Guánica
Puerto Rico · 30 m
Description
Guánica sits on the dry southwest coast in the rain shadow of the central mountains, and the contrast with the rainforest two hours north is total. Its state forest is the best preserved subtropical dry forest in the Caribbean and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a landscape of cactus, thorn scrub and stunted guayacán trees over white limestone. Around seven hundred plant species grow here and about half the bird species of the island have been recorded. The coast below breaks into small bays with clear water, and boats run out to a mangrove cay known to everyone as Gilligan's Island.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Guánica dry forest biosphere reserve
- Gilligan's Island mangrove cay(Day trip)
- Playa Santa and Ballena bay
- La Parguera bioluminescent bay, the only one open to swimmers(Day trip)
- Fuerte Caprón trail and its viewpoint
- Endemic dry forest birds
- Snorkelling on the southern reefs
- Cactus and guayacán stands of the reserve
- Guánica bay and the 1898 landing site