Humacao Nature Reserve: Lizards Birds, Turtles ... Manatees and Monkeys?

Humacao Nature Reserve
Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico
$$$$$

The Humacao Nature Reserve, on Hwy P3 between Humacao and Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico, is a small, free natural park with trails, bathrooms, souvenirs, and the opportunity to kayak through mangrove swamps (for a fee). 

There is a breathtaking beach stretching for several miles about one-half of a mile Southeast of the parking lot, otherwise there are dirt roads and small trails winding through the park allowing a leisurely stroll through the swamps and views of lizards, several flora and bird species, reported turtles and iguanas, and bugs the size of Volkswagens. I also read that manatee and a small population of monkeys inhabit the area although that report was unverified elsewhere.

We decided to take an hour-long hike on our way to look at some properties in Vista del Mar, a huge resort community a few miles South of Humacao on the sea. It was serenely quiet and oddly beautiful as we made our way down the soggy road looking for our first iguana, said to grow up to 12 feet in length!

We saw several large lizards (up to 18 inches long), a large beetle of some type, a few birds, but no iguana, turtles, manatees, or monkeys along our journey. The park is well worth the detour if in the area, but bring some stable shoes, ones that you do not mind getting muddy and soggy along the way.

CombatCritic Gives Humacao Nature Reserve 7 Bombs Out of 10 ... BOMBAS ARE BUENAS!

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