Puerto Rico: Community Development and Cultural Exchange

Arrive to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in the capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico and meet your Global Works trip leaders. We take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Viejo San Juan, the colonial heart of one of the oldest European cities of the Americas. We experience Puerto Rico’s vibrant past from an insider’s perspective with an interactive tour of the historic district. We take a break to enjoy a traditional Boriqua lunch at one of Old San Juan’s traditional eateries. Upon transferring to the Big Yellow House, our lodging for the next several days, we cool off from a warm day in the tranquil waters of the Caribbean one block from our lodging. Evening group reflection to explore first impressions of Puerto Rico.

Meet Global Works’ partner community in the rural town of Villa Del Rio. We work alongside members of the community to rebuild and restore homes impacted by hurricanes. Learn the basics of sustainable restorative building from community leaders through hands-on service work. The projects we work on will improve infrastructure for families and communities to withstand and recover more efficiently from a future hurricane. We engage and share meals with families in the community in their homes to learn about Puerto Rican culture and lifestyle through their lived experience. Evening rest, reflection, and relaxation back at our beachside lodging.

Hike into El Yunque rainforest, swim in the jungle rivers, and immerse in tropical environments. We visit a popular coastal shopping street in Luquillo for a tropical group lunch and local souvenir shopping. We enjoy a beachside cookout and closing activities with members of the Villa Del Rio community. The next morning after breakfast at the Big Yellow House, our new home-away-from-home, we pack our bags and depart for the airport according to your flight schedule. We can’t wait to share new memories and experiences with our friends and family back home.