Puerto Rico: Culture, Identity and Citizenship What can this island tell us about the connections between history, environment, and cultural identity? How might we deepen our understanding of the diverse influences that shape life in Puerto Rico, and how that relates to us in the rest of the United States?
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and complex culture of Puerto Rico, a beautiful, bilingual United States territory in the Caribbean. Join us as we use food as a lens to better understand the history, environment, and cultural values of this fascinating melting pot, a fusion of indigenous, colonial, African, and mainland United States influences. As we soak in the sun, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fresh flavors of the island, we will also pause and reflect upon the United States' relationship with the island in the past and present. At the same time, we will practice mindfulness techniques to become keener observers of the culture and savor every moment of the experience, whether we are indulging in chocolate fresh from a cacao plantation, learning about Puerto Rico's colonial past at the San Juan Historical Site, visiting a fishing village, enjoying delicious lechon asado (roasted pig), practicing our Spanish with the locals, or cooling off at one of the island's beautiful beaches. We hope you decide to join us on this fun and enriching journey.
Day 1
We arrived at San Juan around 1:15pm and were introduced to our local tour guides who partner with Atlas, Luis and Laura. Then we headed inland by bus, soaking in the picturesque views of the Puerto Rican landscape. On the way Luis and Laura treated us to a decadent Puerto Rican meal, lechón (pork) with arroz and gandules (rice and pigeon peas) and yucca (a delicious root vegetable native to the island) at Rancho Original. It is a speciality of the mountainous region of Puerto Rican typically enjoyed during Christmas and other special occasions. Next, we went straight our el Parador Villas Sotomayor in Adjuntas, which will be our base of exploration of rural Puerto Rico. After we settled in and refreshed from the long travel day, we gathered for a dinner together at the hotel. Then we reviewed the program rules, itinerary for the week, and plan for the next day.
Day 2
Today we traveled to a local farm in the mountains of Puerto Rico. We learned about a local plantation and how they use hydroponic farms in efforts to be more sustainable. We saw plants like pineapples, avocados, grapefruit, and fresh coffee beans. We were able to pick and eat fresh oranges from the farm. After the farm, we traveled to Ponce where we visited the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center and learned about ancient life of the Puerto Ricans. We explored artifacts in the museum and then walked the grounds that were once a cemetery and ritual center. Later we traveled to Ponce, a large city on the southern coast of the island, where we had lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we walked the streets of Ponce and took in the local culture and appreciated the colonial architecture of old Spanish mansions. We found lots of ice cream and shops that served local coffee. Finally, we headed back to the hotel for our last dinner in mountains before we head into Old San Juan in the morning.
Day 3
We began the third day of our Puerto Rican adventure by visiting Hacienda Jacana where we learned about the process of coffee production from bean to cup. During our guided tour we saw the coffee plants close-up and sampled the beans picked off the tree. They tasted sweet! We also learned about the resourceful and sustainable practices the farm uses to grow coffee and other products. For example, they utilize fresh mountain water tanks filled with tilapia fish to produce a richer soil for planting. We also learned how the beans are roasted and enjoyed some fresh 100% Arabica Puerto Rican coffee with milk - A hot cup of "café con leche" is the local's beverage of choice and is consumed throughout the day! Our hosts at the farm also offered insight into the coffee industry in Puerto Rico. We learned that the coffee sold at most stores is not 100% Puerto Rican despite deceptive marketing techniques. To be considered Puerto Rican based on government standards, it only needs to contain a minimum 20% of the "discarded" beans from farms on the island that are then mixed with imported coffee. Many Puerto Ricans cannot afford 100% locally sourced coffee. Pure Puerto Rican coffee can be found at local shops and at the San Juan airport. The visit was not only informative, but it was also fun! We enjoyed seeing the many animals on the estate, including peacocks, sheep, dogs, cats, horses and donkeys! Then we left rural Puerto Rico behind and headed to the capital of the island…
Upon arrival, we went straight to the historical part of the city, Old San Juan. We soaked in the vibrant Spanish, colonial architecture and marveled at San Cristobal, the largest fortress built in the Americas. Our local guide, Laura, explained how, throughout history, Puerto Rico has been a strategic location for the military. It is one of the main access points to the Panama Canal. Then, after lunch we had an opportunity to explore the beautiful cobblestone streets and practice our Spanish. People were very friendly and it was a memorable experience.
