Off Site Events

There are a wide variety of venues to choose from. Puerto Rico boasts a number of great locations for celebrating group events, whether it be an historical setting or in the midst of natural surroundings. Some of our favorites in Old San Juan include the "Ballaja Barracks with its grand courtyard and magnificent view of "El Morro" castle, the Old Casino building, Jan D'Esopo's 17th century on institute of Culture.

Outside metropolitan San Juan, we have a number of natural settings to choose from. The foothills of "El Yunque" Rainforest at "Hacienda Siesta Alegre", "Revealing Rainforest" or an evening cocktail party at "El Faro" Lighthouse at "Las Cabezas" Natural Reserve, these can be used as venues for lunch or dinner. GSI can plan for accommodations of groups from 50 to 3,000 at these various sites and will also help to coordinate theme arrangements for your group's activity. Full details are available upon inquiry.

• Dominican Convent
• Casa Blanca
• La Puntilla Arsenal
• Old Casino
• La Princesa
• Playa Caliente

• Hacienda Siesta Allegre
• Ballaja
• Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan
• Galeria San Juan
• El Convento
• Coco Rio

One of San Juan's oldest landmarks, this Dominican Convent is a unique site for informal dinners or cocktail parties. A barracks for Spanish soldiers during the Spanish - American war, and later the headquarters of the U.S. Antilles Command, this interior patio can host up to 350 guests.

Built for Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico, this beautiful white house has been transformed into a museum depicting 16th and 17th century family life. Ideal for late afternoon cocktail parties, the museum, with its large garden and salon, can hold up to 300 people. The miniature re-creation of a Taino Indian village lends a genuine Puerto Rican ambiance.

La Puntilla Arsenal

This spectacular setting and the continuous easterly trade winds make this an enchanting dinner site.

Theme events such as, Spanish Flamenco Night, Cowboy Night, Argentinean Night and more have been designed and executed to perfectly fit the character of this magnificent venue. We may also arrange for a mini Horse Show of Paso Finos or Horse Jumping Competition as entertainment for your group prior to their dinner. If you wish, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson will stay during the welcome cocktails and brief the group in regards to the history and details of the Hacienda ( guests will be able to take some pictures, walk around the ranch and ask questions. This will make an interactive experience and more of an intimate ambiance).

"The Galeria San Juan, a showcase or the multifaceted talents of artist Jan D'Esopo. The warren of small room and courtyards are filled with sculpture, paintings, and ceramics, including some unique tableware in terra-cotta and natural white earthenware. In addition, six quirky little antiques-filled rooms and suites make up the Gallery Inn, an option seeking homey-style lodging on the edge of the old city.

El Convento

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, El Convento, a member of Historic Hotels of America, has set new standards of luxury, comfort and service while preserving the unique character and mystique of the hotel. A former Carmelite convent built three and a half centuries ago, El Convento has gone through many incarnations before a complete refurbishment carefully restored this historic hotel with special attention paid to the preservation of the original structure. No expense or imagination has been spared in giving El Convento a fine blend of originality and classic quality.

There is something refreshingly different about El Convento, a small boutique-style hotel that celebrates the days of Old World style, creating a welcome atmosphere of sophistication without pretension, providing its guests with style and traditional hospitality. The legacy of El Convento will no doubt continue to endure long into the 21st century.

Coco Rio

Located in the foothills of Puerto Rico's famed El Yunque National Rainforest is a breathtaking and beautiful private jungle paradise... Coco Rio. This enchanting eden-esque enclave is every event planners dream, a place where nature creates an ever-changing palette of beautiful and color in an authentic rainforest setting.

This 20 acre paradise was designed by the special event and creative experts of Wizard Studios International and built and maintained by the Diaz family of the highly acclaimed Hacienda Carabali.

