Purls of Borikén: A Puerto Rico Fiber Journey

Borikén is the ancestral Taíno name for Puerto Rico, meaning “Land of the Valiant Lord” or “Land of the Brave.” It is a name that honors the island’s Indigenous roots, deep connection to nature, and enduring spirit. Join us for an unforgettable journey where fiber, culture, nature, and creativity intertwine on the enchanting island of Puerto Rico. This immersive eight-day fibercraft tour invites you to explore the island through the hands of its makers, the colors of its landscapes, and the stories woven into its traditions.

Our week long journey begins in San Juan, the historic and vibrant capital of Puerto Rico where colorful streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and the iconic El Morro tell centuries of stories. Along the way, we’ll visit breathtaking landscapes, including a coffee plantation, tropical nature excursions, beaches, bomba and salsa classes. Of course, we'll also savor the flavors of Puerto Rican gastronomy — from traditional dishes to local delights that nourish the soul and soak in the Caribbean sunshine!

The true "Purl" of this Puerto Rico adventure is a special three-day farm-to-fiber experience led by Beatriz Lizardi and Leila Mattina of Trama Farm, where we’ll explore the beautiful journey of Puerto Rican cotton — from cultivation and production to spinning and the magic of natural dyeing with indigo and naturally grown plants and flowers. Surrounded by the island’s lush scenery, you’ll connect with the land while learning time-honored fiber techniques and discovering the artistry behind locally grown materials.

More than a vacation, this is a celebration of creativity, connection, and the joy of making.

Come knit, spin, explore, and savor the magic of Borikén — one purl, one place, and one unforgettable moment at a time.

This trip needs at least 10 participants in order to proceed (i.e. the trip is "guaranteed"). We strongly advise you to wait to purchase your flights until the trip is guaranteed by us to go forward. Unless otherwise stated, our regular Terms and Conditions apply to this trip and for any cancellations.

Please Note

Rowan Tree Travel reserves the right to alter any part of this itinerary in order to address weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances or to improve the participant experience.

While our Tour Activity Level describes what to expect on a tour, our Mobility Comfort Level is personal to each traveler.

We would describe this trip as Woolly Wander with a mobility comfort level of 3️⃣+.

Expect a fair amount of walking, some on cobble stone streets in Old San Juan (there will be some hills). There will be uneven and possibly slippery terrain on paths to beaches, caves and waterfalls (the best spots are off the beaten path!).

Rowan Tree Travel & Fibercraft highly recommends purchasing travel insurance. You may purchase through our preferred partner Arch RoamRight here or through your own provider.  

*Arch RoamRight is an affiliate of RTTF and we will receive a small commission for policies bought through the provided link.

In order to gather easily for the tour, we provide an arrival and departure "window" at a major transportation hub - typically an international airport at your destination country. Flights scheduled outside the provided windows may result in additional transportation costs and/or missed tour activities. For this reason, we greatly appreciate your cooperation in booking travel that accommodates our specifications. 

This tour will start and end in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flight details will be provided upon registration and confirmed once the tour has been declared a go.

Please do not purchase airfare until the tour is guaranteed by RTTF to go forward.

Your Puerto Rico fiber journey begins as you arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, where the warmth, beauty, and vibrant spirit of the island welcome you. Make your way to our hotel in the charming Ocean Park neighborhood via taxi or Uber. If you arrive early, feel free to walk around the corner to the beach and grab a pineapple drink - there are chairs available to borrow from the hotel's front desk!

Dinner will be on your own this evening as folks will be arriving at various hours. Louis will be around this evening handing out his exclusive kit designed especially for this island adventure For those arriving late in the evening, kits will be handed out in the AM the next day 🙂.

We'll have a leisurely morning to cast on our knitalong this morning. We then journey into the mountains of Cayey for a special coffee plantation tour, where we’ll discover the rich history and artistry behind one of the island’s most treasured traditions — Puerto Rican coffee.

After our visit, we'll take in some local sights on our way to a memorable lunch at Louis’ favorite restaurant in San Juan, sharing delicious Puerto Rican cuisine and experiencing the flavors that make the island’s food culture so unique.

Our afternoon will be filled with a guided historical walking tour through Old San Juan's colorful streets, centuries-old architecture, and the iconic landmarks of the city. A chocolate bar 🥃 and an historic house will round out the afternoon.

This evening you'll have some free time in Old San Juan to find a spot for dinner and do some shopping.

Or... as an add-on, end your day with an unforgettable adventure to Farjardo for a Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour from 8:00-10:00 PM. Paddle beneath the stars as the water glows with natural bioluminescence, then relax on the ride back to the hotel with drop-off by approximately 11:00 PM.

After breakfast, we'll set out on a guided nature excursion to experience the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Rico's lush landscapes. Following our adventure, we'll enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant back in San Juan before a little free time to relax or explore. This evening, immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture during a lively Bomba dance class beginning at 5:30 PM.

