HORSEBACK RIDING
Esperanza Riding Company
Scenic trail rides on the southside with sweeping vistas. Ride in the surf on palm tree lined Playa
Cocal and on the jet-black sand of Playa Negra.
www.esperanzaridingcompany.com
787-435-0073
Jurutungo Farm
Ride includes a 400-year-old ceiba tree, tropical fruit trees, a mile long pier, and
shallow coastline with clear lulling waves.
www.Jurutungofarm.com
215-692-7374
Seagate Horseback Riding
Ride through interesting barrios with views of the historic fort and Isabel II and
then the beach on the north shore.
201-450-8238
SITES
Fortin Conde de Mirasol
Visit the last Spanish Fort Built in the Americas which now houses art installations,
artifacts and cultural events.
Puerto Ferro Archaeological Site
Large boulders where the remains of a 4000 year old pre Arawak man were found.
Parque La Ceiba
Visit the over 300 year old, spiritual Ceiba tree believed to be the connection of
heaven to earth in many cultures.
HIKING
Here are just a few suggested hikes. For detailed trail maps, GPS, terrain, and bike-friendly paths, visit www.ticatove.com/trails.
Novillo / Pirate’s Cove Trail - After entering the FWS gate, take an immediate right toward Puerto Ferro Lighthouse. Park at the first lot on the left; the trailhead is across the gravel road. Expect varied terrain with seagrass, land crab nesting areas, red clay and gray mangrove silt, air plants, vanilla vines, and thatch-palm canopies. The impact of Hurricane María on mangroves is still visible, and VCHT replanting efforts continue across the bay. The trail opens to Novillo Beach, with a connector to Pirate’s Cove. It’s a moderate hike with rocky slopes, so bring water and proper footwear. Snorkeling at Pirate’s Cove is rare but excellent on calm days. Stay on marked trails and watch for a tricky turn on the way back; the trail continues straight, and it’s easy to miss the right turn if you’re not watching the trail markers closely.
Puerto Mosquito NNL Trail - Starting about 1.4 miles from the main gate of the Fish and Wildlife Refuge, this trail climbs roughly 1.3 miles to an observation platform with sweeping views of the Caribbean. From the top, you can see all three of Vieques’ bioluminescent bays. While a rocky road forms a triangular loop, it’s best to descend via the forest trail for a more pleasant and shaded return rather than following the rocky and paved roads back down.
Tapón Loop Trail - This moderate 0.9-mile loop winds through mangrove forest and coastal scrub, offering glimpses of the third-largest bioluminescent bay on Vieques. The trail begins 1.8 miles inside the eastern gate of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Turn right at the Caracas sign; the trailhead and parking area are about 300 yards before the beach. For a shorter option, a 0.5-mile trail starts at the east end of Caracas. The path provides a peaceful mix of shaded and open terrain with rewarding views along the way. Composting toilets and gazebos are available at Caracas, but be sure to bring your own drinking water, as none is available within the refuge.
Cayo de Tierra Trail- This is a short and sweet 0.4-mile loop (or about 0.6 miles if you walk in from Sun Bay or Esperanza) that takes you over to a cliff-top vantage point on a coral and rock trail. Follow the beach and then the land bridge to the Cayo de Tierra east of Esperanza to a 90 ft elevation and great views of Sunbay and the Caribbean Sea. This is a great place to spot many varieties of birds.
Monte Pirata Vieques’ highest peak
Monte Pirata, the highest point in Vieques, stands within the western track of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Towering at 987 feet high, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
Monte Pirata is home to the only subtropical moist forest of its kind among the 568 National Wildlife Refuges that make up the world’s largest conservation system. Along the trail, hikers may encounter indigenous plants, birds, and other wildlife, highlighting the area’s ecological importance.
A 1.2-mile paved road leads to the summit of Mount Pirata, offering a steep but manageable hike that takes about 30 to 60 minutes. For those who prefer a lighter climb, it’s now possible to drive halfway up the mountain, skipping the steepest section. Adventurous hikers looking for a more challenging route can take an off-road trail located about a few miles from the start. This path climbs through dense forest, transitioning from a subtropical dry zone to a moist zone. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the quiet of the mountainside and observe the abundance of birds and insects that thrive in this unique habitat.
For those choosing to hike Monte Pirata, be prepared fora challenging 1.2-mile ascent with a steep 987 ft. elevation gain, suitable for those in good physical shape. Stay hydrated by carrying ample water during this demanding trek