Please click on the preferred event below for a Detailed description:

Revealing Rainforest Events
Temple of Vision Theme
Rustic Rainforest
Coco Rio Festival
Villages & Voyagers
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Mystery
Ancient Times - Coco Rio
Ponce De Leon and the Fountain of Youth - Coco Rio
El Yunque Fantasy - Coco Rio
Iguana Bongo Bar and Street Festival - Coco Rio

Revealing Rainforest Events

The Rainforest Survivor adventure begins as the tribes exit the buses and find themselves at the Tribal Camp. From this camp, they are led down rough-cut trails, over rope bridges, and across El Mameyes River by means of suspended wire cables. Along the adventure trail, tribe members acquire their tribal torch. The torch helps guide them to the Tribal Challenge Village.

As tribe members enter the Tribal Challenge Village, torches are placed at their Tribal Table where the flame of unity will later be lit. This village is the stage for an open bar, passed hors d 'oeuvres and the 1st Tribal Challenge. On completion of the challenge, the tribes are led on to the Tribal Council. The Council hosts dinner, additional Tribal Challenges and Tribal Voting. This narrows the tribes down to a single Survivor, but not before the strategies of alliances and immunity have had their chance to intervene.

The entire Rainforest property is adorned with rustic huts, wooden arches, tiki torches, bonfires and native décor. The tribes find themselves surrounded by the lush tropical foliage of the Rainforest while listening to the sounds of the coqui frog and tribal music.

Set on 45 acres of private property in El Yunque Rainforest, Revealing Rainforest Events is the ideal location to experience Rainforest Survivor. This is an exotic and extreme dining experience not to be missed!

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Temple of Vision Theme

As your guests depart the buses, they embark on an expedition to discover the Temple of Vision. They enter the Rainforest and take a short walk along the tiki-lit trail. At the end of the trail, they discover the Temple of Vision. Guests enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres and their favorite drink. Torches and fire pots illuminate the night and the sounds of live conga drums fill the air.

Suddenly, the reception is interrupted with the theme song from Indiana Jones. As the beam of a spotlight draws the guests' attention, they discover Indiana hidden high atop a tree. As the musical tension builds, Indi jumps from the tree and zips down onto the roof of the Temple. Guests' attention is refocused on the Temple Door as it rolls away. From this opening your VIP appears, taking credit for the incredible stunt. To complete the illusion, he is dressed in an identical Indiana Jones costume. After a roaring round of applause, the VIP welcomes the group and congratulates them for discovering the Temple of Vision. The group then follows him through a darkened tunnel to the Hillside Dining Tent.
The décor of the dining tent carries on the Indi theme with a cargo-netting ceiling, burlap-wrapped tent poles and stone tablets. Skull centerpieces with dripping candles adorn the tables. Guests continue to marvel over the prowess of their VIP, as they dine of a sumptuous buffet of local and traditional favorites.
After dinner, your guests will dance the night away to the sounds of your selected music.

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Rustic Rainforest

Set on 45 private acres of the Rainforest, Revealing Rainforest Events allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of this exotic wonderland, creating an extraordinary backdrop for your dining experience. As guests depart the buses, they are led on a 10-minute stroll through a winding mystical trail lit by tiki torches. The sounds of the native coqui frog and a beautiful natural waterfall accompany this walk.

At the end of the trail, a cold rum punch awaits, along with the rhythm of live conga drums. Guests enjoy passed hors d' oeuvres and their favorite drink from the tiki bar. The reception lawns overlook the flowing waters of El Mameyes River. The beauty of the natural Rainforest is illuminated with special lighting and tiki torches.

The festive group is led through a Rainforest Tunnel to the Hillside Dining Tent. The tables are decorated with fragrant tropical flowers and a miniature candle lit tiki torch. Still encircled by natural themeing, the group dines on exquisite local or traditional favorites.

The evening is complete with your selection of background tunes, dance music, shows or interactive entertainment.

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Coco Rio Festival!

An evening of high-energy fun and excitement set in the tranquil beauty of the rainforest at the Coco Rio Festival! This beautiful environment includes colorful décor, fine food and beverage and the highly interactive festivities.

Passing down country lanes, guests arrive at Coco Rio where a bamboo structure with colorful "Bienvenidos a Coco Rio" sign welcomes and flaming torches accent the area while colorful atmospheric lighting adds mystery and grandeur to this lush tropical setting.

