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Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Paradise

8 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

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

Program Tuition

$2,945

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Puerto Rico

¡Bienvenidos a la Isla del Encanto! Arrive into San Juan Airport where Rustic Pathways staff will meet you and escort you to your lodging to check-in. Get to know your group and we will have an introduction to Puerto Rico, its history, its culture, and it's complicated relationship with the United States. You'll spend the next 2 nights in shared rooms in a comfy hotel in San Juan.
2

Old San Juan

Spend the day exploring old San Juan in all its colonial charm. Learn about the history of the city, check out its plazas, and enjoy the laid back nature of this Caribbean city. Mid-afternoon head over for your first taste of the Caribbean and enjoy an afternoon on the beach.
3

Into the mountains

Take in the beauty of the lush forests and breathtaking views while we transfer from San Juan into the mountainous center region. We'll stop off to visit both fincas where we'll do hands-on learning this week. You'll get to know the team at each finca and learn about how they are creating sustainable farming opportunities in Puerto Rico. Settle into your new shared rooms in a comfy hotel in Jayuya for the next 3 nights.
4

Ziplining

After breakfast, we visit the longest zipline in the Americas - as long as 28 football fields! Fly through the forest canopy on multiple ziplines and keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife from this unique perspective. Enjoy time in the afternoon to explore Jayuya or just hang out by the pool and relax.
5

Sustainable farming

We spend the next two mornings working with our partners at fincas introducing unique and sustainable farming techniques to Puerto Rico. We'll harvest and process breadfruit, and learn about its many uses. In the afternoons, we'll relax by the pool or visit the Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Cagüana, one of the most important Taíno archaeological sites in the Antilles. Here you will learn about the indigenous culture, explore ancient plazas, petroglyphs and tools made by the Taínos in this 800-year-old site.
7

Rainforest and Bioluminescent Bay

Today's adventure sees us hiking into the rainforest to visit a beautiful waterfall swimming hole. You can try out the natural rock slides and enjoy the refreshing river. Then in the afternoon we 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 it's name. We'll get back to our new shared rooms in Fajardo after this packed day.
8

¡Buen Viaje!

After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to this Island paradise and head to the airport to fly home. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Puerto Rico!

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Puerto Rico

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Puerto Rico offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Puerto Rico Americas 2026
Get Notified