This Underrated Puerto Rico Park Is A Paradise For Birdwatching
Parque Forestal La Marquesa is located in Guaynabo, a Puerto Rican municipality that borders the ... More capital city of San Juan.
Home to verdant rainforests, multiple bioluminescent bays and a vast interior mountain range, the island of Puerto Rico boasts a truly staggering amount of destinations for nature lovers. Immediately upon arrival, visitors can set off for the west coast and spend a few days soaking in the sun or hop on a short flight to explore the neighboring islands of Vieques and Culebra—but you don't have to wander far from capital city limits to find a top-tier ecotourism experience. Just a half-hour drive away from the San Juan coastline, Parque Forestal La Marquesa provides guests with a glimpse into the natural splendor of the island, with no shortage of fascinating birds, insects and reptiles to encounter during a visit.
After years of inactivity due to damage caused by Hurricane Maria, this beloved eco-park held its grand re-opening on February 9th, 2025, inviting visitors to explore over 250 hectares of pristine forest and winding hiking trails in the verdant mountains of Guaynabo. While guests are welcome to walk their way up to the main building or take the train, the cable car offers particularly stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscapes, spanning roughly ten minutes from start to finish. Upon arrival, visitors can pay a visit to the butterfly house in search of colorful insects or hang out with the resident tortoises—but no trip to La Marquesa is complete without exploring the on-property aviary.
Blue-and-yellow macaws are one of more than 20 bird species that can be found in the La Marquesa ... More aviary.
While Puerto Rico is renowned for its fascinating native avifauna, La Marquesa is dedicated to showcasing birds from all across the globe, with 25 colorful species calling the park home. Upon entry, guests will be greeted with the cacophony of Indian peacocks mingled with the cries of multiple macaw species, with scarlet and blue-and-yellow varieties all found within the aviary. Looking skyward, birdwatchers can spot cockatoos and conures clinging to the surrounding trees, while the ground plays host to a wide range of creatures spanning from flamingos to the golden pheasant, a dazzling bird that's native to East Asia.
Once you've had your fill of the aviary, you can swing by the café to snack on tostones paired with a cold Medalla—but for hardcore birdwatchers, the observation tower is a can't-miss destination. Standing roughly 21 meters tall, the structure provides the perfect perspective for scoping out the many native birds that call the island home. Bananaquits, pearly-eyed thrashers, and Puerto Rican vireos can be found in abundance during a visit, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the Puerto Rican tody, a brilliantly-colored bird that's endemic to the island.
The Puerto Rican tody is also referred to as "San Pedrito" across the island.
While top-tier birding destinations can be found all across Puerto Rico, La Marquesa offers ample opportunity to spot beloved local species without straying too far from your accommodations. In just one day, visitors can marvel at fascinating avifauna from the Caribbean and far beyond, all while basking in the dazzling landscapes that have earned the island worldwide acclaim. As you plan your next vacation across La Isla del Encanto, be sure to leave some room on the itinerary for a trip to La Marquesa, Guaynabo's crown jewel for ecotourism and outdoor adventure.
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