Guanica is a Puerto Rican paradise oasis with significant historical and cultural heritage.
Guanica is the place where most historians agree that Christopher Columbus landed during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. As if this weren't enough historical fame, later in 1898, Guanica became the site where General Miles and the U.S. troops landed to take Puerto Rico from the Spanish during the Spanish-American War.
Guanica is situated in the southern coast, bordering the Caribbean Sea, with picturesque scenery and temperate tropical weather every day of the year. The stunning views and sunny beaches make Guanica an exceptional retreat. Founded in 1508, Guanica is known as "El Pueblo de las Doce Calles" (the town of the twelve streets). Guanica derives its name from the TaÃno Indian term, meaning "here is a place with water". The Guanica Dry Forest Reserve is the largest remaining tract of tropical dry coastal forest on the planet and an International Biosphere Reserve. This dry forest has 700 plant species, of which 48 are endangered and 16 exist nowhere else. Its forest along the coast and on low-lying hills host the greatest number of bird species on the island. The Caña Gorda Balneario and a spectacular series of cays are located nearby. Nearby is the Parguera Phosphorescent Bay ("BahÃa Fosforescente"), where millions of luminescent dinoflagellates light up when disturbed by movement; a tiny form of marine life, which produce sparks of chemical light when disturbed. The surrounding areas produce sugar cane and salt.
