Perfect for families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to explore Puerto Rico’s nature!
📍 Location: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
⏱ Time needed: ~2.5 hours
🚗 Distance from San Juan: 20–30 minutes (depends on traffic)
Why You Should Visit Parque Forestal La Marquesa
Hey hey Mi Gente – If you’re looking for an outdoor activity near San Juan that combines beautiful views, wildlife, and easy walking trails, Parque Forestal La Marquesa in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico is 100% worth the visit. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or planning a fun girls’ day, this park delivers a peaceful escape into nature without having to drive far.
La Marquesa just reopened in February 2025, and now that the initial hype has calmed down, visiting is a breeze — no more waiting in long lines!
🎟 How to Visit: Hours, Tickets & Parking
We visited on a Thursday and booked the 1:00 PM time slot, which was perfect.
Make sure to purchase beforehand, the online portal is REALLY easy to navigate. You can purchase your tickets online here, and prices are below from our visit Nov 2025:
- $13 per adult
- $8 per child (age 2-12)
- Parking is included, and getting there is super easy — just follow Google Maps straight into the park entrance.
👟 What to Wear
Definitely wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and prepare to walk uphill for a few minutes if you plan on visiting the observation tower.
My Top 3 Favorite Moments at Parque Forestal La Marquesa
1️⃣ The Teleférico (Cable Cars)
Listen… I was so impressed. Floating over Guaynabo and seeing all that lush greenery felt like entering a Puerto Rican rainforest. The cable car ride is short (about 5 minutes), but it’s peaceful, clean, and surprisingly fresh thanks to the natural breeze — no AC needed.
2️⃣ The Birds — A Total Unexpected Surprise
I expected to see a few birds… but wow, they were OUT OUT. 😂
There are so many species to see up close, from colorful Parrots, African Grays, Cockatoos – most of them rescued birds with incredible stories. The guides share their backgrounds, how they care for them, and the conservation efforts happening in the park. Standing there surrounded by birds was honestly magical and way more special than I anticipated. Check out my REEL here!!!
3️⃣ Walking to the Torre de Observación (Observation Tower)
Yes, the hill looks intimidating, but girl — it’s less than a 5-minute walk and so worth it. When we reached the top, we had the entire tower to ourselves. The view of Guaynabo’s mountains and greenery was stunning. It’s one of those “wow, Puerto Rico is BEAUTIFUL” moments.
Final Thoughts: Add This to Your Puerto Rico Itinerary
If you want to explore a new park in Puerto Rico that’s clean, well-organized, family-friendly, and full of nature, Parque Forestal La Marquesa needs to be on your list. Everything — from the sidewalks to the bathrooms to the welcoming staff — was thoughtfully designed.
I left feeling refreshed, grateful, and excited to come back.
✨ Add this stop to your Puerto Rico itinerary — it’s one of the easiest and most beautiful nature escapes near San Juan.
For more insider tips, local favorites, and curated recommendations, check out my TLT Puerto Rico Guide. It’s the exact resource I created to help you plan an authentic, meaningful trip to the island.
👉 Click here to get the guide and explore Puerto Rico like a pro.
