Things to see and do South Coast

The Jobos Bay Reserve is the second largest estuary in Puerto Rico, located in the southeastern municipality of Aguirre, once a town entirely devoted to the sugar industry. Remnants of that glorious era are still visible, but the days when Aguirre produced nearly 13,000 tons of sugarcane per day are long gone. The place is ideal for observing the mangrove vegetation. The visitor center offers an interactive exhibition on the reserve's ecosystem, history, geography, flora, fauna, and hydrology.

To south-east of Jayuya, you will meet the excellent forest of the Toro Negro, nature reserve. Much less frequented than that of Del, it offers an equally great opportunity to explore a Puerto Rican rainforest. It covers 2 830 ha in the heart of the Central Cordillera, in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya and Orocovís. Here lies the highest peak of the island, Mount Punta, culminating at 1 338 m. The lowest point in the park is 400 m above sea level. Nearly 160 species of trees and about 30 species of birds inhabit the reserve. To visit the Toro Negro, the best is to go to the offices of the park, on route 143 to rkm 32,4. Several hiking trails are empruntables from this place. They lead to natural pools, fed by 9 rivers crossing the park. Easily accessible, they will make you live moments of relaxation in the unforgettable nature, the waterfalls massage your back… 

Although officially part of the Guánica reserve, the island is open to the public. Also known as Cayo Aurora, it is relatively small, extending over an area of 0,18 km ². She owes her name to an American television series of the 1960 s. On site, you will not find any very developed tourist infrastructure. Apart from a few barbecues and health, there is nothing and it is all the better, place to nature. The island is covered with sand and mangroves and offers small beaches of dreams such as the Playa Solitaria. For years, a project of a holiday club threatened the tranquillity and authenticity of this paradise area, but the local popular sling prevailed. A small ferry is available every day and every day except Monday, from 9 am to 17 pm. You will take the boat at the parking at the San Jacinto restaurant in the Playa Gorda area after leaving Highway 333. Tickets to Copamarina and Mary Lee's by the Sea are also available.

The Guanica State Forest, which became a nature reserve in 1985, is known throughout the world for the specificity of its biosphere. For many scientists, it is one of the best illustrations in the world of what is a dry forest in a subtropical zone. For this reason, in 1981, the United Nations recognized the park as the second international biosphere reserve in Puerto Rico, the other being the Yunque Reserve, further east in the country. The reserve covers 9,900 hectares. The most surprising thing for the visitor is probably to discover it when arriving from the tropical forest that covers the heart of the island. The contrast is striking. The cactus have replaced the royal palms, in the space of only a few kilometers. The vegetation then corresponds to the surrounding climatic conditions, with very low rainfall - around 750 mm per year. The thorny shrubs are legion, and scientists have been able to report no less than 700 species of plants, 16 of which are endemic. The land has also changed. It is no longer red as in the heart of the island, but much more white and stony.

The park is also famous for its endemic frog species, called peltophryne lemur. It is in this unique place that it reproduces. The adults live in the stone and regularly lay their eggs whenever it rains, which is quite rarely in the area. Once hatched, the newborns go to bury themselves in the crevices to come out only with the next rain and reproduce in their turn. Scientists also report that of the 111 species of birds that inhabit Puerto Rico, at least 40 live in the Guanica region, which is home to the largest number. A paradise for birders! There are also 48 endangered animal species in the forest.
To enjoy this unique fauna and flora, many trails have been built in the reserve. There are a dozen of them, with different degrees of difficulty. If you are in a hurry, you can take three of them in particular, which will give you an overview of the phenomenon of the dry forest in the subtropical zone in less than an hour. Thanks to the forest guardians, you can arrange much longer routes to access century-old trees.

At the moment, you will not find any accommodation in the park, where camping is prohibited. To sleep, fall back on Guanica.

This small island, which is part of the La Parguera nature reserve, is the only one among four others to have a beach, which is probably why it is called "La Parguera Beach". All shades of blue and green are represented, the waters are an invitation to observe the underwater life... On the beach, picnic areas are arranged, as well as a path through the mangrove. Given the size of this small piece of land, it is better to avoid weekends and vacation periods to go there.

Commonly called Bio bay, the bioluminescent bay of La Parguera attracts thousands of tourists every year. It must be said that the phenomenon is rare. There are five bays on the planet, including three in Puerto Rico. At nightfall, glows are perceptible once you enter the water. They are emitted by dinoflagellates, micro-organisms that react by signaling themselves with a small neon light when the water is agitated around them. It is therefore useless to observe the water from the shore, because nothing will happen.

La Parguera is not the most bioluminescent in Puerto Rico, but it is the least crowded, to ensure your peace and quiet. The concentration of dinoflagellates in the waters of Fajardo and especially in Vieques is much higher. Pollution and climate change have greatly affected the biological environment of these fragile microorganisms.

To ensure their survival, many factors are essential: the presence of mangroves that contribute to their feeding, a low variability of water temperature and the absence of pollution by artificial lights or chemicals. If you want to contribute to the preservation of this biological treasure, choose to visit it by kayak. Swimming causes water pollution from perfume, sunscreen or mosquito repellent that visitors often carry with them as they enter the water.

With its red and black striped façade, the building, built in 1882, is a must-see. To tell the truth, there is not much to see, but over the years it has become a symbol of the city because of its unusual appearance. The structure was built for an agricultural fair, before being preserved and becoming the headquarters of the city's fire department. The firehouse remained active until 1990. Since then, it has been transformed into a museum where old firefighting vehicles are displayed. Volunteer guides are available.

If you are really disappointed by the lack of beaches in Ponce, you should go to the Caja de Muertos island, a small piece of land of 1.45 km², bordered by beautiful beaches and turquoise water. It is officially a nature reserve; turtles come here to breed. History lovers will certainly find the visit of the lighthouse interesting. Still in use, it dates from 1887 and dominates the island from its highest hill. East Island Excursions (www.eastislandpr.com) can arrange a snorkeling trip on the island.

This small park bordered by a river east of the city centre is worth a visit to the Ceiba, a tree of at least 600 years old, also known as kapokier or cotton. For specialists, it is a tree species of the family Bombacaceae. Popular stories tell us that this is the tree around which the first families of Spanish settlers have settled.

For once a train line is in circulation in Puerto Rico, it is better to take advantage of it. Especially when it is playful. This train allows you to explore the landscapes of the south, in the heart of the old sugar cane plantations. The schedules indicated are here as an indication. We advise to call before to ensure that the service works well on the desired day.

These hot springs, discovered in 1847, are Coamo's main attraction. A relaxing bubble, nestled in the mountains of Puerto Rico. The hottest bath is at the very top. The water is kept at around 44°C all year round. When the mornings get cool, the contrast with the outside is striking. Rich in minerals, these waters would have healing properties. Visitors can enjoy one of the two thermal pools, a spa and a café. An unpretentious, peaceful and green place.