Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Pterocarpus Forest
The Pterocarpus Forest, located in Palmas del Mar, Humacao, is a unique 51-acre swamp forest that opened to the public in March 2013. It is one of the largest remaining swamp forests in Puerto Rico and serves as a habitat for more than 250 species of flora and fauna, of which 13 are considered endemic, as well as for 73 species of fungi.
Pterocarpus forests play a crucial role in their ecosystems, providing habitat and food for numerous species, including mammals, birds, insects, and plants. They also contribute to regulating the local climate and hydrological cycle, and are important for carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change.
The Pterocarpus Forest offers a unique experience in Puerto Rico. With 18 points of interest to explore, visitors can enjoy a journey of discovery and learning. The forest grows in an area permanently flooded with fresh water.
Plan your visit
When we talk about visiting the Forest, we mean the whole experience: walking through the swampy forest along the elevated walkway and also enjoying the pond, the gazebo and the surrounding passive recreation areas.
The Pterocarpus Forest is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).
Nighttime visits require prior authorization.
Access to the Forest is free. However, we appreciate any donations you may wish to make. Use of the Forest’s facilities is limited, requires prior authorization, and may incur charges.
The Pterocarpus Forest is located in Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico, accessible from State Highway PR-906. The main entrance is through the community’s security gate on Palmas Drive.
Upon arrival at the security gate, please indicate that you are going to the Forest.
Click here to access Google Maps.
There is free parking for vehicles next to the Forest entrance. Enter via Nursery Road and head to the far right of the parking lot.
Yes. The Forest has restrooms for visitors.
A tour of the Forest that includes nature observation and the use of interpretive materials can take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the pace of each visitor.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended; water, preferably in a refillable bottle; a hat or cap; and a camera or cell phone.
If you wish to take advantage of the self-guided tour, bring a smartphone to scan the QR codes.
The elevated walkway is accessible to people using non-motorized wheelchairs.
During your visit
Yes. Visitors may bring snacks or prepared food to eat in the passive recreation area. No food or beverages, except water, are permitted on the elevated walkway or within the swamp forest.
If the gazebo is available and has not been reserved for another activity, it may be used for sharing food.
Cooking, barbecuing, and lighting fires are not permitted in the passive recreation area or within the swamp forest.
Yes. Visitors may take photographs and videos for personal use. Photographs or recordings for commercial purposes require prior authorization and must be requested from the PHA at least two weeks in advance.
The Forest is a space for walking, observing, and enjoying nature in peace. For safety reasons and to preserve this experience, the recreational use of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, electric scooters, or other similar devices is not permitted, nor is running or jogging in the Forest areas.
This rule does not apply to strollers or mobility devices used by people with disabilities.
The Forest is an open natural space where sound travels easily. To preserve the natural environment, ensure the enjoyment of all visitors, and minimize disturbance to wildlife, audible music is not permitted during regular visits.
The use of portable speakers, loudspeakers, or other sound amplification equipment is not allowed. Visitors may use personal headphones provided the sound is not audible to others.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the Forest or in passive recreation areas.
Pets are not allowed on the elevated walkway.
Yes. Please stay on the elevated walkway throughout the tour. The wetland terrain can be hazardous. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
Group visits, activities and use of facilities
For these purposes, we distinguish between three types of visits or activities:
- Individual or family visits: groups of fewer than ten (10) people. No reservation is required for a regular visit during operating hours.
- Group visits: groups of ten (10) people or more. Groups must coordinate and reserve their visit with the PHA at least two weeks in advance.
- Organized activities or use of facilities: meetings, educational activities, celebrations, photography or video for commercial purposes, use of the gazebo or other facilities, and other organized activities require prior authorization from the PHA, must be requested at least two weeks in advance, and may be subject to a donation or fee for the use of the facilities.
Groups of ten (10) people or more must coordinate and reserve their visit with the Palmas Homeowners Association (PHA) at least two weeks in advance. PHA staff can advise you on the visit date, group size, and any applicable requirements. For contact information, see the More Information section.
Currently, the Forest does not offer an official guided tour service. However, the tour can be self-guided using 18 stations with QR codes that provide information about the flora, fauna, and fungi of the Forest, complemented by approximately 30 interpretive signs distributed along the elevated walkway and around the pond.
Visitors can learn about the history of the Forest, its biodiversity, the most representative species, the conservation challenges and the ecological importance of this wetland through the self-guided tour and interpretive signage.
The elevated walkway was designed with specific structural load parameters. For this reason, large groups travel along the walkway in subgroups of up to ten (10) people, maintaining adequate separation between them.
A visit to the Forest does not constitute authorization to hold special activities or events.
Any organized activity must be submitted to the PHA at least two weeks in advance for evaluation and, if approved, may be subject to a donation or fee for the use of the facilities.
If you are interested in using the gazebo or any of the other facilities in the Forest, you must request authorization from the PHA at least two weeks in advance.
More Information
In addition to this website, you can write to bosquepterocarpus@gmail.com with questions related to the history of the Forest, its biodiversity, educational programs, or other general information.
To coordinate visits for groups of ten (10) or more people, request permission for photography or video for commercial purposes, or manage organized activities and the use of the facilities, please contact the Palmas Homeowners Association (PHA) at least two weeks in advance.
PHA
Attention: Pterocarpus Forest
5 Academy Drive
Humacao, PR 00791
787-285-6425
info@pterocarpus.org
You can also use the contact form to get in touch.
