To the Lighthouse: Exploring Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve -- Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is better known as El Faro, or "The Lighthouse." Located in the northeastern corner of the island, it is one of the most beautiful and important areas in Puerto Rico. Here you'll find seven ecological systems and a restored 19th-century Spanish colonial lighthouse. From the lighthouse observation deck, majestic views extend to islands as far off as St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, the 316-acre (126 hectare) site encompasses forestland, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, cliffs, offshore cays, and coral reefs. Boardwalk trails wind through the fascinating topography. Ospreys, sea turtles, and an occasional manatee are seen from the windswept promontories and rocky beach.
The nature reserve is open Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required; for reservations during the week, call tel. 787/722-5882, and for reservations on weekends, tel. 787/860-2560 (weekend reservations must be made on the day of your visit). Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children under 13, and $2.50 for seniors. Guided 2 1/2-hour tours are conducted at 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, and 2pm (in English at 2pm).