Fun with fiber awaits! We will depart with our luggage this morning after breakfast as we head to Southern Puerto Rico via the Central Mountains, Cordillera Centra. For the next three days we will have some truly special fiber experiences with Beatriz Lizardi and Leila Mattina of Trama Farm.

Today, we’ll have a tour around the farm, learn about cotton production, and begin our introduction to the art of spinning cotton. Guided by Beatriz and Leila, you’ll discover the journey of cotton from plant to fiber while gaining insight into the techniques, history, and creativity behind this beautiful craft.

We'll enjoy lunch on the farm, gathering together to celebrate a day of learning, making, and connection amidst the farm's bounty.

In the afternoon, we will continue South to our waterfront hotel where you can find some dinner and relax.

We will head back up the mountain today to Trama Farm to continue our fiber exploration.

Today’s workshops will focus on the art of plying cotton and the fascinating world of natural dyes. With guidance from Leila and Beatriz, participants will gain deeper insight into Puerto Rico’s cotton history, traditional practices, and the connection between agriculture, color, and craft.

Following the workshop, enjoy a catered lunch prepared on the farm, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the landscape where our fiber exploration unfolds.

We'll also learn about traditional mats and hammocks woven by the Taíno with special guest Soraya Serra Collazo. Her research on the topic spans history, politics and environmental impact of these traditional crafts.

With both our minds and bellies full, we'll head back down the mountain to our waterside hotel for dinner and some knitting!

Begin the day with breakfast before continuing our final workshop experience with Beatriz and Leila. Our fiber journey continues with a day dedicated to color, creativity, and the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

Explore the captivating world of indigo and natural dyeing as we learn about traditional dye techniques, the magic of plant-based colors, and the connection between nature and fiber. Guided by Leila and Beatriz, this hands-on workshop celebrates the artistry of transforming natural materials into vibrant hues.

After our workshop, enjoy a light lunch prepared by our caterer before departing for the southern coast of Puerto Rico. We’ll make a short visit to Ponce, where you’ll have time to explore the charm of the city’s historic plaza and enjoy a sweet treat from one of Ponce’s beloved ice cream shops.

Then it's on to our beachfront resort hotel where we can relax and knit by the sea!

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort before spending the day exactly as you choose. Today is yours to embrace at your own pace. Unwind by the pool, stroll along the beach, or simply soak in the beauty of Puerto Rico from the comfort of the resort. For the ultimate indulgence, treat yourself to one of the resort's luxurious spa packages, designed to help you relax, recharge, and savor every moment of your vacation.

Optional Add-On: Private Boat Tour to Isla Caracoles

For travelers looking to add one more unforgettable experience to their journey, opt in for a private boat excursion to the breathtaking Isla Caracoles. This idyllic sandbar is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, calm atmosphere, and incredible scenery—perfect for swimming, floating, relaxing, and enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.

To make your day seamless, Rowan Tree Travel and Fibercraft will provide round-trip ground transportation between the resort and the marina. Simply bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure as you spend the day making memories on the water before returning to the resort.

Private Farewell Dinner & Salsa Dance Lessons

As the sun sets on your unforgettable Puerto Rico getaway, we'll come together one last time for a private farewell dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal while reflecting on the memories, laughter, and connections made throughout the trip.

After dinner, immerse yourself in Puerto Rico's vibrant culture with private salsa dance lessons. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, this fun and interactive experience is the perfect way to celebrate the end of an incredible journey and create lasting memories with your fellow travelers.

A perfect finale to our journey through Borikén—filled with adventure, culture, connection, and plenty of reasons to dance as we celebrate the final moments of this unforgettable Puerto Rico fiber adventure.

This morning we will have a morning transfer to San Juan International Airport from where you can either head home directly, or take some more time to enjoy San Juan and beyond!

Knitwear Designer, Philanthropist, and Motivational Speaker, Louis Boria (aka Brooklyn Boy Knits) has been in the Fiber Arts industry for over 17 years.  Since his social media fame, Louis has been at the forefront of breaking down gender norms, putting out the message that art has no gender. His commitment to the community continues by bringing fiber artists together with projects such as “Hat Not Hate”, “School of Yarn”, and working with cancer patients in teaching them how to knit as a form of therapy. Louis’ mission of bringing the fiber arts and purpose together is at the forefront of his work. He is very excited to share his Puerto Rican heritage with us on this trip!

Heather loves designing and leading knitting and fiber tours. She’s fascinated with local traditions, unique yarns, and the modern twist added to both by current designers. Her ever-widening exposure to both has led to a long queue of patterns and a dramatic accumulation of stash! She’s also been trying her hand at new wooly endeavors like felting and spinning. When not knitting, traveling or planning your next trip, Heather tends her small flock of chickens and ducks, volunteers in her local thrift shop, and spends time with her diva dog, her family, and friends in Dunbarton, NH.