Eco-oriented activities allow people to connect with Mother Earth and appreciate its grand value. Even though the ways to relate with nature and resulting feelings vary among human beings, it is good to highlight moments when nature and historical sites’ charm is striking.

Below we share a summary of the top five encounters in Puerto Rico that have stood out so far during our eco-oriented experiences due to the special attraction or energy the ecotreasures ® crew sensed in relation to these.

ecotreasures’ Top Five Magical Eco-Oriented Encounters:

1) Kayaking on a Channel Leading to Torrecilla Lagoon

Being so close to mangroves guarding this narrow channel influenced us to instantly connect with the channel and mangroves. We felt as if nature and us became one.

Exploration: Kayaking trip on Torrecilla Lagoon and nearby channel on the Municipality of Loíza while guided by Corporación Piñones Se Integra (COPI)’s local guide

2) Navigating Suárez Channel

We perceived ourselves as privileged adventurers navigating on a secret waterway since the Suárez Channel is an inland waterway surrounded by mangroves and was a strategic route used by Spaniards in the 19th century for transportation of goods in order to protect the cargo from pirate attacks.

Exploration: Ecotouristic boat tour on San Juan Bay Estuary’s bodies of water on the Municipalities of San Juan, Carolina and Loíza while guided by Excursiones Eco’s local guide

3) “The Butterflies’ Playground” in Jobos Bay Nature Reserve

We were hypnotized by the scenery of abundant and cheerful butterflies flying over succulent plants on a particular spot in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Peace was present in this area, which we referred to as “The Butterflies’ Playground”.

Exploration: Guided hiking tour in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Municipality of Salinas

4) 1940s Stairways and El Morrillo Observation Point

On our way to El Morrillo Observation Point in Humacao Nature Reserve, we encountered 1940s stairways that caught our attention―we sensed that these were calling us. We admired the strength projected by these antique stairways.

Once we reached the top of a hill, we perceived extreme serenity at El Morrillo Observation Point―maybe it was due to the fact that soldiers hid in bunkers at this spot to watch and alert if enemy ships were navigating towards the island of Puerto Rico during World War II. The astonishing views and ocean wave sounds contributed to the high energy felt in this place.

Exploration: Hiking tour in Humacao Nature Reserve, Municipality of Humacao, while guided by Water Sports and Ecotours’ local guide

5) The Puerto Rican Slider Tortoise

The mystery behind the Puerto Rican slider tortoises (“Jicotea” in Spanish) that hid and camouflaged on a channel known as Caño Frontera triggered our curiosity to spot as many Jicoteas as possible.

Exploration: Hiking tour in Humacao Nature Reserve, Municipality of Humacao, while guided by Water Sports and Ecotours’ local guide

We suggest taking advantage of nature and historical sites’ magic and letting yourself feel the personal bond with the surroundings while engaging in eco-oriented activities. Though you may like the outdoor recreation in general, it is rewarding to learn and hold dear the particular experiences that enchanted you.

Note: You may browse ecotreasures online directory for contact information about the above-mentioned tour providers.