| 1 of 23 | View from the Copamarina Beach Resort, Guanica, Puerto Rico | View All 23 Photos |
Guanica Summary
Pros
- Has some of the most stunning white-sand beaches in Puerto Rico
- Undeveloped, natural surrounding areas
- Various flora and fauna, protected by UNESCO
- Generally safe area
- Quaint, beautiful fishing village with virtually no commercial development
Cons
- Need a rental car to explore the area
- Not many restaurants/shops
- Winding, slow, 1.5-lane roads
- Poor public transportation, with no island-wide bus or rail service
What It's Like
Guanica is a quiet fishing village on Puerto Rico's relatively undeveloped southwestern coast, where Christopher Columbus landed on his second voyage to the Americas. The main draw of this side of the island is its pure, untouched flora and fauna. Guanica lies in arguably the island's most beautiful region, with white-sand beaches, forest reserves, exotic birds, phosphorescent waters, and opulent villas.
The area draws a number of eco-tourists, and is home to the Guanica Dry Forest Reserve -- the largest remaining tropical dry coastal forest in the world, and one of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve sites. Next to this forest is the "Punta Ballena Reserve," a mangrove forest which houses some manatees and Hawksbill turtles, among other animals.
Where to Stay
There aren’t many options, with just one all-inclusive resort east of town and several other guest houses in the area.
View all Guanica Hotels
Facts
| Languages: | Spanish and English |
| Airports: | |
| Time Zone: | |
| Peak: | Mid-Dec.-late April |
| Hurricanes: | Aug. 1-Nov. 30 |
| Visa: | No |
| Vaccines: | No |
| Currency: | US Dollar |
| Electricity: | 110 V, 60 Hz (U.S. compatible) |
| Tipping: | 15%-18% at restaurants |
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