Hike to Cueva Quintin Rivera in Guajataca Forest- Note- the Cave of the Wind is closed
Update- 1/26 The Cave of the Wind area is closed. The stairs into cave are closed and they are in VERY bad shape…not recommended to even try. But the trail is open and is kind of clear. One of our readers (Thanks Michael!) recommends you head to the Winf Cave and then keep walking on the trail to Cueva Quintin Rivera. This cave is about 20 minutes farther down the trail and it is open and easy to walk through, but make sure to bring a headlamp!
One of the things I like best about Puerto Rico is that it so varied. We usually hike in the El Yunque rain forest in the north-east of Puerto Rico, but it is possible to find great forest hikes all over the island.
One place we found to explore is the Guajataca Forest (pronounced gua-ha-TA-ca) in Isabela. It is in the karst region of Puerto Rico, so the landscape and plant life is totally different than what we are used to seeing. And in my opinion, the best part about this forest is the cave you get to explore. But a trip to this forest and cave cannot be done on a whim — you definitely need to plan this trip.
The Forest
The Guajataca Forest (Bosque de Guajataca in Spanish) is pretty large — it covers about 2,350 acres. It is said to have loads of trails (like 46 trails measuring over 25 miles!), though they don’t appear to be well used at all. As a first-time visitor to the forest, you will probably just do 2 trails: Cueva del Viento/Cueva Quintin Rivera (Cave of the Wind) or the Interpretative Trail. We did them both in the same afternoon. In this article I’ll describe Trail #1 and the trail to Cueva del Viento/Cueva Quintin Rivera.
You will see and hear the many birds that call this area home. I really enjoyed seeing how the trees and shrubs adapted to their landscape. They find ways to cling to the rocks and other trees for support. The forest is rugged and beautiful.
Getting Started
The forest can be accessed from Route 446 in Isabela. There is a forest information office and parking around KM 11 on Route 446. There’s also a picnic area within a short walking distance.
The forest office has bathrooms available there, as well as information. Hopefully the rangers can help you in the language you need and hoping their maps have gotten better since we last went! They do want you to sign in, just so they know who is out there. The trail to the cave is decently marked (some signs have fallen over, but it’s still easy to follow- they have some orange tape up along the way).
We had hiked to the cave a couple years ago, so we kinda knew what we were doing this last time. We had our GPS unit with us, so we were able to map the entire trail that we walked. That GPS data is what we used to draw our trail map (below). So, if you take our map, and follow the signs, you should be able to navigate with no problems. When we drew the map, the dashed trails are the ones we walked on. The dotted trails are just on the map so you can see where some of the side trails meet the main trail. They can serve as points of reference for your navigation.
La Cueva del Viento/Cueva Quintin Rivera
The trail head for the caves is right at the parking area/ranger station at KM 11 on Route 446. Look for the sign for the Interpretative Trail and Trail #1. The trip we took to Cave of the Wind was about 2.5 miles round trip (it included the side trail up to the Observation Tower, the Interpretative Trail and the trip to the Wind Cave). Add another 2 miles total to your trip if you go to Quintin Cave. It is a relatively flat trail except for the steep part that brings you down to the cave entrance. The trail is packed earth with limestone rock in it, so you do have to watch your step while walking.
Once you get started on the trail, almost right away you will see a trail marker for the Observation Tower on your right. This is a short (though up hill) walk that offers nice views of the tree tops. And I think it is great for getting a nice breeze and bird watching.
Along the beginning of Trail #1 you will also be on the first part of the Interpretative Trail. After a while of walking, you will get to a point where Trail #1 and the Interpretative Trail part ways and there are other trails that go off of it. You always want to stay on the Cave Trail #1 — don’t go off onto other side trails (or verderas in Spanish).
Eventually, you will get to the top of the steps to the Wind cave (you can’t miss them, there is a huge sign!). As of 2/20- the stairs and Wind Cave are “closed off” and in REALLY BAD SHAPE, but people have been know to go around closure. I highly recommend you do NOT do it! Continue on to Cueva Quintin Rivera.
When you get to the Quintin Cave entrance, you can see it beautiful. You need to bring flashlights to go inside. If you did not bring flashlights, you will be limited to seeing only the entrance. With flashlights, it is possible to walk in and make your way around to the back opening area. Super interesting to explore. There are all kinds of stalagmite and stalactite formations to look at. Look around inside, there may be a petroglyph to be found. The cave is more interesting the further into it you go as many of the formations near the entrance have been broken-off by past visitors or earthquakes. Please be careful and try not to touch the columns. Make sure you watch your step. There are bats in the cave, so make sure not to shine your light on them or make too much noise inside the cave.
To get back to our car, we retraced our steps until we got back to the Interpretative Trail. Then we turned left and continued on the Interpretative Trail until we got back to the road. The trail ends ends at the picnic shelter just a few hundred feet away from the trail head and our car. The whole trip to Quintin Cave will take about 3-3.5 hrs, depending on how fast you walk and how long you stay in the cave.
Other Helpful Information
There is a nice picnic shelter where you can have lunch. There are no food (or other) facilities in the forest.
The Caves are non-illuminated caves. There are no lights inside. There are no guardrails inside. You must bring strong, bright flashlights if you intend to venture more than a few feet into the cave.
The Route 446 gets VERY small (I’d estimate a maximum of 1½ cars wide) even though it is a 2-way road and is surprisingly well-traveled. Drive slowly, honk your horn before each curve, and listen for other people’s horns around curves. One car will have to pull over to let another past, so be aware of the edges.
They allow camping with a permit, but I don’t think many people do it. Can’t say how well maintained the facilities are. Camping at Vereda Ramon Morales, call 787-999-2200 ext 5610 for reservations.
This forest is not often visited during the week — we were the only ones there when we went mid-week. You may see more people on weekends.
If you want to hike on trails other than Trail #1 and the Interpretative Trail, I would get information from the forest office before starting out on your own. There are lots of trails in this forest — the forest map looks like a big maze. You will see some trailheads further down Route 446.
It often rains in the late afternoon in this part of the island, so plan accordingly.
Details
There is no fee to use the forest trails and facilities.
The forest is open during daylight hours. The information office (located at Route 446 KM 11) may be open Tuesday-Sunday from about 9am to 4:00pm.
Allow about 3-4 hours to hike to the cave and return to your car.
The Guajataca Forest is managed by the DNRA. You can call them at 787-999-2200 ext 5610 for more information.
Take Route 2 to approximately KM 108 and turn onto Route 446 (there is a Reliable Mortgage building on the corner). Follow Route 446 into the forest.
they have a Facebook page for more info and also an email address bosquedeguajataca@gmail.com
The forest is about 2 hours from the San Juan area and about 1 hour from Rincon.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid âĻ then don't do it!
