Toro Negro Mountain House

 The most incredible views

The most amazing time of you lives here , it’s located just close enough to go anywhere on the island and be back in time for a beautiful jungle sunset , Best sleep I’ve ever had in my life as well , the breeze and sounds are wonderful. So grateful we found this place!

The quaint ,little cabin on top of the mountain came equipped with everything we needed. Very airy and clean , I loved waking up to the cool breeze. So if you are active and like the outdoors this is the perfect place. Lastly ,our host was exceptional. Just a call away if we needed anything

The most incredible views! We loved hiking down the steep (a bit treacherous) trail to the gorgeous private river and swimming hole. I would not recommend the hike if you are scared of falling and hurting yourself. We also loved the local art.

The view is great! The hike down to the swimming hole is a must. 

awakened and serenaded by birds and insects chirping. Sunrise was the best part of the day. Absolutely beautiful!! I must mention the breathtaking view of the peaks and valleys below . The cool mountain air was refreshing and invigorating. There were plenty of activities to do, such as , museums, sacred indigenous ceremonial grounds, waterfalls, rivers and site seeing in Poncè. Plenty of areas to eat local cuisine.

Natural Pools Hike

If you want an escape from the city with some off road/ river adventure this is it, the place is so clean and sealed ( so no bugs or spiders inside the house).

Top of the Mountain Hike

The most expectacular views of Ponce, Jayuya, Adjuntas, Santa Isabel, Salinas, Juana Dias and more.

Guanica Bay and Ponce

Caja de muerto island Ponce

Dream like avatar movie

Cucubano Puerto Rican

The Cucubano Puertorriqueño, scientifically known as Pyrophorus luminosus or Ignelater luminosus, is a bioluminescent species of click beetle native to Puerto Rico. It is a slow-growing species, taking several years to mature, and typically measures around 3 centimeters in length. The beetle’s body is elongated, slender, and flat, with a general coloration of black or chestnut.

Characteristics

• Native to Puerto Rico
• Bioluminescent, emitting light from the thorax
• Slow-growing, taking several years to mature
• Elongated, slender, and flat body
• Typically 3 centimeters in length
• Coloration ranges from black to chestnut

• Conservation Status: Although there are no scientific studies confirming its endangered status, the cucubano puertorriqueño is considered vulnerable due to ongoing environmental pressures.

Interesting Facts:

• The cucubano puertorriqueño is a nocturnal insect, and its bioluminescence is used for communication and mating.
• Locals often refer to it as “cucubano” in Spanish, which translates to “glowing click beetle”.
• Some species of click beetles, including the cucubano, have destructive larvae that feed on crops and gardens, leading to conflicts with farmers and gardeners.

Bird watching 

Birdwatching on the Island promotes economically productive, environmentally friendly and socially responsible tourism. More than 300 species of birds on the Island can be seen on expeditions through our nature reserves. Furthermore, of that amount, at least 17 are endemic species. 

Some Examples:

Puerto Rican tody (Todus mexicanus)

The Mountain House  scenic views are spectacular. The location is unbeatable, private, out of the main road and you are within the cloud forest of Puerto Rico. From the covered porch and back patio, enjoy watching endemic birds like Puerto Rican Tody, PR Woodpecker, PR Tanager, PR Spindalis, PR Oriole, PR Bullfinch, and Green Mango. During the cool nights, we enjoyed Puerto Rican Owls duetting, coquis calling, and chirping insects.

Puerto Rican owl (Gymnasio nudipes)