Puerto Rico 2027

The Science of the Senses

Get ready for an enriching journey to the captivating island of Puerto Rico, where Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences come together in a vibrant mosaic of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The adventure begins in the historic city of Ponce, where students will spend an evening at the lively La Guancha Boardwalk before exploring the city's main landmarks, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Parque de Bombas, and Casa Armstrong-Poventud. A guided hike through Guánica State Forest—one of the world's largest tropical dry forests and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—will reveal the region's unique ecology, followed by snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters of La Parguera and a hands-on reforestation volunteer project planting native trees.

Heading east to Fajardo, students will visit the historic El Faro lighthouse, hike among the waterfalls and lush vegetation of El Yunque Rainforest, and paddle through mangroves and coastal lagoons on a Full Moon Kayak Eco-Adventure. The journey concludes in Old San Juan with a guided walking tour of the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, San José Church, and La Fortaleza, capped off by a private salsa lesson and farewell dinner. Students must be comfortable swimming for this trip.

Trip Leader: Max Holman

Essential Questions
  • How has Puerto Rico's history and culture been shaped by Indigenous, Spanish colonization, and transatlantic slave trade influences, and how has its identity evolved over time?
  • What are the environmental challenges facing Puerto Rico, how are its ecosystems impacted, and what conservation efforts are being made to protect its natural resources?
  • What socio-political dynamics define Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, what are the current issues including economic development and political status, and how do migration patterns affect its demographics and social structure?
  • How do cultural experiences, such as music, dance, and local traditions, serve as expressions of identity and resilience in Puerto Rico?

Brimmer and May School

69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.