by Shannon Boone

Created on: August 11, 2010   Last Updated: August 12, 2010

The municipality of Guanica is located in the southwestern section of Puerto Rico on the southern coast.  Since the town was founded in 1508, it has gone through many different changes in its governmental structure, as well as developmentally.  Today, Guanica is a modern town that still holds onto its traditional routes.  

When staying in Guanica, there are a few moderately priced lodging options to choose from.  Caribbean Villa Vacation is made up of four different apartments within a large guesthouse.  Each apartment comes with its own private entrance, kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, living room, deck or patio, satellite television, and air conditioner.  The penthouse apartment in this villa comes with the basic amenities of standard apartments except it spans three floors and also comes with a Jacuzzi.

The Copamarina Resort sits beach front on a three-quarter mile long beach.  The resort itself sits on about 20 acres and offers both all-inclusive and room only rates.  Onsite, there are two pools, two Jacuzzis, two children’s pools, children’s playground, water sports (kayaks, windsurfing, paddleboats, and more), two tennis courts, volleyball and fishing.  It is also adjacent to the Guanica Dry Forest.

The Guanica Dry Forest is the world’s largest dry forest reserve.  It is also a UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Biosphere Reserve.  The dry forest has 700 plant species, 48 of which are endangered, and 16 exist nowhere else in the world.  This forest it ideal for those looking to explore nature, here, you can go jogging, hiking, and bird watching.

Also in the area, there are several beaches, bays, and reserves.  Gilligan’s Island, which is located about a mile off the shore of the Copamarina resort, was given its name due to its resemblance to the television show ‘Gilligan’s Island”.  A visit here is ideal for people looking to swim, snorkel, or just do a little sunning on the beach.  At La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay, visitors can see millions of dinoflagellates.  These tiny forms of marine life produce sparks of chemical light when disturbed.

If looking to visit Guanica while there is something going on within the town, there are several optimal times of year.  Celebracion Llegada de Juan Ponce de Leon takes place in August.  Festival Del Pescao in April, and both the Sesfile de 25 de Julio and the Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apostol take place in July.

Visiting Guanica gives visitors to enjoy a Puerto Rican vacation off the beaten path, while still placing yourself close enough to the large vacation area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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