Picture a vast expanse of tropical woodland—hills, trails, streams, and waterfalls—all clinging to the mountainsides of a cloudcovered rainforest. Picture Bali-Ha’i in the Caribbean. Picture a place where you can ride through groves of bamboo taller than a cathedral, on trails that reveal silver glimpses of a crystalline river as golden slivers of sunlight filter down on you. Picture passing by palm trees that stand like royal sentinels along y our path and crossing meadows, gardens, and jungles greeted by exotic butterflies and birds.
This may sound like a colorful Disney movie or a cartoon, but it is very real and very near—you can actually “ride the rainforest” at the 600-acre Hacienda Carabalí in Luquillo, just a short trip from San Juan. Moreover, it is up to you how you would like to experience it!
On a bicycle
Nature lovers need only bring their ability to ride a bike to participate in this two-hour tour. Hacienda Carabalí provides a trained guide (no chance to get lost in the rainforest), a sturdy aluminum mountain bike, helmet, gloves, and an ample supply of water. You bring swimming gear (for an optional refreshing dip in Mameyes River), your camera, and your sense of adventure.
On horseback
On any given day, Hacienda Carabalí has some 50 horses—many with Paso Fino bloodlines—ready to ride. Their wranglers know the temperament and personality of each equine and can match you—the rider—with the perfect horse. From first-timers to experienced vaqueros, the right mount isavailable, and in every case a guide will lead or follow you to make sure you don’t miss any of the attractions on this two-hour adventure.
On a 400cc Four-Track
Some people just need a stronger dose of adrenaline, and powerful little all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can amply satisfy it. No experience is necessary. Everyone gets an orientation on how to drive the vehicles, their safety features, and Hacienda Carabalí’s strict rules for reserving the pristine state of the rainforest. The trail is designed to let you puddle-jump, ford streams, and crisscross some of the most exotic tropical vegetation found near the equator. A special guide will keep your ATV on track and out of trouble during the exciting two-hour tour.
Want to make a day or a vacation of it? Hacienda Carabalí has plenty more for you to enjoy, from a first-rate restaurant to the beautiful mountaintop 12-suite Rainforest Inn. Combine your ride (or several) with a nature walk, a race around a Go-Kart Speedway, or take one of the many island tours offered by Dragonfl y Adventures, Hacienda Carabalí’s award-wining destination management company.
Hacienda Carabalí is located on road PR992, at km 4.0 in Luquillo, off Highway PR3 near the Luquillo kiosks. For information or reservations, call 787-889-5820 or 787-889-4954. Adventure reservations also may be made online at www.haciendacarabalipuertorico.com or by contacting info@haciendacarabalipuertorico.com.
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