Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLAN YOUR HIKE
Hiking in Puerto Rico has plenty of potential. But what you actually get out of it depends
largely on your individual expectations and how willing you are to strike out on your own
(often without a decent map). It would be wrong to paint a picture of the island as some kind
of hiker's nirvana. Although the scenery is invariably lush and the coastline wonderfully
idyllic, a lack of well-kept paths and a dearth of accurate printed information have thwarted
many a spontaneous hiker. Added to this is the commonwealth's compact size; the whole
island is only marginally bigger than Yellowstone National Park in the US and supports a
population of nearly 4 million people, meaning true backcountry adventures are understand-
ably limited.
Where to Hike
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El Yunque National Forest
(
Click here
) The most popular hikes by far are in the em-
blematic El Yunque rainforest, where a 23-mile network of largely paved trails has opened
up the area to mass tourism. Hikes here are usually short and easily accessible, and there are
plenty of ecominded tour operators happy to guide you through the main sights. The forest
also contains Puerto Rico's only true backcountry adventure, the seven-hour trek to the top
of El Toro (3522ft) and back.
»
BosqueEstataldeGuánica
(
Click here
) The foil for El Yunque in every way, this forest
is on the opposite corner of the island, the climate is bone-dry and instead of palms the trails
are lined with cactus. This remote place doesn't have fantastic trails, but it's good for bird-
watching and gorgeous views of the Caribbean.
»
ReservaForestalToroNegro
(
Click here
) For more dramatic and isolated hikes, head to-
ward the center of the island, on Puerto Rico's misty rooftop. Be prepared to get your shoes
dirty here as clouds often shroud the peaks and the trails are invariably damp and muddy.
Typical of the numerous forest reserves scattered along the Ruta Panorámica - others in-
clude Maricao, Carite and Guilarte - Toro Negro is rarely staffed in low season and you'll
be lucky to spot more than a handful of fellow hikers enjoying the views.
»
Bosque Estatal de Guajataca
(
Click here
) The 27-mile network of rough trails is good
for a DIY hiker who doesn't mind a bit of bushwhacking, including a side trip to the spooky
Cueva del Viento.
