Puerto Rico — Dispaches — Destination: Wildlife™

Warning, You Can Only See These Birds In Puerto Rico

Kissed by both the Atlantic Ocean and by the Caribbean Sea, it is the beaches on the island’s 300 miles of beautiful coastline that usually bring visitors. But Puerto Rico is more than sunbathing and mega-resorts. Puerto Rico has 17 endemic bird species, eighteen if you count the Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) about whom debate rages. Plus another 330+ species migrants, introductions, and accidentals. This is a birder's paradise. Hurricane Maria made a mess of Puerto Rico in 2017, flattening the vegetation as well as the buildings. But nature is amazing. The rainforest and wildlife are rebounding in miraculous ways.

Roberta KravetteJanuary 5, 2022Puerto Rico, Birdwatching Comments

5 Fabulous Days in Paradise, Welcome to Yuquiyú

Yuquiyú Farm and Garden in Puerto Rico is an oasis of nature, birds, coqui song, and vegan cooking, and in case you want to add a little island exploration, it is close to El Yunque National Forest and Old San Juan, too. At just a fast four-hour flight from New York, this is the perfect destination for a weekend get-away. Or bring your passion. Yuquiyú was imagined as a retreat for writers and artists. Four treehouses only, single or double occupancy only. No children.

Roberta KravetteApril 2, 2020Puerto Rico, Yuquiyu, treehouse Comments

Rescue for the City Weary, Treehouses in the Rainforest

Here, In the last rainforest in the United States, legend says that Yuquiyú, the Taino people’s ancient god of light and life, walked among the trees and cloud covered peaks of the El Yunque forest in Puerto Rico. Today, only a short flight from New York, the Yuquiyú, garden and treehouses are an oasis for city-weary couples and solo travelers.

There are just four comfortable artisan-crafted treehouses situated high among the palms here. Each one sleeps one or two guests only. There are never more than 8 guests on the entire property at one time. Ylang-ylang perfumes the air. Three words describe Yuquiyú: Serenity, Beauty, Renewal.