Bosque Estatal De Guajataca

Introducing Bosque Estatal De Guajataca

Despite its diminutive size (2300 acres) and proximity to the northwestern coastal towns, the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca contains more trails (27 miles) than any other forest in Puerto Rico – including El Yunque. Set in dramatic karst country, the distinctive local terrain rises and falls between 500ft and 1000ft above sea level and is characterized by bulbous mogotes and rounded sumideros (funneled depressions). Covered by a moist subtropical forest and watered by 75 annual inches of rainfall, there are 45 species of bird to be found here along with 186 different types of tree. One of the highlights of the forest is the limestone Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind), which is rich with stalactites and stalagmites. There is also an observation tower and plantations of blue mahoe trees. The area is a favorite habitat of the endangered Puerto Rican boa.

Compared to other Puerto Rican forests and parks, the trails in Guajataca are relatively well marked, though it’s wise to procure a map beforehand to see how the various paths link up. True to form, the ranger station (787-872-1045; Rte 446; 8am-5pm) near the trailheads, 5 miles into the forest, is not always open, and when rangers do emerge they don’t always have much in the way of printed information. The moral: come prepared. The best bet is to call the Aguadilla office of the DRNA before you arrive at the forest, find things closed and feel a little lost. Be warned that ‘official’ maps of the area are usually hand-drawn, photocopied and not to scale.

There are no eating facilities in Guajataca forest.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009