Central Mountains - Puerto Rico - page 436

for the complicated one-way system and allow plenty of time for delays. The central plaza
is a good place to wander while you cool the engine and there are several pizza places on
its border for a quick bite.
One of the main attractions in this area is the Bosque Estatal de Guilarte, with a good
peak and remote cabins.
Sights
Casa Pueblo ( 829-4842; www.casapueblo.org ; 30 Rodolfo Gonzáles; donation $2;
8am-4pm) is Adjuntas' tenacious environmental organization, the primary obstructer
of a plan to blight the area with an open-pit mining operation. These days, it also concen-
trates on sustainability issues and rainforest protection. It has an artisan's shop and grassy
butterfly garden. This is an excellent place to inquire about local volunteer opportunities.
Sleeping
Parador Villas de Sotomayor CABINS $$
( 829-1717; www.paradorvillassotomayor.com ;Hwy123/10Km36.3;r$121-$130;
) This campus of small cabins along a rock river is the best spot for families in the
area, with an onsite horseback-riding stable, bright swimming pool, basketball and tennis
courts and plenty of space to run around. The 26 villas are a bit worn, but undergoing con-
stant upgrade, and they are extremely popular with families throughout the summer. The
restaurant and somewhat isolated setting lends it the feel of a previous generation's all-in-
clusive family summer camp.
Bosque Estatal de Guilarte
This forest, west of Adjuntas, actually consists of a number of parcels of land totaling about
4500 acres. Most of it is rainforest dominated by sierra palms. Coming from the east, you
first see Lago Garzas, a popular fishing site. West of the lake, the road rises toward the
park's ranger station, near the intersection of Hwys 518 and 131, where there's a picnic area
with shelters, cooking grills and toilets. There's also a trail to the top of Monte Guilarte
(3950ft) and five cabins.
The DRNA ( 829-5767, 724-3647; cabins $20) maintains the basic cabins, toilets
and shower facilities. The cabins are slightly dreary but they sleep up to six; cooking facil-
ities are outdoors and there's no electricity. You must bring all of your own gear, including