Faculty-led travel courses · Latin America
Puerto Rico Faculty-Led Travel Course
This program visits Puerto Rico, where American citizens do not need a passport to travel. Students explore rainforests, beaches and wildlife alongside the island's Spanish colonial history and Caribbean culture.
Good to know
- Language
- Spanish and English
- Currency
- U.S. dollar (USD)
- Best season
- December–April (dry season)
- Typical length
- 10–14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- Old San JuanThe historic district has blue cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century.
- El MorroThe Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a Spanish fortress at the entrance to San Juan Bay and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- El Yunque National ForestThis is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, with waterfalls and unique wildlife.
- Bioluminescent BaysBays such as Mosquito Bay in Vieques glow at night because of tiny light-producing organisms in the water.
- PonceThe southern city is known for its Neoclassical architecture, its museums and the Parque de Bombas firehouse.
- Puerto Rican BeachesThe island's Caribbean and Atlantic coasts offer beaches, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems for study.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit Puerto Rico
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Geography & Environmental StudiesA course could study tropical forest ecology, coral reefs and the effects of hurricanes and climate change.
Nursing, Medicine & Public HealthA course could examine public health, disaster preparedness and health care delivery on the island.
Education & Teacher PreparationA course could explore bilingual education and schooling in a U.S. territory.
Psychology, Sociology & Social WorkA course could look at Puerto Rican identity, political status and migration.
Map
Where you will go
Academic and professional visits
- A local university faculty of environmental science
- A hospital or community health center
- A national forest or wildlife refuge office
- A bilingual public school
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course.
Itinerary
Sample itinerary
A starting point only — every trip is adjusted to your course, dates and budget.
Customizable. This sample shows the kinds of visits and places available. Days, pace and academic visits are built around your course.
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Day 1
Arrival in Old San Juan
The group arrives on the island and settles in the colonial heart of San Juan.
- Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Old San Juan
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Day 2
Old San Juan Orientation
A first walk through the blue-cobblestone streets of one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas.
- Free morning
- Afternoon city tour of Old San Juan
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Day 3
Forts and Fortaleza
Spanish colonial forts guarded San Juan for centuries and are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Castillo San Cristóbal
- La Fortaleza, the governor's residence
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Day 4
Museum of Art and History
Students learn how Puerto Rico's culture and history developed under Spanish rule and U.S. sovereignty.
- Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan
- Academic visit matched to your course
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Day 5
Rainforest Day
A day in the tropical landscape of eastern Puerto Rico.
- Drive to Carabalí Rainforest Park
- Guided nature activities
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Day 6
Old San Juan Waterfront
The waterfront promenade and a historic cemetery show the city's social history.
- Paseo de la Princesa and craft market
- Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
- Free evening in Old San Juan
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Day 7
Botanical Garden and Ocean Park
Students visit a university-run tropical garden and a popular urban beach neighborhood.
- University of Puerto Rico Botanical Garden
- Ocean Park beach
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Day 8
Free Day in San Juan
A free day to explore or complete coursework.
- Free day
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Day 9
Humacao Nature Reserve
The group moves to the southeast coast to see mangroves, wetlands and beaches.
- Transfer to Humacao
- Humacao Nature Reserve
- Check in at the hotel
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Day 10
Cayo Santiago
Monkey Island is a research site for free-ranging rhesus monkeys, viewed from the water.
- Boat trip around Cayo Santiago
- Free time in Humacao
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Day 11
Guayama and Return to San Juan
A historic house museum shows how a wealthy sugar family lived in the 1800s.
- Museo Casa Cautiño in Guayama
- Transfer to San Juan
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Day 12
Departure
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
- Transfer to the airport
What is included
ARAMFO arranges everything
You choose the dates and the airport your group flies from. We handle the logistics and the academic visits so you can focus on teaching.
3–6 credit hours, offered through your own department · 8+ students and the professor's travel cost is covered by ARAMFO · Your dates and your departure airport
- Airfare from your preferred airport
- Hotels or student housing
- Meals as set out in the itinerary
- Transportation in the host country
- Tour guides and entrance fees
- University, company and professional visits
- A native guide with the group for the whole trip
- Customized dates and itinerary
Get started
Plan a course in Puerto Rico
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.