Wildlife Refuges & Reserves

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.


(787) 999-2200, ext 5120, 515
(787) 724-3647



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


Address: Carr. 307 Km 8.8, Cabo Rojo 00622
(787) 724-3647



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.


Address: Bo Bajuras Carr 676 Km 1.2., Vega Alta 00692
(787) 724-3724



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


Address: Roads 1 and 847, Rio Piedras 00936



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.



Address: Rt 301 Km 5.1, Box 510, Cabo Rojo
(787) 851-7258
Fax (787) 851-7440



Cambalache Forest Reserve
Known as vivero or nursery because it contains plantations of eucalyptus, teak, and mahoe trees. Camping allowed in two areas. Water and showers, 8 trails and nearby beach. 18.43°N 66.60°W


Address: Rd #682 km 6.6., Arecibo
(787) 724-3724



Carite Forest Reserve
Carite is a 6,000-acre reserve with a dwarf forest that was produced by the region's high humidity and moist soil. The highest point is Cerro La Santa, at 3,000 feet. From several peaks there are panoramic views of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. Fifty species of birds live in the forest, making this spot a recognized area for birding. There is a picnic area and 10 campgrounds (permit is necessary for camping).


Address: Rt. 184, Guayama
(787) 722-1726



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.


Address: Route 191 Km. 4.2, Rio Grande 00745
(787) 888-1880



Guajataca State Forest
An example of Puerto Rico's more unusual topography. Karst country as it is known, is characterized by haystack-shaped hills and sinkholes. Over 40 walking trails, 25 miles of maintained footpaths through the karst region. Facilities include: 10 campsites, campfires, bathrooms and showers. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Guajataca Lake, a three mile long bass filled body of water, and a prime locale for bass fishing. Take expressway 52 and Route 2 to the road 446 exit between Quebradillas and Isabela.


Address: Road 446, Isabela
(787) 890-4050; (787) 890-2050



Guanica Dry Forest Reserve
The Guanica Forest Reserve is a coastal mangrove forest and has been an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because of several endangered species found only in Puerto Rico. No camping allowed. Open Mon-Sun 8am - 5pm.


Address: Rt 333 to Rt 334, Guanica
(787)722-1726



Guilarte Forest Reserve
Monte Guilarte Forest Reserve is a beautiful and lush tropical site. The Forest is divided into seven segments which are located among the municipalities of Adjuntas, Guayanilla, Peñuelas and Yauco. The trails are excellent for hiking and the views at the pinnacle are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see both Ponce and San Juan without the aid of binoculars. Monte Guilarte (3,953 ft) is the third highest mountain peak on the island.


Address: Rt. 518, Adjuntas
(787) 724-3647



Los Tres Picachos Forest


Address: Route 149, Ciales
(787) 871-3500



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


Address: Road 120, Maricao
(787) 838-1040



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.


Address: Route 621 Km. 4.4, Utuado
(787) 722-1726



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.





Susua State Forest
The Susua Forest is located in the municipalities of Yauco and Sabana Grande. The highest elevation is 473 m. Facilities include: 15 campgrounds, bathrooms, and showers.


Address: Route 368, Sabana Grande
(787) 833-3700
(787) 724-1374



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.


Address: Route 143 Km. 31.8, Jayuya
(787) 722-1726
(787) 724-3724



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


(787) 724-3647



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


(787) 838-3710