This Program is Directed by
Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Puerto Rico
Service & Environmental Sustainability
This summer, work alongside residents, conservationists, and young Puerto Ricans who are aiming to restore and protect the island’s ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to coral reefs. Meet with leaders and volunteer with changemakers who are spearheading community-scale initiatives and sustainable farming practices. Participate in the farm-to-table process and learn how it is applied in different areas on the island, and get inspired by working hands-on in coral reef conservation initiatives.
- Highlights
• Meet with young artists and leaders in the port city of San Juan
• Help clear trails in the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.
• Volunteer with organizations to develop local food production
• Snorkel in the Caribbean and learn about threats to coral ecosystems
• Help clear trails in the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.
• Volunteer with organizations to develop local food production
• Snorkel in the Caribbean and learn about threats to coral ecosystems
“I gained a lot of inspiration from this trip. A lot of the people we worked with opened my eyes to the environmental work that needs to be done and how important it is.”
—Frances O., The Urban School of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to San Juan, Puerto Rico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
San Juan — 3 days
Begin in the centuries-old port city of San Juan, a mosaic of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Get to know your group through an in-depth orientation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Walk the streets of Old San Juan with a guide, taking in the art and learning about its relationship with Puerto Rico’s history and politics. Help with the neighborhood’s local garden and agricultural initiatives. Spend your afternoon taking a salsa or bomba class, or paddleboarding at a nearby lagoon.
Luquillo — 3 days
Take a trip to El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the United States—and hike to a pristine waterfall while learning about the importance of the rainforest. Travel to the coast and learn about conservation efforts in the incredibly biodiverse Northeast Ecological Corridor, home to tropical forest, mangroves, wetlands, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This protected area is one of the few places in the Caribbean where endangered leatherback sea turtles come on land to nest. Kayak through the mangrove canal and witness how these ecosystems are cared for by the local communities.
Adjuntas — 3 days
Venture to Adjuntas, a community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to expand agriculture and lend a hand on a local farm. Discuss the farm’s mission of using an agricultural school to provide employment opportunities for the youth of Puerto Rico. Spend your afternoons hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking dips in hidden swimming holes, and then enjoy camping under the stars.
Manatí — 2 days
Head to the coastal town of Manatí and meet with representatives from the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, who traveled to Puerto Rico immediately after Hurricane Maria. Andrés rallied local chefs and set up a sophisticated network of emergency kitchens and supply chains, serving more than three million meals in the months following the storm. Learn how the group has since shifted its mission, empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities and become more sustainable. Volunteer at a local farm and help plant native trees to restore the island’s ecosystem.
Culebra — 3 days
Take the ferry from the mainland to explore one of the 143 islands that form the archipelago. Swim and snorkel in the clear waters, getting an up-close look at marine life and coral reefs. Learn about the conservation efforts in the island to protect its coral reefs and restore these important marine life habitats. Enjoy the final days of your program in beautiful beaches and blue waters.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York City with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to San Juan, Puerto Rico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
San Juan — 3 days
Begin in the centuries-old port city of San Juan, a mosaic of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Get to know your group through an in-depth orientation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Walk the streets of Old San Juan with a guide, taking in the art and learning about its relationship with Puerto Rico’s history and politics. Help with the neighborhood’s local garden and agricultural initiatives. Spend your afternoon taking a salsa or bomba class, or paddleboarding at a nearby lagoon.
Luquillo — 3 days
Take a trip to El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the United States—and hike to a pristine waterfall while learning about the importance of the rainforest. Travel to the coast and learn about conservation efforts in the incredibly biodiverse Northeast Ecological Corridor, home to tropical forest, mangroves, wetlands, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This protected area is one of the few places in the Caribbean where endangered leatherback sea turtles come on land to nest. Kayak through the mangrove canal and witness how these ecosystems are cared for by the local communities.
Adjuntas — 3 days
Venture to Adjuntas, a community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to expand agriculture and lend a hand on a local farm. Discuss the farm’s mission of using an agricultural school to provide employment opportunities for the youth of Puerto Rico. Spend your afternoons hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking dips in hidden swimming holes, and then enjoy camping under the stars.
