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 the incredible diversity of its flora, fauna, and fungi? Explore the forest ¾-mile (1.2 km) elevated sidewalk on your own, stopping at the 18 points of interest marked along the way to understand the ecosystem and its components better.
Price of Admission
Access to the forest is free. However, operational and maintenance costs – and updating educational programming are not. Will you make a donation today in support of our efforts?
293
Flora: 113 species
Fauna: 107 species
Fungi: 73 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) elevated sidewalk meanders through the lush interior of the Forest allowing visitors a close-up view of its diverse inhabitants. You’ll encounter a large variety of invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans, insects, amphibians (including the iconic Puerto Rican Coquí), reptiles, mushrooms and other 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
There is free parking in a lot adjacent to the Forest (after the Sagrada Familia Catholic church, turn right onto Nursery Road, and follow the signs).
Accessibility
The Forest’s facilities including the elevated boardwalk, but not the observation tower, are accessible and designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Photos and Videos*
Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos. Please feel free to share them – for publication on our social media - with us.
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.
Bird Watching
Watch local and migratory birds who live in or visit the forest.
Facility Map and Restrooms
There are accessible restrooms located before the Forest entrance.
* Taking photos or creating videos or other materials for commercial use within Palmas del Mar and the Pterocarpus Forest without prior consent of the PHA, Inc., or Pterocarpus Forest, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
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.
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.
In the Forest, the beauty of nature can be fully appreciated through its sights, scents, and sounds. Please respect the serene atmosphere, minimize noise, and limit cellphone use. It ensures that all our guests can enjoy the serenity and natural harmony of the forest.
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.