Reserva natural humacao: Punta Santiago Reserva Natural de Humacao
Humacao Natural Reserve | Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Fishing Activities in Puerto Rico
The Humacao Natural Reserve is located on the East Coast of Puerto Rico mid-way on the island near the community of Palmas del Mar. Behind the small unassuming entrance awaits big adventure exploring the lagoons, swamps, and wetlands.
The walking and bike trails are well maintained throughout the reserve. Kayakers can enjoy the calm lagoon waters in a secluded section of the reserve. Fishing is a common sight from the bridges and docks. There are multiple floating docks along the lagoons for fishing and unobstructed views over the lagoon water. The majority of the natural reserve is shaded by the lush foliage making it a pleasant destination year round.
Humacao Natural Reserve Front Entrance
The trails lead to the beach at multiple access points.
El Morillo beach
The beach near El Morillo offers excellent water conditions, views of nearby Monkey Island, and old bunkers are located a slight walk up the hill.
Information signs (in both English and Spanish) are spaced along the trail for easy navigation. Printed maps are available at the privately owned & operated bike and kayak rental locations. Most employee are bilingual and helpful to visitors.
The Humacao Natural Reserve is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Be sure to include this on your next visit to Puerto Rico!
Activities
- Walking the trails around the swamps and lagoons, exploring the water pump station, up to the bunkers, through the Fern trail, and along the beach.
- Riding bicycles along the trails. Bike rentals are available Wednesday through Sunday at the front entrance.
- Fishing from the bridges, docks, and from the lagoon shore.
- Kayaking in the lagoons. Kayaks and pedal boat rentals are available Wednesday through Sunday at the front entrance.
- Eco tours are available for a nominal fee; walking, bike, and kayak tours are available.
- Covered gazebos overlooking the lagoons are available for picnics and events.
Humacao Natural Reserve Information
- The reserve is open to the public (free admission) every day.
- There is a small parking area within the reserve, and additional parking across the road (PR-3).
- Kayaks can be rented for $10 per person to explore the Mandri lagoon.
- Bikes are available for adults and children. Adult bike rental is $7 for a basic bike, and $15 for a nicer mountain bike. Bikes can be reserved ahead of time, or upon arrival.
Sugar Production in the Area
Much of the agriculture and economics of Puerto Rico is directly influenced by the Sugar industry. Sugar production was brought to Puerto Rico in the 1500’s. Sugar production continued in Humacao through the 1960’s. The area that is now the Humacao Natural Reserve was previously drained to support the sugar cane farming and cattle grazing.
Heavy rains in 1979 flooded the area and filled the basin for the former lagoons. The restored natural lagoons and wetlands became the first Eco Touristic Natural Reserve of Puerto Rico in 1986.
Humacao Water Pump Station for Sugar Manufacturing
The original water pump station from the 1930’s is preserved on-site. Check out my short video of the water pump station.
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Author JenPosted on Categories Activities, Caribbean, Hiking, Puerto Rico, TravelTags Adventure, beach, bird sounds, budget, Caribbean beaches, eco tour, eco tourism, ecotourism, family activities, free, frugal, healthy, hiking, kayak, Kayaking, kid friendly, Living in Puerto Rico, mountain bike trail, mountain biking, nature, playa, Puerto Rico, puerto rico kayaking, relaxing, Reserva Natural de Humacao, tourist attraction, travel, walking, wellness
Humacao Nature Reserve with Its Beauty
The Humacao Nature Reserve is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Puerto Rico.
This is just one of the many nature reserves in Puerto Rico that is know for its diverse and spectacular collection of approximately ninety bird species that have made their homes in this protected area. There are also a few families of monkeys that roam the reserve; contact with them is discouraged as they are wild and very unpredictable.
The Humacao Nature Reserve (presently called the Punta Santiago Nature Reserve in Humacao) is situated on the east bank of Puerto Rico. Inside the hold you’ll discover various path for strolling, trekking and light climbing, extended lengths of sea shore, tremendous perspectives on the coast, bunches of fishing openings, a zone with cookout structures, a few vestiges from the territory’s set of experiences as a sugar ranch, old shelters from battles past, and the accessibility of kayaks and bicycles to lease. The save has been as of late repaired and now offers booths for makes as well. The hold isn’t vigorously visited, so you might just have this huge zone practically all to yourself! In the event that you are a bird watcher, this is an extraordinary spot to see birds.
Also, iguanas!
A great deal of funds have been injected into the conservation
project and in the establishment of safe facilities within the reserve with the goal of attracting tourists and local visitors. The eco-tourism project has in turn generated employment opportunities and is therefore a great advantage for the local population that live in the area. Campers need to request permits from authorities or discuss accommodation options with the staff. Various activities, such as mountain biking trails, safe hiking trails, bird watching, kayaking and fishing have been expanded or provided. The Humacao Nature Reserve also has a few historical sights, rest areas and exhibits. All the buildings and structures have been constructed from building materials that are environmentally friendly and that won’t contrast with the beauty of the reserve.
The protection of the landscape is just as important as the preservation of the birds and animals that live here because without the correct vegetation the present animal populations won’t survive.