Manatí — 2 days
Head to the coastal town of Manatí and meet with representatives from the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, who traveled to Puerto Rico immediately after Hurricane Maria. Andrés rallied local chefs and set up a sophisticated network of emergency kitchens and supply chains, serving more than three million meals in the months following the storm. Learn how the group has since shifted its mission, empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities and become more sustainable. Volunteer at a local farm and help plant native trees to restore the island’s ecosystem.
Culebra — 3 days
Take the ferry from the mainland to explore one of the 143 islands that form the archipelago. Swim and snorkel in the clear waters, getting an up-close look at marine life and coral reefs. Learn about the conservation efforts in the island to protect its coral reefs and restore these important marine life habitats. Enjoy the final days of your program in beautiful beaches and blue waters.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York City with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Service
During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—agricultural projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers, trail clearing infrastructure projects, and environmental projects like coral reef restoration. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. This program provides hands-on, immersive experiences that encourage thoughtful engagement with issues related to conservation, agriculture, climate change, and sustainability. During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to meet with and learn from several different organizations, local conservationists, and young leaders who are working toward greater sustainability on the islands. To learn more about our Service programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—interview a park ranger at El Yunque National Forest to learn about conservation efforts on the island, create a dictionary of Puerto Rican expressions, study the island’s indigenous and colonial history, or give a presentation about Puerto Rico’s dependence on imports and the rise of local food markets.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work, as well as activities and excursions, may be moderately strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside swimming, working on projects, and hiking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Accommodations
We stay in small, family-run hotels and hostels for most of the program. We will also have the option of camping on the farm in Adjuntas. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.
Meals
In San Juan, we eat meals at local restaurants. In smaller towns, we enjoy picnics, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks, and meals at restaurants.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Service
During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—agricultural projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers, trail clearing infrastructure projects, and environmental projects like coral reef restoration. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. This program provides hands-on, immersive experiences that encourage thoughtful engagement with issues related to conservation, agriculture, climate change, and sustainability. During your time in Puerto Rico, you can expect to meet with and learn from several different organizations, local conservationists, and young leaders who are working toward greater sustainability on the islands. To learn more about our Service programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—interview a park ranger at El Yunque National Forest to learn about conservation efforts on the island, create a dictionary of Puerto Rican expressions, study the island’s indigenous and colonial history, or give a presentation about Puerto Rico’s dependence on imports and the rise of local food markets.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work, as well as activities and excursions, may be moderately strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside swimming, working on projects, and hiking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Accommodations
We stay in small, family-run hotels and hostels for most of the program. We will also have the option of camping on the farm in Adjuntas. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.
Meals
In San Juan, we eat meals at local restaurants. In smaller towns, we enjoy picnics, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks, and meals at restaurants.
A Day in the Life: Adjuntas
Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Adjuntas.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy pan de mallorca and café con leche for breakfast with your group
9:00am
Work in small groups on the farm and help to construct a greenhouse
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Eat a picnic lunch overlooking the Cordillera Central mountain range
1:00pm
Relax or join in a game of pick-up basketball or ultimate frisbee
2:00pm
Plant coffee trees and learn about the cultivation process
- Evening
5:00pm
Cool off with friends in a freshwater swimming hole
7:00pm
Share a dinner of mofongo with friends of the school
8:00pm
Reflect on the day around a bonfire under the stars
A Day in the Life:
Adjuntas
Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Adjuntas.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy pan de mallorca and café con leche for breakfast with your group
9:00am
Work in small groups on the farm and help to construct a greenhouse
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Eat a picnic lunch overlooking the Cordillera Central mountain range
1:00pm
Relax or join in a game of pick-up basketball or ultimate frisbee
2:00pm
Plant coffee trees and learn about the cultivation process
- Evening
5:00pm
Cool off with friends in a freshwater swimming hole
7:00pm
Share a dinner of mofongo with friends of the school
8:00pm
Reflect on the day around a bonfire under the stars
“Camping and helping at the farm made me feel closer to earth.”
—Sophia T., Tamalpais High School, Sausalito, CA
This Program is Directed by
Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
