Río Abajo State Forest

Río Abajo covers around fourteen hundred hectares of limestone karst forest between Utuado and Arecibo, mogotes and sinkholes covered in trees, and it holds one of the two aviaries breeding the Puerto Rican parrot. The species fell to thirteen known wild birds in 1975 and has been brought back through captive breeding and release; a free-flying population now exists in this forest. Trails run through the karst and a recreation area sits near the entrance.

Background

Río Abajo is one of the 20 state forests of Puerto Rico and belongs to the Department of Natural Resources. It covers 3,590 acres in the municipalities of Arecibo and Utuado, mostly subtropical wet and moist karst forest filled with mogotes and sinkholes, and it was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Besides its ecological value, the forest holds a number of archaeological sites.

Source: Wikipedia, "Río Abajo State Forest"

What you'll find

• The Puerto Rican parrot - a released population in the forest, from a species down to thirteen birds in 1975.
• The aviary - one of two breeding centres for the recovery programme.
• The karst - mogotes, sinkholes and limestone forest across the reserve.
• The trails - walking routes through the forest from the recreation area.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the most comfortable. Early morning is best for hearing and seeing the parrots. Hurricane damage has closed sections in the past.

Things to know

Parrots are heard far more often than seen and sightings are not reliable. Aviary access is restricted and must be arranged; it is a working conservation facility. Some trails have been closed since hurricane damage.

Nearby

Lago Dos Bocas is nearby, and Arecibo is north.

Key facts