Guayacan Centenerio

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike takes place at the Guánica National Dry Forest in Puerto Rico's driest area, temperatures in the forest are, on average, around 80°F (27°C) in shaded areas and 100°F (38°C) in exposed areas. Preparation and plenty of water are highly recommended as there is NO drinking water, nor cell phone signal in this region. The side-trail to the Guayacán Centenario is located on the Ballena Trail, 0.5 miles from PR-333 or 0.8 miles from PR-334. Access to the Ballena Trail is prohibited during the breeding/reproduction season of the Puerto Rican crested toad (Sapo Concho), a native species of the island.

The side-trail to the Guayacán Centenario may be accessed 0.5 miles from PR-333 or 0.7 miles from PR-334 on Ballena Trail. It was cleared and widened with heavy machinery on early 2021. This Guayacán is approximately 1,400 years old, as I was told by the most experienced park ranger at the Guánica Dry Forest. There is another 600 year-old Guayacán down the experimental station side-trail worth seeing.