Jardín Botánico y Cultural de Caguas


While making a beeline for botanical gardens when there are flora-rich mountains beckoning might seem counterintuitive, this verdant area on a meander of the Río Caguitas, 4km west of the center on Rte 156, is the rival of any San Juan park. The highlight is an arboretum of plants known and utilized by the Taíno.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas

1.67 MILES

On the west side of Calle Luis Padial, spreading along a grand walkway replete with fountains and sculptures, the former premises of the General Cigar…

2. Museo de Arte

1.71 MILES

This museum, pleasant for a serendipitous stop, focuses on contemporary art. Most notable is the work by Carlos Osorio, an artist behind the establishment…

3. Museo del Tobacco

1.72 MILES

Puerto Rico's tobacco industry might be outshone by Cuba's, but the island produced plenty of its own tobacco back in the day, which was then often…

4. Area Recreativa Guavate

7.93 MILES

You can stop off at Area Recreativa Guavate at the northern end of the Bosque Estatal de Carite for a spot of sunbathing and birdwatching. It also has…

5. Bosque Estatal de Carite

9.42 MILES

Bosque Estatal de Carite is a forest reserve located less than an hour's drive south of San Juan. It's most famous for the dozens of lechoneras …

8. Area Recreativa Charco Azul

10.39 MILES

This is a great stop for a picnic if you're passing through the forest, and you can stroll to the Charco Azul natural pool via the appropriately named…