Guánica State Forest was our next destination for its unique, considered largest and most pristine tropical dry coastal forest ecosystem (and Biosphere Reserve). It is located on the south shore (southeast of the island) facing Carribean Sea. Driving to Guanica was quite slow and boring. First stop was at Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center and botanical garden on the outskirts of Ponce with interesting plants used by indigenous Taino. We then drove along the coast to Playa Tamarindo, parked our car at the end of the road and walked part of Meseta Trail along the coast stopping frequently to examin often unique (to us) plants and birds. Plus swiming at Tamarindo beach afterwards. It was much hotter than in the mountains. Altogether we spent just four hours there and came back to Utuado at dusk. More photos of plants from the forest are in our ☞ Puerto Rico nature photo album.
On what we thought was our last day in Puerto Rico, we drove north to Arecibo for last swim at La Poza del Obispo, spent an hour exploring Cueva del Indio Nature Reserve which we realy enjoyed, stopped briefly at Playa Caracoles, ate late lunch at Pura Pesca (recommended) in Barcenoleta, beat traffic to San Juan to return our rental, took bus to the airport and checked-in for our flight back. Only to discover a moment later that our flight departure was delayed by full 2 hours, more than our layover in Atlanta. Quick decission to stay in San Juan rather than being stranded over night in Atlanta. Luckily we were rebooked for a better=direct flight next day. Our apartment that we quickly booked was nice and clean, but in less than perfect location. With extra time, in the evening we walked to Playa Ocean Park and back home through gated neighbourhood. And then again to the same beach for morning swim. Lunch at Degetau Sea Food Restaurant and we were back at the airport for an easy flight to Chicago. The day was very hot so we used Uber for transportation (efficient but requires patience to get good rates).
