Isabela: Coastal Trails, Forest and History

Isabela can be explored through several distinct features: the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca in northwestern Puerto Rico, a coastal route with various surfaces, and places whose history dates back to before the town was founded. The coastline also features a variety of landscapes. When planning a hotel stay, you can make nature, outdoor activities and architectural history different priorities instead of reducing Isabela to just one kind of beach vacation.

Forest and Coastal Trails

The Bosque Estatal de Guajataca is located in the municipality of Isabela and is one of the fourteen public forests in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s forest system. A forest information sheet from May 2008 lists sightseeing and birdwatching, camping, hiking, photography and day visits as activities. It also names Cueva del Viento among the forest’s attractions and facilities, and lists access to the cave as an activity. Before planning your visit, check the latest management notices if your plans depend on a particular access point.

Another way to include the coast in your day’s plans is the Paseo Lineal de Isabela. The 4.5-mile route is designed for cycling and jogging and reaches beaches such as Jobos and Montones. It includes sections of asphalt, packed sand and wooden boardwalk. The surface, as well as the distance, is one of the route’s specific features. Check the current condition of the surfaces before planning to cycle or run the route.

The coastal features vary considerably. At Montones Beach, the natural pool is shallow; a natural barrier keeps out strong surf. At Jobos Beach is Pozo de Jacinto, an open sea cave more than 30 feet deep. The features described thus range from a shallow pool to a deep cave.

Swimming is not recommended at Middles Beach; the beach is suitable for watching local surfers. When planning, follow the latest local guidance about sea conditions.

Historic Sites in Isabela

The Guajataca Tunnel passes through the mountain between Playa Guajataca and Playa Mirador. It was built in 1904 and declared a historic monument in 2000. The dates mark two different chapters: the tunnel’s construction and its later recognition as a monument.

Cara del Indio is a rock-carved sculpture of Cacique Mabodamaca in Isabela. It is located along Route #2 and can be easy to miss while driving. The road reference gives you a way to find it; however, the rock sculpture can easily go unnoticed when you are on the move.

Plaza Pública Manuel Corchado y Juarbe is Isabela’s main square and dates back to the town’s founding in 1818. An earlier chapter of the area’s history is illustrated by Ermita San Antonio De Padua De La Tuna: it was built in the 1730s and was the original church of the village that predated the founding of the town of Isabela. Together, the two sites point to different periods: the village before the town was founded and the main square associated with Isabela’s founding.

Discover more destinations: Isabela, Vieques, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Quebradillas, Manatí, Dorado, Aguadilla

For the main travel overview: Puerto Rico.