Southern & Western Puerto Rico

Introducing Southern & Western Puerto Rico

A stunning change of scenery awaits you along the southern coast – particularly west of the main city, Ponce. The central mountains tumble down to denuded plains that once were full of sparse bushes – everything was cleared away to make room for sugar plantations in the 1800s. Now there’s little to catch the eye – outside of the colonial charms of Ponce – until you arrive at Bosque Estatal de Guánica, a fabulous ‘dry forest’ that brings to mind the deserts of southern Arizona. Unbelievably, it’s little more than an hour’s drive from El Yunque’s fecund greenery.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009