Following a jungle path along the river, guests pass myriad of flora and fauna indigenous to the El Yunque region. A beautiful splashing waterfall marks the entrance where a welcome rum punch is served from a bamboo hut. A quartet of Brazilian style Batucada drummers provide a festive welcome with photo opportunity and live exotic birds in front of the waterfall.

Libations are served from a very colorful Caribbean Fruit Bar with back bar topped with a live tropical floral arrangement.

The tables are dressed in assorted bright solid floor length cloths in colors coordinated to the Fruit Bar, with beautiful tropical floral centerpieces and votive candles. A live band plays all styles from a riser as dinner is served.

Welcome to the Festival!
Suddenly, following dinner, guests are entertained by drummers, dancers in colorful costumes, a stilt dancer and playful Vejigantes get us on our feet and lead a spirited conga line through the arch and out to the lawn.

Here, more tiki hut bars are set up and a highly interactive DJ is playing. The performers encourage guests to grab maracas from the tables and join them on the dance floor for salsa and merengue lessons, conga lines and audience participation.

A craft fair is in full swing with local artisans demonstrating and selling their crafts from typical wood buildings. Guests can visit the caricature artist for a lasting impression, hear the future from the fortuneteller and help themselves to a handmade cigar from the cigar roller.

Following a costume change, "Gloria Estefan" bursts onto the scene in a high-energy performance, accompanied by the dancers.

The evening ends with a magnificent fireworks display choreographed to music bursts from the adjacent mountaintop.

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Villages & Voyagers

The wisdom of the past meets the technology of the future in this amazing interactive event. This cosmic search for ancient astronauts takes your guests from the Rainforest of Puerto Rico on upward to the stars.

Entering the property visitors are immediately drawn to the imposing entry arch, a large gate King Kong style entryway. Flaming torches line the pathway and a custom Hieroglyphic A welcoming Guide greets gives instructions and preparation for evening ahead. Ambient thematic music plays as the massive gates swing open.

Guests proceed into the jungle, traveling along the torchlight pathways surrounded by various examples of flora and fauna indigenous to this region. The chanting and ritualistic drums of the Rainforest tribes can be heard as guests forge deeper into the Rainforest.

The pathway opens up to present an ancient village with inviting music, warm lighting, flaming torches and featuring palm frond rain forest huts, authentic artifacts and simmering village firepots.

A tribal dance troupe is going through their dramatic choreography around a blazing bonfire, while beyond this terrestrial terpsichorean a massive stone Temple comes into view. This 60' by 15' temple is ablaze with color and torchlight, a dramatic environment for mystic ceremonies. Below the massive steps leading to the Temple of the Sky Gods is a large stone sacrificial altar, piled high with fruits and other offerings to the gods.

Guests are the treated to a dramatic ritualistic theatrical presentation depicting ancient villagers, princesses and chieftains augmented by specialty lighting, timed musical accompaniment and pyrotechnics. Without warning, the ground begins to rumble and the massive stone temple steps begin to part, opening a futuristic portal. As the music swells, a visitor from the future beckons us to enter...

Guests pass through the darkened time tunnel to eerie new age influenced space music and emerge in a futuristic wonderland featuring the Cosmic Cantina, a sleekly styled intergalactic watering hole, populated by odd-looking denizens from throughout the cosmos. Around the perimeter are high tech grid wall pieces, simulating the command centers of a high tech space facility and featuring matching Ancient astronaut hieroglyphics, except these are burned into high sheen metallic panels.

Around the area dance risers provide spotlight locations for undulating mood dancers. On the high tech stage set, four alien characters are set in recessed tubes in a state of suspended animation, frozen in time till their ceremonial re-animation. Nearby, a towering robotics figure holds court, shooting laser beam eyes throughout the atmospherically fogged air, and displaying a bountiful buffet before her.

Later in the festivities, all the aliens converge upon the stage to call the "mother ship". With a recited invocation, they set off a chain of events that result in a dazzling laser display, followed by complete darkness. In the darkness we hear the sound of a hovering spacecraft, and high on the mountaintop we see the flashing lights of the ship-passing overhead. As we step outside as the lights restore, we see the ship berthed high upon the hill, lights and fog beaming from it and two alien commanders coming down the steep hillside stairway. They present the officials with the "Key to the Galaxies" and then join in the rousing activity on the dance floor.

