Puerto Hermina

Location: Quebradillas

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 1 hour 15 minutes west to Quebradillas. You’ll drive down a steep hill with a couple switchbacks which gives you a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Drive along the beach and park on the right, to be closest to the beach, park at the end of the road. Follow the cement path to the sand. Follow the sand away from the water, into the forest.

General info: Follow the main trail. I am not sure where the smaller trails that diverge from the main path lead. I have heard that there is a cave in the vicinity. The best part about this hike is the bridge. When you see a house, turn right at a fork in the road to pass by a post with a bunch of signs on it. This trail will lead you to Bellaca Bridge. From the bridge you’ll have an awesome view of the canyon over which it stretches. You can turn back once you get to the bridge, or continue to exit onto a nearby road. To get to the bridge and back will take 20 – 30 minutes. Instead of entering from the beach, you can also enter or exit from that road near the bridge, or near the house you see on the trail (here). If you exit, at either place, it’ll mean a walk back on the road. I spotted the endemic Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo (Pájaro Bobo Mayor) near the bridge, which is such a cool bird. You’ll know one is around by their distinctive call.

Heads up: I was not bothered by too many mosquitoes at sunset, but they may be a bigger problem in the summer.