San Juan, Puerto Rico

Location | San Juan, PR

Service Opportunities | Working environmental issues, especially related to mangrove restoration and cross-cultural understanding.

Cultural and Recreational Highlights | Visit to El Yunque Rainforest, local beaches, Old San Juan, local estates, museums, speakers, and dancing.

 Program Overview

Programs in Puerto Rico are focused on the environment and urban development. Volunteers spend most of their time in beautiful areas of San Juan, where they work on understanding the islands complex crossroads between development and environmental health. Participants learn about environmental hazards effecting Puerto Rico’s beaches and mangroves, and serve in the re-foresting and beautification of these incredible spaces. Participants also meet with and advocate next to local workers and activists for environmental improvements. In addition to service, volunteers connect with local community members, visit schools, and learn about Puerto Rico’s rich culture and history. Highlights include visits to El Yunque Rainforest, local beaches, Old San Juan, and local estates.

Lodging  | Hostels and hotels Food | Rice, beans, Fresh fruit, and local dishes such as Mofongo

Flights  | Easily connected to the US Mainland Visa | No visa or passport required for American citizens

Communication | Excellent cell service  Closest Airport | San Juan (SJU)

Our Community Partners

CARAS con Causa | CARAS is an innovative organization nonprofit organization that coordinates educational projects to promote environmental development in partnership with communities in Puerto Rico. Their current work focuses on two main projects: (1) working on developing different mechanisms to introduce seed germination of red, white, black, and button mangroves and mangrove restoration and (2) after school programs teaching young children about the interdependence of ecosystems and general tutoring in the communities of Vietnam, Puente Blanco, and Juana Matos.