Puerto Rico: Culture and Service

¡Bienvenidos a la Isla del Encanto! Arrive at San Juan Airport (SJU) where you’ll meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to your lodging and settle in.

Join the group for an orientation discussion and an introduction to Puerto Rico, including its history,  culture, and complicated relationship with the United States.

You’ll spend the next 3 nights in shared rooms in a comfortable hotel in San Juan.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. 

Overnight: Hotel,  San Juan

Spend the day exploring the different cultural influences of Puerto Rico. In the morning head towards the town of Loiza to learn about the cultural relevance of this community. Loiza is known as “La Capital de la Tradición” for its contribution to dance and music, and for its embrace of traditional Taíno and African dishes, folk art, and culture. Participate in a lesson on a traditional dance and music style called Bomba. Learn how this art form is rooted in the island’s history of African slavery.

After lunch, head to Old San Juan to explore its colonial history. Check out its plazas, and enjoy the laid back nature of this Caribbean city.

Overnight: Hotel, San Juan

For the next two days volunteer with our partner St. Bernard Project (SBP) – a non-profit organization focused on disaster recovery. Learn how they rebuild homes and provide support to communities affected by natural disasters. Get started on recovery efforts, working alongside experts supporting disaster-affected communities.

On day three in the evening, take a salsa lesson to try one of the island’s favorite cultural pastimes. On day four after service, immerse yourself in the vibrant artistry of the hip Santurce neighborhood as you join a walking tour through its colorful streets.

Optional Activity – This activity can be added for an extra per-person fee:

Snorkeling off Icacos Island: Replace one service day or add a day to enjoy a catamaran ride to Icacos Island. Hop into the water to snorkel amid the coral reefs, searching for sea turtles and tropical fish.

Overnight: Hotel, San Juan

Take in the beauty of the lush forests and breathtaking views while we travel from San Juan into the mountainous center region. Explore fertile regions that provide Puerto Rico with locally produced staples. Visit a coffee farm and learn about the potential to make Puerto Rico more sustainable by producing more of its foods locally.

Settle into your new shared rooms in a comfy hotel in Adjuntas for the night. The property is a family run local favorite with a pool, basketball court, a gym and many farm animals.

Overnight: Parador Villa Sotomayor (or similar), Adjuntas

Wake up early to take part in a nature walk and learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and listen to the birds as you spend a morning in the mountains.

After your hike, travel back towards the coast. Stop for lunch in Guavate, a renowned Puerto Rican culinary haven. Savor the pork dish lechón. After arriving at our hotel, head to the beach to enjoy the white sands and turquoise waters.

Overnight: Hotel, San Juan

Start the day hiking in the Yunque rainforest, the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System. Visit a beautiful waterfall swimming hole where you can try out the natural rock slides and enjoy the refreshing river. Then in the afternoon head to the beach to take kayaks out into Puerto Rico’s famous Bioluminescent Bay. This mangrove-circled bay is one of the world’s best places to experience the bioluminescent plankton that give this place its name.

Wrap up your adventure with our traditional Rustic Ties ceremony when you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply those lessons at home.

Overnight: Hotel, San Juan

After breakfast, say goodbye to your newfound friends and our island paradise as you head to the airport to fly home.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.