Let’s Plan Your Visit

Welcome to The Pterocarpus Forest.

Forest Hours

The Pterocarpus Forest is open from:

6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (every day).

We are closed on Christmas (December 25) & New Year’s (January 1).

Facilities

Make the most of our public facilities. Walk on the ¾ mile (1.2 km) elevated boardwalk that meanders through the Forest. At the entrance, climb the 40-foot-high wood Observation Tower for a spectacular view from its platform, and feel free to relax with a stop at the open-air Visitors’ Center.

Forest Tour

Do you want to learn more about the Forest and its flora, fauna, and fungi? Explore the ¾-mile (1.2 km) elevated sidewalk on your own, following the 18 points of interest marked along the way.

tickets

Fees

Access to the forest is free but donations are welcome. With your contribution, you support the environmental conservation efforts of this wonderful forest. Will you make a small donation today?

18

Point of Interes

93

Flora: 44 species
Fauna: 52 species

250,000

Visits received
In the Forest

51 - Acre

Pterocarpus swamp
forest nature preserve

What to Do at the Forest?

In the Pterocarpus Forest nature reserve, you can delve into the unique wonders of a swamp forest where the Pterocarpus tree grows majestically. Here you will enjoy its landscapes, sounds, and the peace of a microclimate where birds, reptiles, amphibians, fungi, and other species coexist.

Elevated Boardwalk

The ¾-mile (1.2 km) Boardwalk winds its way through the beautiful interior of the Forest allowing visitors to observe closely the large variety of mollusks, arthropods, crustaceans, insects, amphibians (including the renowned Puerto Rican coquí), lizards, fungi and birds for whom the Forest is home.

Observation Tower

From the viewing platform of the 40-foot (12m) high wood tower, you’ll be able to observe the movements of endemic birds such as the Puerto Rican Hummingbird and the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, as well as migratory birds, and enjoy spectacular views of the forest canopy and the surrounding area.

Visitor’s Center

Adjoining the tower, a gazebo serves as the Forest’s Visitor Center. The open-air facility has ample space for educational activities, meetings, and pre-approved social gatherings. To use the visitor center, please contact us through the contact form.

Parking / Accessibility

There is free parking in a lot adjacent to the Forest (after the Catholic church, turn right onto Nursery Road, and follow the signs).

Picnic area

Picnic area in the designated area at the Forest entrance only. No barbeque grills or fires of any kind are permitted. First come, first served.

Photos and Videos*

Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos. The authorization of PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc. is required for all photos, videos, and other materials used for commercial purposes.

Bird Watching

Watch local and migratory birds who live in or visit the forest.

Facility Map and Restrooms

Facility Map and Accessible Restrooms.

* The use of photos and videos for commercial use is prohibited without the consent of the PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc

Forest Rules

For an optimum visit to the Forest, please observe these rules:

No smoking or alcohol.

No jogging, biking, roller skating, or skateboarding.

Food or drink (other than water) inside the forest.

Radios or other loud noise.

Dog Walking: Pets are permitted in the Pterocarpus Forest. However, pets must be attended at all times and on a leash, or otherwise safely restrained. Be considerate when walking your dog and carry a container to clean up after your pet.

Also, please be considerate of the many organized groups of children and seniors that frequent the Forest.

Natural Resources: The collection of natural resources, including but not limited to plants, fungi, or animals of any kind is absolutely prohibited.

As you walk upon the Boardwalk, please respect the nature of the space and take care to stay quiet, and please try to limit the use of cell phones on it.

Visits must be arranged in advance by groups of ten (10) or more persons. Please, complete, the Group Reservation Request Form

Over 100 volunteers dedicate time and energy to the Pterocarpus Forest in Palmas!  Are you interested in joining us as a volunteer?  Please contact us.

Please take what you bring into the Forest with you when you leave!

How to Get to The Pterocarpus Forest

Become a volunteer ?

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.