“Walking is the most perfect form of motion for a person who wants to discover the true life.” – Henry David Thoreau.
If you want to truly enjoy your vacation, go hiking in Puerto Rico. The Island is full of very interesting trails of different lengths and difficulties. Flat, mountain, tropical forest and dry trails are there for the hiking in Puerto Rico and most will not be crowded. El Yunque offers many trails and is popular with visitors. We’ve put together a list of other less visited trails to explore. We’ve also ordered them from the easiest to the more challenging.
Easy to moderate trails
San Juan Botanical Gardens- Río Piedras
The metro area has many surprises and one of them is the San Juan Botanical Garden. The garden is actually part of the University of Puerto Rico and was conceived as a an educational and research center and to function as a live laboratory for tropical plants. Its other function is a place for people to enjoy nature. It spans 289 acres full of native plants and even a sculpture garden. There are various paths that wind through trees, flowers, bamboo and even brooks and lakes. It’s a beautiful way to get to know tropical flora just minutes away from the hotel districts. Admission is free.
More info and location: https://g.co/kgs/XCG5Hrr
Pterocarpus Forest- Palmas del Mar Humacao
On the southeast corner of the Island you’ll find the Palmas del Mar Resort Community. Within the grounds the homeowner association purchased 50 acres of swampy land and turned it into the Pterocarpus Forest, named for the abundance of this tropical tree. To allow appreciation of the flora they built a 3/4 mile elevated boardwalk that winds its way through the forest. They also installed educational signs highlighting some of the 113 species of flora, 107 pieces of fauna and 73 pieces of fungi that call the area home.
The predominant species in this wetland is the Pterocarpus Officinalis tree (“Dragonsblood Tree”), commonly known in Spanish as palo de pollo (chicken sticks) because of the shape of its aerial roots. The tree may grow more than 65 feet tall, with large aerial roots that allow it to grow in flooded soil.
Free admission. Palmas del Mar is a gated community. To get in, when you arrive at the guard tell them you’re going to the forest.
More info and location: https://g.co/kgs/CkUjrVd
Playa Escondida- Fajardo
On the east end of the Island there’s a nature reserve called the Northeast Corridor that’s full of natural beauty. On the shoreline of this area you’ll find Playa Escondida or hidden beach. The trail to get there is almost as amazing as the beach itself. It twists and turns through a mangrove forest full of exotic plants, crabs and more. You could easily spend hours enjoying the details on the path. Arriving at the beach is like walking into an entirely different world just as beautiful. It’s a relatively easy 30 minute hike but closed shoes and bug spray are recommended. Bring refreshments, (there’s no civilization anywhere) ideally in a backpack or small wheeled cooler and a beach umbrella.
The path starts in Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo. When you get there walk towards the west until you come to a small path that snakes into the brush. This will be your yellow brick road to Playa Escondida. Follow the path and keep left at the fork (to the right there’s another, smaller beach). Playa Escondida beach is known to have dangerous currents particularly when the waves are big so swimming is not allowed by the Natural Resources Department that administers the area. Admission $5 for parking at Seven Seas
More info and location: https://g.co/kgs/qucsJKv
Guajataca Forest- Isabela
This forest offers a great way to explore Puerto Rico’s unique karst forests. The karst area features caves, grottos, sinkholes and hills created when the limestone is dissolved by the rain. These features create a very diverse and lush ecosystem. Guajataca forest has 25 miles of trails. One of the most popular is the Intrepretative Trail. It’s a 2 -3 hour shaded loop that starts at the parking lot and wanders through the forest. As with all ventures into the forest bring shoes with good grip, some bug spray and water. Long pants are recommended. Admission: Free
More info and location: https://g.co/kgs/SyoyxFe
The Charco Azul- Patillas
This swimming hole is a short, 20 minute hike from the road in Carite. It’s a moderate on the difficulty score owing to some semi-steep climbs. The highlights are a couple of stream crossings along the way and the vegetation. It used to be well maintained by the Natural Resources Department but budget cuts have taken their toll. The natural beauty however has remained. The highlight of the hike is a small, deep pool with a waterfall. The water is cool and refreshing. Since the bottom is rocky it’s best to wear shoes in the water. The pool is full of tiny fish that will actually give you a pedicure. Put your feet in the water and don’t move them. Within minutes you’ll feel the fishes! After or before your dip, remember, you’re right next to the lechoneras or roast pork restaurants (Yum!). Admission: Free
Location: https://g.co/kgs/pSPFgKU
Guánica Dry Forest Reserve- Guánica
If you want to experience something totally different from the humid rain forests of the mountains head to the Dry Forest in the southwest of Puerto Rico. This United Nations International Biosphere Reserve is one of the world’s most extensive tropical dry coastal forests. There are 12 trails to choose from. Some going into the forest and others that lead to the beach.
The Fort Caprón Trail is one of the most popular hikes. It’s is a six-mile moderately difficult route to an historic fort overlooking Guánica Bay. This fort was initially built in wood by the Spaniards in the 16th century and rebuilt by American forces out of stone in the 19th. All trails have one thing in common, they are dry so bring water, sunblock, light, long-sleeved shirts and a hat. Comfortable hiking shoes are also a must. Since you’re in a desert environment most plants have thorns but if you stay on the trails you will have no problems. This is a great area for bird watching and for discovering unique flora that thrive in this environment. Admission: Free
Info and location: https://g.co/kgs/gie7MeV
Maricao State Forest- Maricao
This was the first state forest established in Puerto Rico in 1919. This western, central mountain range forest is one of the most diverse on the Island and great for bird watching. There have been 136 species of birds recorded in the park, 23 of which are endemic. Charco El Pilón is rated the best trail in the forest. It’s a beautiful, moderately challenging that ends up at a river pool, waterfall and features several river crossings. The trail includes hills and is sometimes muddy but always rewarding. It’s open year round. Bring shoes with traction, water shoes if you have them and your bathing suit underneath your clothes. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended. Bring drinking water. Admission: Free
Info and location: https://g.co/kgs/7yxNsMg
Even more trails
There are other amazing places to explore on foot in Puerto Rico such as the Toro Negro State Forest that features the highest mountain on the Island. Las Tinajas and Charco Frio in Ceiba and Gozalandia in San Sebastián, a waterfall popular with the locals. Para la Naturaleza (Puerto Rico Consevation Trust) operates various well kept nature areas all over the island that offer guided tours. You can also visit and walk around on your own.
Para la Naturaleza: https://mascerca.paralanaturaleza.org/en
