Puerto Rico Paradise

Puerto Rico Paradise

Explore beautiful Puerto Rico while exploring its many outdoor adventures. You’ll get a glimpse into the time of the Spanish Empire as you stroll through Old San Juan. At El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the US National Forest System, hike through the lush canopy and swim in crystal clear waters.  Kayak in the world famous Bio Bay and see the glowing plankton up close.

Highlights:

  • Ride the longest zipline in the Americas
  • Get hands-on while learning about sustainable farming at local fincas
  • Practice your Spanish as you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan
  • Swim in crystal clear waterfalls in the only tropical rainforest in the US
  • See bioluminescence up close from a kayak

Future travel dates to come

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    8 Days
  • Max. Students:
    20
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $2,945 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    10
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    8 Days
  • Max. Students:
    20
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $2,945 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    10
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day.
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Daypack

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Main Luggage

A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (8)
  • Underwear (8)
  • Long, loose-fitting shorts for service project work. Something that provides coverage and protection while keeping you cool. (3-4)
  • Long looser capris or quick dry pants (3-4)
  • Dry quick long sleeve shirts (4-5)
  • T-shirts (5-7)
  • Tank tops (2-3)
  • Long sleeve shirt and pants for colder camping nights (2)
  • Long sleeve rash-guard (2-3)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Rain jacket
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Closed-toed quick dry water shoes or strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Old close-toed sneakers for service work
  • Sneakers
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Work gloves
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Reusable bag for shopping
  • Bandana

Toiletries

(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe) – preferably cream, not spray
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts Contact solution
  • Earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
  • Students must bring additional hand sanitizer and one disposable mask per day of the program, or three hand-washable masks.
Important Reminders
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.
  • Please bring $40 for your COVID-19 PCR test required for departure from Puerto Rico and return to the United States.
  • Students must bring additional hand sanitizer and one disposable mask per day of the program, or three hand-washable masks.