Visit Puerto Rico with the Temple Ambler Field Station in May 2026!
Exploring Puerto Rico: Nature, Community and Science in Action
Date: May 10 to May 16, 2026
Cost: $4,250 (double occupancy) | $4,850 (single occupancy)
The Temple Ambler Field Station and Temple University University College are offering a unique opportunity to study sustainability in May 2026.
Exploring Puerto Rico: Nature, Community and Science in Action is the next in a series of global experiences — Temple Ambler Field Station Explorations.
Participants will travel from May 10 through May 16, 2026 for an unforgettable journey to Puerto Rico, where the natural world meets cutting-edge science. Guided by the expertise of the Temple Ambler Field Station, this immersive trip blends exploration, learning and relaxation. Discover the island’s diverse ecosystems and how you can participate in field studies. This trip is being offered in cooperation with AltruVistas.
The trip includes lush rainforests, scenic coastlines and vibrant marine habitats. Engage with scientists and the community to understand the unique tropical biodiversity-on land and sea! Participate in hands-on fieldwork and learn how research and community initiatives are shaping Puerto Rico's future.
What's included
- Round-trip airfare from Philadelphia.
- Comfortable hotel accommodations.
- Daily breakfast, all lunches and three group dinners.
- All ground transportation within Puerto Rico.
- Gratuities for guides and drivers.
- Expert-led experiences with local guides and Temple Ambler Field Station specialists.
- Entrance fees and costs for scheduled activities.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 — Sunday, May 10: Arrival in San Juan
- Check into your hotel and have time to rest.
- Afternoon: Welcome orientation meeting, including a speaker from the Centers for Mutual Support in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- Welcome Dinner: Family Style.
- Highlights: Overview of Puerto Rico’s environmental challenges and opportunities.
- Meals included: Welcome Cocktail/Mocktail and Dinner.
Day 2 — Monday, May 11: Tropical Forest and Mangrove Exploration
- Morning: An expert will provide insight into Puerto Rico’s biodiversity and environmental adaptations.
- A guided hike in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
- Picnic Lunch
- Afternoon: A visit to Piñones and Loiza, a local community east of San Juan. We will learn about this community's culture and history.
- Explore an area of the Piñones Mangrove Forest Reserve. Learn about the importance of the mangrove in our ecosystems and its role in storm protection and ecosystem balance.
- Evening: Free time for dinner back in San Juan.
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 3 — Tuesday, May 12: Coastal Ecosystems and Marine Life
- Early Morning: Meeting with the newly opened Coral Nursery to learn about their work and marine conservation efforts.
- Next, kayaking at the Palmas del Mar through the Palmas del Mar Beach Club, which offers equipment rentals and access to the calm, protective waters of the Caribbean coast.
- Picnic Lunch.
- Return to San Juan, where we will talk with a representative from Surfrider who will share details their work in Puerto Rico.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling at the Escambrón Beach (Playa El Escambrón), a public beach in San Juan located in Puerta de Tierra between Old San Juan and the Condado district. It is a popular spot for snorkeling due to its coral reefs. Students may bring their gear or rent from Scuba Dogs at Escambrón Marine Park.
- We will enjoy the sunset together at the beach.
- At night, we return to our accommodations to share our insights into coastal ecosystem research.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4 — Wednesday, May 13: A Day in Casa Pueblo
- Morning: A visit to Casa Pueblo, a community-led organization in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, focused on local projects and resource management. Founded in the 1980s in response to a proposed open-pit mining project, Casa Pueblo has played a key role in preserving the area's natural and cultural heritage. After Hurricane Maria, they worked to restore power to Adjuntas and nearby areas, including expanding solar energy for key community spaces.
- During the visit to Casa Pueblo, we will explore their farms, enjoy their locally grown coffee and learn about their approach to agriculture and local initiatives.
- Afternoon: Explore ongoing research into local wildlife and ecosystems. Take part in a hands-on field project, such as wildlife monitoring or seed cataloging.
- Join an interactive workshop with special guest Ruth Santiago, who has extensive experience working on community-driven initiatives in Puerto Rico’s southeastern region, including the town of Salinas.
- Evening: Return to San Juan and enjoy free time for dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 5 — Thursday, May 14: Agricultural Practices
- Morning: Connect with students from the University of Puerto Rico and learn about their experiences with agriculture and local food production. We will visit the Huerto de Semilla to see their work firsthand.
- Late Morning: Cooking class for lunch — Tostones rellenos!
- Afternoon: We head to a farm outside of San Juan where we’ll spend an hour engaging in hands-on activities and learning about tropical agriculture and local farming practices.
- Evening: Free time for dinner.
- Group discussion on the connection between food systems and local agricultural practices.
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 6 — Friday, May 15: Perspectives on Leadership and Legacy in Puerto Rico
- Morning: Join a conversation with Carmen Yulín, who served as San Juan’s Mayor during Hurricane Maria, or one of her team. They will share insights on Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts and challenges in strengthening infrastructure.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Old San Juan. This historic walking tour will include the Old City Plaza de Colón, San Felipe del Morro Castle, San Cristobal Fort, El Palacio de Santa Catalina (La Fortaleza), La Casa Blanca (Juan Ponce de Leon’s Residence, the first Governor of Puerto Rico), La Catedral de San Juan La Iglesia de San José (the oldest Spanish Church in the Americas), El Convento de los Dominicos , La Puerta de San Juan and the El Paseo de la Princesa.
- Lunch at Chocobar in Old San Juan.
- Afternoon: Meeting and exchange with Marvel Architecture. Following Hurricane Maria, Marvel Architecture launched a project to bring more than 100 small solar energy systems to communities affected by severe storms, improving access to reliable electricity.
- Free time for shopping, relaxing or packing.
- Evening: Farewell dinner reflecting on the week’s experiences.
Day 7 — Saturday, May 15: Departure
- Optional beach walk or guided meditation in a serene setting.
- Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport with memories and insights to share.
Who should join?
This trip is ideal for those who love exploring nature, learning through hands-on experiences, and discovering the unique landscapes and culture of Puerto Rico. Whether you're an avid traveler or new to immersive travel experiences, this journey offers a meaningful and engaging way to connect with the island’s nature and history.
Spots are limited, so secure yours today! For more information or to register, contact [click-for-email] or [click-for-email].