Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lago Guajataca
Beautiful and serene, Lago Guajataca has some of Puerto Rico's best fishing - on the north
side of the lake are two clubs for anglers hoping to catch the tucunare fish that are stocked
in this lake. Right in the middle of karst country, the easiest approach to the lake is along
Hwy 2 to Rte 119, and then into the forest to the
DRNA( 896-7640;Rte119Km22.1;
6am-6pm Tue-Sun)
. You'll need to get a permit here if you want to fish and you can
pick up a loaner bamboo fishing pole (no bait) from the office. You are also free to use the
bathrooms (with showers) and picnic tables. Kayaking is allowed in the lake, but it's best
to bring your own kayak. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
If you want to stay the night shoreside, try the rustic Hotel Lago Vista. It's also good for
a bite to eat, as is the Cafetín Vista al Lado.
QUICK GREEN ESCAPES
» Bosque Estatal de Guajataca (
Click here
)
» Laguna Tortuguero (
Click here
)
» Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy (
Click here
)
» Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo (
Click here
)
» Lagos Dos Bocas & Caonillas (
Click here
)
Bosque Estatal de Guajataca
Despite its diminutive size (2300 acres) and proximity to the northwestern coastal towns,
the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca contains more trails (27 miles) than any other forest in
Puerto Rico - including El Yunque - and it's the best place for a wild hike in the region.
Set in dramatic karst country, the distinctive local terrain rises and falls between 500ft and
1000ft above sea level and is characterized by bulbous
mogotes
and rounded
sumideros
(funneled depressions). Covered by a moist subtropical forest and watered annually by 75
inches of rainfall, there are 45 species of bird to be found here along with 186 different
types of tree. One of the highlights of the forest is the limestone Cueva del Viento (Cave of
the Wind), which is rich with stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a pair of observation
towers, which have some picnic tables where locals gather around grills, and plantations of
blue mahoe trees. The area is a favorite habitat of the endangered Puerto Rican boa.
