Biochemical and Molecular Engineering XXIV
Venue Information
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico (Spanish for 'Rich Port') is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island organized as an unincorporated territory of the United State under the designation of commonwealth. It is located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its capital is San Juan. The island has a population of approximately 3.2 million people. It was claimed by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus and acquired by the US following the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917..
The climate of Puerto Rico is mostly tropical rainforest. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round, averaging near 85 °F (29 °C) in lower elevations and 70 °F (21 °C) in the mountains. Easterly trade winds pass across the island year-round.
Puerto Rico experiences the Atlantic hurricane season, similar to the rest of the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Rico has two biosphere reserves recognized by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program: The Liquillo Biosphere Reserve represented by the El Yunque National Forest and the Guanica Biosphere Reserve.
The most recognizable endemic species and a symbol of Puerto Rican pride is the coqui a small frog easily identified by the sound of its call, from which it gets its name. Most coquí species (13 of 17) live in the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest Service system, located in the northeast of the island.
Puerto Rico has three of the seven year-long bioluminescent bays in the Caribbean. These are unique bodies of water surrounded by mangroves that are inhabited by the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense. However, tourism, pollution, and hurricanes have highly threatened these unique ecosystems.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Hotel
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Hotel (6000 Boulevard Rio Mar Rio Grande, PR 00745) is located on 500 acres between the El Yunque National Forest and a mile of secluded beach. The rooms have stunning ocean, rainforest, and lush garden views. The hotel has a variety of restaurants that provide everything from traditional “cocina criolla” ({Puerto Rican cuisine) to both American and international favorites.
The hotel check-in time is 4:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am. The hotel bellmen can arrange to check baggage for those arriving early when rooms are unavailable and for guests attending meetings on the departure day.
The bedrooms have premium bedding, private balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, laptop friendly work stations with desk chairs, 42-inch TVs with premium cable channels, an in-room safe, blackout drapes, coffee/tea maker (with Puerto Rican coffee), free bottled water, easy access multi-port electric outlets, mini-fridge, iron and ironing board and cordless telephone with voice mail. The bathrooms have a hair dryer and vanity mirror.
There are three beachfront swimming pools, sundecks, two oversize whirlpool spas, a two-mile private beach, three bars/lounges, Mandara Spa and fitness center, a casino, tennis center with 11 clay courts and two hard courts, two championship golf courses, a sauna and specialty shops. Both shops and water sports are available nearby.
Quick Facts
- Two official languages: Spanish and English
- US dollar is the official currency
- US citizens do not require a passport
- Direct Airlift into San Juan from many US cities
Attractions
- Historic Old San Juan – 45 minutes
- El Yunque National Rain Forest – 5 minutes
- Bioluminescent Bay – 20 minutes
- The Outlet Mall – 20 minutes
- Luquillo Beach and Kiosks – 5 minutes
- Bicycle rentals, water skiing, sailing, water tubing,, scuba diving – all nearby
Transportation
San Juan Airport (SJU) (Luis Munoz Marin International Airport) is 19 miles from the Wyndham. (35-45 minutes)
For those renting cars, there is paid parking and paid valet parking on site.
Taxi/Uber rates can vary between $45-$85 one way.
Shuttle Information
Coming soon!
International Participants
- ECI welcomes all international participants and we hope to make your experience in Puerto Rico as easy as possible. You should note the following from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
- Visit the US Department of State Website for information or changes to the visa process
- Register for the conference and then request your Letter of invitation for a visa.
- Obtaining a Letter of Invitation is NOT a guarantee that you will be approved for a visa. The letter is merely supplementary information that explains a visa applicant’s intended purpose to travel.
- Apply for your visa as early as possible and at least 90 days prior to your departure date.
- Check your passport date to make sure it will be valid for at least six months after the conference.
- If you already have a visa, check the expiration date to make certain it will not expire before your trip is completed.