Hacienda La Esperanza

This Natural Reserve was one of the most advanced and rich sugar estates of the 19th century and today it is the largest nature reserve in the northwest region of Puerto Rico. With an extension of 2,201 acres, this includes much of the topographic features and characteristic ecosystems of the northern area, including chains of "mogotes" that support an evergreen forest with springs; herbaceous, palustrine (freshwater) and estuarine wetlands; forests and vegetation of coastal dunes; sandy beaches and rocky coastline; and the mouth of the Río Grande de Manatí, among others. Its biodiversity includes 396 species of flora and 449 species of fauna, of which 34 are endemic and 50 are considered critical elements. At the heart of this reserve is the restored historic site of what was the hacienda, included in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the hacienda will also find a restored visitor center and a completely restored 1861 steam "trapiche" that is the only one of its kind that still exists in the world. For reservations 787.722.5882, wwww.paralanaturaleza.org