance and book the return trip at the same time.
SJU transportation information · SJU information center: 787-289-7240
Booking checklist. Provide the flight number, arrival time, destination, passenger count, luggage, and a working mobile or WhatsApp number. Request the driver’s name and phone number, vehicle details, total quoted price, cancellation terms, and pickup instructions. Keep a backup plan and arrange the return to the airport before traveling west.
Preliminary planning map
This reference map is for orientation only; it does not identify the final conference venue, hotel, or official route.
Should I rent a car?
A rental car is likely useful for independent beach visits, west-coast exploration, or a San Juan extension. Once the venue and lodging plan are confirmed, attendees staying near the conference may not need a car during the scientific program.
- Compare airport pickup hours, after-hours return procedures, and one-way fees.
- Ask how electronic tolls are billed and whether the rental includes a toll plan.
- Confirm insurance coverage, additional-driver charges, fuel policy, and parking.
- Allow extra time on unfamiliar coastal or mountain roads, especially after dark or in heavy rain.
International visitors
Visa and invitation-letter guidance will be added with registration. Travelers remain responsible for confirming current entry requirements through official government sources.
Travel support & booking
Competitive travel-award applications are open now within the combined application, due December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4). Poster and conditional travel-award decisions will be emailed January 15, 2027; recipients must accept and confirm participation by January 20.
If requesting support, wait for your written award and booking instructions before committing expenses you expect the award to cover. The planned arrangement is direct payment to an approved travel agency and hotel; do not assume personal purchases will be reimbursed. Other participants should confirm attendance and review cancellation terms before making nonrefundable arrangements. Read the full travel-award instructions.
Last updated: October 31, 2026.