Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BOSQUE ESTATAL DE SUSÚA
Juxtaposed between the dry coastal flats and the humid mountain foothills of the
Cordillera Central, this foggy forest's diminutive 3300 acres is no Yellowstone, but
what it lacks in acres it makes up for in peaceful solitude. Well off the main tourist
trails and notoriously difficult to find, Susúa is invariably deserted year-round - save
for the odd binocular-wielding ornithologist (the forest boasts 44 species of bird) and
tapped-in mountain biker.
To get here, drive east out of Sabana Grande on Rte 368 to Km 2.1. Turn left and
keep going until you arrive at the shack for the
Departamento de Recursos Nat-
urales y Ambientales(DRNA; Department of Natural Resources & Environ-
ment; 787-721-5495; 7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun)
.
There's not much in the way of amenities at the entrance - just a few picnic tables, a
toilet, a scattering of fire pits and some campsites (though you'd be wise to check on
availability/hours before arrival; camping per tent costs $6).
The hiking trails leaving from the entrance are typical of most on the island:
poorly marked and somewhat hard to find. Rangers might help with a hand-drawn,
worryingly simplistic map. For mountain bikers, there's a very challenging 6.3-mile
trail that incorporates river crossings and a technical ravine reverently called La
Pared (Wall). The nearest bike rental is in the town of Cabo Rojo (
Click here
).
Sleeping
Villa del Rey
HOTEL $$
( 787-642-2627;
www.villadelrey.net
; Rte 361 Km 0.8; r $85-110; )
Your
only alternative to the antiquated Oasis is this family-run country inn just north of town. A
sturdy midrange option, it has big rooms, suites with kitchenettes, and an unhurried west-
coast ambience (you may have to holler to raise the receptionist). Certainly fit for the kids
- though perhaps not for a
rey
(king).
Parador Oasis
HOTEL $
