Cordillera Mountains - Carite Forest Reserve

(Local Name: Reserva Forestal Carite) Reserva Forestal Carite covers more than 6000ac / 2429ha of land in the Sierra de Cayey. Carite was established in 1935 by the Puerto Rican government in order to protect the watershed of the various rivers in the region from erosion. Carite features 25mi/40km of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and at least 49 species of birds, including the native endangered mountain hawk.

The Reserva Forestal Carite is located less than an hour from San Juan and makes a pleasant day trip to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands. The Reserva Forestal Carite is the headwaters for three of Puerto Rico's rivers; the Rio Grande de Loíza, the Rio Grande de Patillas and the Rio