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Mystery

Send your guests on an ultimate interactive jungle adventure traversing the Rainforest terrain of Coco Rio to discover the world of Indiana Jones and his contemporaries!

The rolling green hills of the Puerto Rican countryside have given way to a clearing, where massive gates are lit with flaming torches. Barrels, crates, supplies, netting, and the varied accoutrements of a jungle outpost are stacked in precarious looking piles around the gate area while flaming tiki torches line the perimeter of the entry. Stepping off the motor coach, guests are greeted by dramatically eerie music, which creates a true feeling of a Hollywood thriller.

A nervous guide in khakis and pith helmet anxiously greets arriving groups. He briefly speaks, telling of the Lost Treasure of the Temple of Mystery, and how, though many have tried, no one has yet to find it. "Only the true of heart and sharp of mind" can discover the treasure and live to tell the tale!

Guests then proceed along a Jungle Trail, darkly foreboding yet beautiful. Custom signage warns of the myriad of dangers that could befall the unwary traveler. Along the path, guests encounter an abandoned Jeep, where a skeleton driver dressed in ragged khakis and pith helmet has crashed into a tree. The music grows more dramatic further into the trail which leads to an open clearing, and a "lost world". Massive rustic pavilions are dramatically lit and adorned with tribal masks, fabrics and accouterments while flaming torches encircle the entire encampment. Ceremonial bamboo firepots blaze, around which a tribe of native dancers are performing their ritual moves, while the beats of tribal drums and thematic music pounds.

Lush buffets, comically captioned with Indiana Jones style food names and dressed with skulls and other tribal props are generously placed throughout the surroundings while thatched Tiki Huts provide multiple libation outposts. Native games are liberally sprinkled throughout the environment as well, offering rustic tried but true games of skill, which award tribal adornments to those who win (option).

Throughout the area, stacks of crates, netting, barrels etc. are placed, showing how Indiana Jones and his compatriots have intermingled and learned to co-exist with the natives. The tables are dressed in animal print linens, creating a true tribal feel. On the far side of the environment there is a row of heavy foliage flanking giant African masks, creating a wall through which only the black of night is visible.

Varied entertainment follows and libations at hand. The environment is constantly changing, with the dancers, character actors and staff creating an on-going kaleidoscope of color and variety. Guests enjoy a special Temple of Mystery Mai Tai and delve into the sumptuous hors d'oeuvres...

A theatrical presentation follows along the Indiana Jones theme featuring live actors, bad guys and damsels in distress.

Indy and friends invite guests to follow them to the Temple of Mystery, a beautifully lit Mayan style temple where a high-energy band is playing! Now the party kicks into high gear! Indy invites guests to enjoy a fine dinner in front of the Temple of Mystery... The partying continues on into the night, thanks to the combined efforts of Indiana Jones and Co. All the guests are able to enjoy the varied entertainment on hand and relax under the star filled sky.

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Ancient Times - Coco Rio

Upon arrival at Coco Rio, located in the foothills of the famed El Yunque Rainforest, guests are served welcome drinks from a thatched hut. Passing through a bamboo arch with colorful "Bienvenidos a Coco Rio" sign, we traverse through a canopy of dense foliage and vine along a river path. Up ahead, the sounds of ancient drumbeats are heard. Emerging from the forest, guests find themselves at a beautiful rushing waterfall, dramatically lit.

Following the path further, we come upon the scene of an ancient tribal gathering, where the inhabitants are the first residents of the island, Taino Indians. Imposing bamboo tripods topped with flaming metal cauldrons dot the area, while realistic inhabitants perform ritualistic dance. Inside the pavilion is a huge mystical carved stone temple, draped in vines and topped with firepots. Stone columns with more blazing firepots atop line the perimeter and the lighting is in cool forest colors with break-up patterns.

