Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TERRITORIAL PARKS & RESERVES
In April 2007, an executive order signed by US President George W Bush rechristened the Caribbean National Forest as El
Yunque National Forest to blend in more with Puerto Rico's cultural inheritance.
Puerto Rico has more than a dozen well-developed and protected wilderness areas, which
offer an array of exploration and a few camping opportunities. Most of these protected areas
are considered
reservas forestales
(forest reserves) or
bosques estatales
(state forests), al-
though these identifiers are often treated interchangeably in government-issued literature
and maps. Commonwealth or US federal agencies administer most of the natural reserves on
the island, and admission to these areas is generally free.
Private conservation groups own and operate a few of the nature preserves, including Las
Cabezas de San Juan Reserva Natural 'El Faro'; visitors to these places should expect to pay
an entrance fee (which is usually under $5). The best time to visit nearly all of the parks
is from November to March; however, Bosque Estatal de Guánica is an inviting destination
year-round.
Major Parks & Reserves
El Yunque National Forest
The emerald 28,000-acre highlight of the island's parks is this
misty, magnificent rainforest. Dotted with idyllic waterfalls and covered in dense flora, it's
home to some of Puerto Rico's most wild and endangered animals. With the island's best
trails, its lush forests and sun-splashed peaks are ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
BosqueEstataldeGuánica
An immense patch of 10,000 acres on the southwest coast, this
huge park is home to a tropical dry-forest ecosystem and a Unesco biosphere forest. Its arid
scenery and beautiful birds make it good for hiking, swimming, biking and bird-watching.
BosqueEstataldeToroNegro
This ruggedly beautiful central, mountainous park has land-
scapes that are only slightly less spectacular than El Yunque's, but none of the infrastructure.
If you want to get off the map (literally), this is the place.
Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserva Natural 'El Faro'
Another notable coastal preserve is
the 316-acre park at the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, where El Faro (Lighthouse) stands
guard over the offshore cays. Its paved trails and interpretive centers make this the best park,
other than El Yunque, for families. Enjoy coastal views while hiking here, or go kayaking in
the mangroves.