Day 4
An incredibly full day today in Puerto Rico, filled with exploring and learning so much about the natural elements of the island. We started the day with long journey up the winding roads through El Yunque National Forest. We went to a watchtower administered by the Roosevelt administration for the sole purpose to soak in the views and boast the tropical beauty of the US territory. We then decided to fully immerse ourselves into the experience (literally) by swimming in the local river running through the rainforest, with beautiful views accompanying the warm water. We found ourselves in a wonderful place surrounded by nature. With many of the roads still closed from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we still managed to find great beauty and learn so much about the natural habitat of the rainforest.
On the last full day in Puerto Rico we experienced a lot. In the morning we visited Loíza which has a large population of Puerto Ricans of African descent. The area used to be overrun by mangroves so African slaves sought shelter there after escaping from the sugar cane and coffee plantations run by the Spanish. We visited a cave that offered them shelter. We further explored the African influences on Puerto Rican culture by attending a "Bomba" workshop. This traditional dance was developed by escaped slaves and used to preserve their culture at a time where they were prohibited from speaking their native language and openly practicing their religious beliefs during the Spanish colonial rule. Dance offered them a way to covertly preserve their culture and served a cathartic purpose, helping them cope with painful memories associated with slavery. We had a lot of fun learning some basic "Bomba" dance moves on a beautiful beach.
Day 6
We had a fun, educational and personally enriching week that went by way too fast. I remember our excitement as we arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon. Although we didn't know each other well before the trip, we became comfortable as a group very quickly.
Throughout the week, we experienced the richness of the Puerto Rican natural environment and culture in different regions of the island. Along the way our tour guides, Luis and Laura, provided fascinating insights into the historical, political and cultural significance behind the sights and experiences we enjoyed.
We reflected on the difference between a "traveler" and a "tourist". Everyone should aspire to be travelers because they explore the world to gain a better understanding of the rich culture of the region, not just to take photos and post them on social media. "Travelers" are people who actively seek to better understand the historical and cultural sites, beautiful landscape, cuisine, and people in the photos and take the time to reflect on what they have seen and learned. They ponder the significance of the photo, not just the exciting memory made. The group embraced the "traveler" mindset throughout the trip.
We did not simply sample Latitude 18 Coffee at Hacienda Jacana; we learned about the social and political implications behind the coffee industry. Furthermore, during our nature walk in El Yunque tropical rainforest, our guide Rafa taught us about the rich flora and fauna and how it shapes the local cuisine and demonstrates nature's resilience after natural disasters. Yes, we enjoyed taking a quick dip in the cool pool of a beautiful waterfall, but at the same time we learned how the indigenous taíno people used certain rocks to paint themselves before war. Also, while walking the streets of San Juan and marveling at the San Cristobal fortress, we discussed the strategic military importance of the island for the Spanish and then the United States. Additionally, while enjoying the beautiful Caribbean beaches, we learned about the complex relationship between Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. Along the way our tour guides also helped us see how the Hurricane Maria still impacts the island, six years after the disaster. Puerto Ricans banded together to survive, reinforcing their sense of community, because they lacked sufficient assistance from the United States government and other parts of the world.
We left the island with a much richer understanding of Puerto Rico and Caribbean and a renewed commitment to travel responsibly and seize every opportunity to make a positive impact on the local community. While heading to the airport, we wished had more time in Puerto Rico and were deeply grateful for the experience. We connected over fond memories developing deeper connections with one another. The group will treasure the unexpected friendships we made and carry forward the knowledge we gained throughout our incredible and educational travel experience.