Humacao Nature Preserve — Attraction in Humacao

Let me start with this....

I am not sure Humacao Nature Preserve even exists.

I think it just might be a big gate they never open. And it's just kind of a Potemkin's forest with a giant shopping mall behind it.

Seriously, I have never EVER seen a place SO bound and determined to keep people from visiting. There is no website. The FB page hasn't been updated since the Eisenhower Adminstration, and messages in both English and Spanish went unanswered.

The only way to get ANY sign of life is to call the kayak rental place and, quite honestly, I've dealt with NYC subway ticket clerks who were more helpful than that lot. They really don't go out of their way at all to be helpful. The day I called the kayak place to ask about renting, I was told (despite contradictory information on THAT organization's website) that they had decided not to open because of the weather. What was wrong with the weather, you might ask? A hurricane? Tsunami threat? Nah. It was raining. Intermittently. In Puerto Rico! GASP! SHOCKING, I know! I asked about renting a kayak the next day and they were like, "Yeah, we haven't decided if we are going to open yet." Not, "Tell you what, call back at 9 AM tomorrow and we can give you an update" or "want us to text or email you when we make a decision?" Nothing. You don't want to be open? Fine, don't be open, that's your right. But don't post completely contradictory information online AND then answer the phone in a manner that parallels the friendliness and transparency of an MI6 agent.

I missed the opportunity to see about 30 of the 50 bird species I was hoping to see in PR because this place is a train wreck. Please don't count...

Went here on a Sunday afternoon for a hike around the loop and didn’t find it to be crowded whatsoever. In fact, we only saw one other group of people on bikes the whole time we were there. The trails are well marked (with the exception of stop #12 sign appearing way too early around where stop #9 was supposed to be). Nice easy flat hike that my older parents walked easily. The hike on the beach side of the loop was significantly breezier than the lake side of the trail. I recommend bringing a good amount of water since there’s not many shady areas. Be advised, the beach itself is a turtle egg laying spot with a bunch of seaweed along the beach so it’s not a swimming beach. Just a nice place to enjoy the gorgeous flora and we saw some fauna as well, turtles and iguanas and even a couple roosters too! Limited parking, but like I said, wasn’t too busy so we didn’t have trouble...

Went for a self guided hike with a family of 4, the youngest of which is four years old. This was a fantastic hike, a beautiful reserve with plaques describing the areas (in spanish) and lots of maps throughout for easy orientation. We hiked to the top hill overlook (El Morillo), it was an easy hike and our youngest had no problem hiking up and back. The main trails are very wide and well maintained. The side trails are also well maintained but more grassy. Definitely recommend sneakers or hiking shoes as opposed to sandals, it can be muddy in parts. There are bikes for rent and kayaks as well as eco-tours available. I speak some Spanish but there was an employee at the entrance that spoke English who explained all the park had to offer. Free parking and no entry fees to hike, rentals and tours...