Home to hundreds of species of plants and animals the Bosque Seco de Guánica / Guanica Dry Forest is a totally different experience to that of El Yunque and the other rainforests here in Puerto Rico.
On a recent stay in Guánica at The Copamarina Beach Resort we spent a few hours exploring the Guánica Dry Forest. We may not have spotted many animals, a few lizards of various sizes, several butterflies and the sounds of birds, we did enjoy the diversity of the flora in the forest. Being a dry forest there are a lot of thorny plants and dry trees, but also a lot of evergreens and closer to the coast, mangroves and plants that adapt to the coastal terrain.
The drive into the forest is along a fairly narrow road; RT 334 that winds its way up hill through the forest where it ends at the visitors parking area. The Bosque Seco de Guánica is operated by the Departmento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA, or Department of Natural Resources) who maintain around 12 trails that allow visitors to explore the 1000 acres that make up the forest.
Several of the trails start from close to the visitors parking area, with others starting from back along the entrance road. Pocket maps for the various trails were not available when we visited, but there was a small map pinned to the door of a small building in the parking area and a larger more detailed map in the restroom area just down from the parking area. One recommendation would be to print maps of the trails before you visit. Having said that, I was surprised to find that Google Maps worked well in the area and was able to track us as we walked the trails. So not having a map was not an issue.
We arrived after lunch time (not the greatest plan) and with the weather being so hot we decided to do some of the shorter hilkes (we will be returning to explore more trails in the near future). We hiked along Llueras, Julio Velez, and Granados. The trails were in excellent condition, rocky underfoot and easy to navigate, even with the limited amount of signs along the various trails.
Depending on which trails you hike you can explore trails that head down towards the ocean or enjoy majestic views of Guánica Bay from Fuerte Caprón a historic fort located in the forest, or pass by caves. Which ever trails you explore make sure to have plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray.
Popular Trails in Guánica Dry Forest
Fuerte Trail (Fort Trail) – This is a 3 mile (6 mile roundtrip) hike that per the map found in the parking area is only recommended for the mornings. The trail is mainly packed dirt with little shade, but the end result is amazing views of Guanica Bay from the top of Fuerte Capron. You should allow at least 3 hours to complete the round trip hike.
The Ballena Trail – heads down towards Ballema bay and is approximately 2½ miles round trip
The Lluberas Trail is around 10 miles roundtrip and takes you through various areas of the forest and is a good hike to see some of the forests diversity.
Cueva Trail – close to the parking area takes you passed some small caves that are not open to the public
Cuevas Trail – is accessed from Lluberas and takes you passed more caves though to enter you need permission from the Departmento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales.
Note: I have read that some of the trails are open for bicycles, but do not have the information as to which ones would be Ok to ride.\
General Information
- The Guánica Dry Forest is open daily from 9am to 5pm and there is no cost
- It is typically hot and dry, so wear suitable clothing and shoes, bring plenty water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Use your phones GPS when on the trails
- Call 787-821-5706 for the latest information regarding the forest opening times etc.
Getting There
From Guánica take PR116 and then exit onto PR334. PR334 will take you into the Guanica Dry Forest and ends at the visitors parking area.
Nearby attractions to check out while you are in the Guánica area include: Finca El Girasol (Sunflower Farm), La Parguera, La Parguera Bio Bay and Cabo Rojo
