Land

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EXPERIENCE THE LAND

While the Trust’s over 80 acres are among the most scenic on earth, the land is more treasured for its ecological significance. Framed by cliffs and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Guajataca River, the land provides varied, lush habitats for Puerto Rico’s unique flora and fauna.

Located within the Subtropical Zone, the Trust sits on coastal plains comprised of limestone outcrops of marine origin dating from 38 million years ago. The lifting of the earth’s crust and its exposure to erosive processes formed karst topography, a landscape characterized by sinkholes, mogotes and caves. The land features very distinctive microhabitats, including:

  • Acantilado del Norte y Cara del Indio (North Cliff)

    The “younger” cliff features the “face of the Indian” and is characterized by limestone, thin soil mantles and trees of small stature.

  • Farallón Sur (Southern Cliff)

    The “older” cliff is less steep and offers more abundant soil and taller vegetation.

  • Coastal Strip

    This area features sand dunes and vegetation common to sandy beaches of the coastal zone.

  • El Anegado (Wetland)

    Composed of freshwater vegetation, including the rare corazón cimarrón, this area floods intermittently and is fed by runoff and springs.

  • Quebrada El Toro (El Toro Creek)

    The Creek’s ravine features a canopy of primary evergreen seasonal forest, with vegetation ranging from shrubs to trees topping 25 meters.

  • Playa El Pastillo (Beach)

    Very high-intensity waves characterize this surfing and fishing beach. While not recommended for swimming, it offers a main laguna in its eastern corner, a calm tidal pool created by a reef, where it is safe to wade and explore.

MEET OUR WILDLIFE

Take a moment to get acquainted with the diverse array of fascinating creatures that make their home at El Pastillo.

GET INVOLVED

If you share our passion for conservation, join us! We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to match your time and talents.