This Hidden Hiking Gem in Puerto Rico Hosts Over 130 Species of Birds

This article is part of a series produced by United Voices, an innovative Dinogo program that unites local content creators and Dinogo editors for collaborative workshops, storytelling, and shared experiences in various destinations. We are excited to launch in Puerto Rico.

A tiny green bird zipped past, skillfully navigating through the treetops. Our guide, Norymar Maldonado, became animated at the sight. Her gaze shifted quickly as she tracked its path, eager to discover where it would land.

“That’s the todus mexicanus,” she softly pointed out, gesturing for us to follow her. “It’s one of 18 bird species unique to Puerto Rico, also known as the San Pedrito. Look closely; it’s right there on the branch.”

It took a moment for me to find the bird nestled in the tree, its green plumage camouflaged among the leaves. Eventually, its rounded white belly with vibrant orange accents around its throat and beak became visible. One by one, our group gasped as they spotted it. The thrill of being in nature was discovering the hidden treasures, especially in a dry forest that seemed to promise barrenness.

The Guanica State Forest, or Bosque Estatal de Guánica, was designated in 1981 as one of 738 International Biosphere Reserves recognized by the United Nations. It is one of Puerto Rico’s key ecosystems, receiving about 30 inches of rain annually, classifying it as a dry forest. The preserve spans 9,000 acres across five municipalities on Puerto Rico’s southern coast: Guanica, Ponce, Peñuelas, Yauco, and Guayanilla, featuring diverse shrubs, multi-stemmed trees, and limestone soil.

The forest supports a variety of life, from mangroves to cacti and lizards to crabs, including several endangered species. It serves as a sanctuary for some of the island’s endemic birds, such as the Puerto Rican woodpecker, which we could hear but not see. There are twelve public trails, varying in length and difficulty, with some as short as a mile and others approaching 10 miles roundtrip. Fortunately, the forest lacks any dangerous wildlife that hikers need to worry about.

The San Pedrito became our unofficial guide on the hike, soaring ahead and pausing to wait for us as we trekked for 40 minutes up the trail. The path was well-worn and inclined gently, making the ascent feel manageable. Maldonado guided us, sharing insights on how to use guayacan tree resin for treating respiratory issues and explaining that the yellowing leaves of the almáciga tree signal an impending dry season.

Soon, the trail opened up to a breathtaking view of Guanica Bay and the expansive Caribbean Sea. At the cliff's edge stood the deserted Fuerte Caprón, a remnant from the 1898 Spanish-American War. Maldonado noted that the fort, perched 150 meters above sea level, had fallen into disrepair. Graffiti on its walls served as a protest against colonization and a means of reclaiming the site.

She guided us up a staircase leading to the fort’s summit, reminiscent of a castle tower. We arrived just in time for sunset, witnessing a magnificent display of orange and red colors. Maldonado’s face, adorned with traditional Taino markings, appeared both solemn and ethereal in the fading light.

The Taino are the Indigenous people of Puerto Rico. Maldonado honors her heritage with her markings, feeling a deep connection to the forest and its history. She shared her ancestral ties to the land with us.

“The forest serves as our pharmacy, therapist, grocery store, shelter, and source of raw materials,” she remarked. “It’s the original Home Depot.”

Laughter erupted among the group. Though expressed playfully, her message carried weight: the forest is a precious resource that meets our essential human needs—medicinal plants, traditional foods, and even the animals that create the soundtrack of our lives—and it deserves our reverence.

Best Ways to Explore the Guanica Dry Forest

The ideal way to explore the dry forest is by renting a car and driving from San Juan to Guanica, which takes just over two hours. There’s a parking lot at the main entrance. To find the Fort Capron trailhead, continue along PR-333 until you reach the trailhead.

Upon arrival, you can either take a self-guided tour or contact guides like Soraya Tours founder Norymar Maldonado for support and insights. Closed-toed shoes are advisable. Remember to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and try to avoid the midday sun—hiking at sunrise or sunset is preferable. Entrance to the forest is free, but it’s only accessible during daylight hours.