Things to Do

Aguirre Forest Reserve
Find mangroves, tidal flats, bird rookeries & a large manatee population. Facilities include Kayaks routes identified with buoys, docks for the disembarking of kayaks and for recreational fishing, floating Pier, campsite, parking, showers, picnic and barbecue areas, drinking water, compost bathrooms, sitting area, and labeled trails for walking. Open Monday to Sunday; 9:30 AM to 2: 30 PM. Located off route 3, east of Salinas.

Boqueron Forest Reserve
Located in Cabo Rojo just west of Boqueron. The reserve consists of 400 acres of mangroves wetlands.

Bosque Estatal de Vega
The forest facilities include: a recreational area next to the main office, with public squares. In addition, a system of paths exists to make long walks and to observe the flora and fauna of the forest.

Bosque Urbano del Nuevo Milenio
Located on the eastern side of the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras.

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
Located along the coastal plain of southwestern Puerto Rico, the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a subtropical dry forest, has a visitors center and interpretive displays as well as bird-watching trails.

An interpretive trail totaling 2 miles passes through the refuge and approximately 12 miles of hiking trails are available for birdwatching, photography and wildlife observation. Some 50 bird species occur in and around the refuge, including the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird. No camping allowed. Open Mon-Fri from 7:00am to 4:00pm.

How to Get There
From Mayaguez, drive south on Route 2, take exit Route 100 towards Cabo Rojo. At the end of Route 100, turn left onto Route 101. Drive .8 mile, then turn right onto Route 310. Drive approximately 3 miles and look for the sign to the entrance of the refuge on left.

El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest with a total area is 28,000 acres has an estimated 240 types of tree, and many other plants, such as tiny wild orchids, bamboo trees, giant ferns, and trumpet trees. Hiking trails and rest areas available. El Portal Tropical Forest Center has film exhibits and interactive displays about the rain forest. Open daily 7:30am a 6:00pm.

How to Get There
From San Juan take Road 26 towards Carolina until you reach Road 3. Take Road 3 towards Fajardo for about 20 minutes until you get to Rio Grande. Take Road 191 to El Yunque.

Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located between the coasts of Salinas and Guayama, approximately 2,883 acres of mangrove forest and freshwater wetlands. The reserve is home to the endangered brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill sea turtle and West Indian manatee. Guided tours are offered upon request and reservation. Open Daily: 8:00am-4:00pm.

Los Tres Picachos Forest

Maricao Forest Reserve
Home of a vast amount of flora, 582 species, 339 genera and 113 families. Open Tue-Sun 7:30am-4pm.

Punta Ballena Reserve
Perfect for bird watching. UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve because of its outstanding representation of this ecosystem. Beach access. No camping allowed.

Punta Guaniquilla Reserve
This 388-acre reserve protects a diverse landscape that includes an arid promontory, a dry forest, palm and mangrove fringes, unique limestone formations in two lagoons, a cave system, cacti, and swamp areas. The tract is notable as the habitat of the endangered West Indian Whistling Duck, the Ruddy Duck, and the Caribbean Coot. The site is also recognized as a migratory bird sanctuary and an important wintering ground for shore birds.

Rio Abajo Forest Reserve
This 5,780 acres forest reserve is home to 223 plants and 175 wildlife species. Visitors are allowed to walk along any of the forest's 70 trails.

Sotomayor del Toro Reserve
This 63-acre reserve on the steep slopes of Cerro La Santa. This tract of virgin tropical forest shelters numerous wildlife species, andstreams here nourish the headwaters of the Turabo River. It is adjacent to the Carite State Forest.

Toro Negro Forest Reserve
Its 7,000 acres include Puerto Rico's tallest peak. Spectacular views extending to the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Permits are required for campgrounds (7 campsites). Camping facilities include water, campfire, bathrooms, and showers. Mountain climbing for experienced climbers.

Vega Alta Forest
Caves, deep sinkholes and twelve different type of soils. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am - 3:30pm.

Vivero de Peces de Maricao
By appointment only. Open Thr-Sun 8:30am-11:45am -- 1pm-3:45pm.