Bosque Estatal De Carite

Introducing Bosque Estatal De Carite

Less than an hour south of San Juan, the Bosque Estatal de Carite (Carite Forest Reserve; 787-747-4545; Rte 184 Km 27.5; 7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri) was created in 1935 to protect the watersheds of various local rivers from the forces of erosion. Measuring 6000 acres in area, the mountain reserve is easily accessed from the San Juan metro area, and it can get crowded on weekends and during the summer when sanjuaneros come here to enjoy the 72°F temperatures, green shade, and dozens of lechonerías (restaurants specializing in suckling pig) that line Hwy 184 as it approaches the northern forest entrance. The forest is one of the first points of interest you will hit if you are traversing the Ruta Panorámica east to west.

As with most Puerto Rican forest reserves, facilities are spartan and ranger stations are often unmanned.

If you are intending to stay in the reserve, bring water, insect repellent and food; no supplies are sold inside.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009