Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
The options for staying over in the forest are divided between upscale eco lodges and two
camping areas (campsites per person $4, children under 10 free)
. At the northwest
corner of the reserve is the Guavate Camping Area, with room for six tents and 30 people.
Charco Azul, the more attractive choice, is the pondside camping area at the southeast
end of the reserve. It can accommodate 10 tents and 50 people. Both areas have toilet and
bathing facilities. Reserve 15 days in advance with the
Departamento de Recursos Nat-
urales y Ambientales
(DRNA;
Click here
).
Las Casas de la Selva &
Tropic Ventures
CAMPGROUND, CABINS $
( 839-7318;
www.eyeontherainforest.org
; Hwy 184 Km 16.1; campsites $15, cabin
$50-80)
This reserve is on the south slope of the Sierra de Cayey in the Río Grande de
Patillas watershed. Once a coffee plantation, it became a sustainable-growth tree farm 20
years ago, and continues to be a leading institution for rainforest study on the island. The
1000-acre reserve is mostly for ecological and environmental research and volunteers, and
they often host groups from local schools and the Earthwatch organization. Students of
various ages come to work, learn about rainforest ecology and explore (
Click here
). Eco-
tourism is not its primary concern, but if there is space, visitors can come for a rustic va-
cation and sleep in the heart of the forest (tent hire is also available: $25 for two people).
Advance arrangements are necessary, preferably through its website, since its phone lines
are not reliable. Note: the gate will be locked unless you make a reservation. To find Las
Casas de la Selva, follow Hwy 184 southeast toward Patillas through the Bosque Estatal de
Carite to Km 16.1, where you will see a sign for the reserve.
Jájome Terrace
HOTEL $$
( 738-4016;
www.jajometerrace.com
; Rte 15 Km 4.6; r $110-124)
Rich in both his-
tory and setting, the lush Jájome sits 2800ft up in the mountains of the Cordillera Central
with satellite map views over towards Ponce. In business since the 1930s, the place has
hosted national icon Luis Muñoz Marín and Miss Universe contestants. Almost wiped out
by Hurricane George in 1998, the wooden Jájome was revamped in sturdy brick in 2002
and reopened with its 10 fully renovated rooms and popular open-terrace restaurant fresh
with nouveau rustic charm. With no TVs or phones and no cell phone reception, the Jájome
can sometimes feel like it's miles from anywhere, particularly from Mondays through Fri-