Cocktails are served from a large wood bar topped with a myriad of candles as a tribal conga trio performs. Scattered cocktail tables are dressed in dark linens with animal print overlays, tiki god centerpieces and candles. We relax and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and conversation in the unique setting.

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Ponce De Leon and the Fountain of Youth - Coco Rio

Upon arrival at Coco Rio, located in the foothills of the famed El Yunque Rainforest, guests are served welcome drinks from a thatched hut. Passing through a bamboo arch with colorful "Bienvenidos a Coco Rio" sign, we traverse through a canopy of dense foliage and vine along a river path. Up ahead, the sounds of ancient drumbeats are heard. Emerging from the forest, guests find themselves at a beautiful rushing waterfall, dramatically lit.

Upon cue, the music suddenly becomes intense as the natives begin a ritualistic choreographed number to conjure up the spirit of El Yunque. As the dance intensifies, lightning and thunder flash and rumble and is then over-ridden with the roar of cannons. From behind the temple, a parade of conquistadors on horseback, bearing flags and standards appears. As the dancers scatter, Ponce de Leon and his explorers enter, in search of the Fountain of Youth.

Dismounting from his horse, Ponce drinks from the pond in front of the temple as dense fog pours forth. As the fog recedes, we see that Ponce has turned in to a young boy in a matching costume. Overjoyed with glee, he invites us to explore the lost paradise of El Yunque. We follow the explorers out of the first pavilion along the path to the second pavilion that has, until now, been obscured with a thicket of foliage that moves aside.

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El Yunque Fantasy - Coco Rio

Upon arrival at Coco Rio, located in the foothills of the famed El Yunque Rainforest, guests are served welcome drinks from a thatched hut. Passing through a bamboo arch with colorful "Bienvenidos a Coco Rio" sign, we traverse through a canopy of dense foliage and vine along a river path. Up ahead, the sounds of ancient drumbeats are heard. Emerging from the forest, guests find themselves at a beautiful rushing waterfall, dramatically lit.
Approaching the second pavilion, we enter through a maize of rainforest foliage and past a working waterfall. The roof of the pavilion is draped with rustic netting from which vines and ferns hang. Large colorful butterflies are suspended overhead, and the lighting is ethereal in the misty environment. Dense islands of foliage, atmospherically up-lit, surround the perimeter.

Drinks are served from a brightly colored fantasy bar, with exotic fruit motif and the tables and chairs are dressed in neon shades with beautiful tropical floral centerpieces. Food stations are set throughout, topped with tropical arrangements. On the far side of the pavilion is a large tavern dressed with tropical fruits...the doors are currently closed.

During dinner, the entertainment choices range from soft background music to DJ to high energy band... strolling close-up magicians or folkloric music and show... a high energy Gaucho act, ethereal new age style butterfly or flamenco dancers.

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Iguana Bongo Bar and Street Festival - Coco Rio

Upon arrival at Coco Rio, located in the foothills of the famed El Yunque Rainforest, guests are served welcome drinks from a thatched hut. Passing through a bamboo arch with colorful "Bienvenidos a Coco Rio" sign, we traverse through a canopy of dense foliage and vine along a river path. Up ahead, the sounds of ancient drumbeats are heard. Emerging from the forest, guests find themselves at a beautiful rushing waterfall, dramatically lit.
Following dinner, the music suddenly changes to a high energy Latin beat as a parade of characters enters. Tossing out maracas to the guests the festival characters (Vejigantes, Cabezudos (big heads), conga players, Carmen Miranda and stilt walkers) get us on our feet leading us through the swinging doors of the tavern in a conga line and out to the lawn.

The area is lit in tropical shades. The centerpiece of the festivities is the Iguana Bongo Bar, a functional, fully roofed Caribbean building complete with built in congas, bongos, rainsticks and chimes on which the guests play along. A lively band or DJ provides the music as our characters provide salsa and merengue lessons and high-energy interaction. Festive colored lights are strung overhead and local artisans may be on hand to display and sell their wares.

As a fever pitch is reached, suddenly a fantastic display of fireworks choreographed to music erupts from the adjoining mountaintop!

As we party on into the night, everyone will be shouting "Viva Puerto Rico!"

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