Cerro de Punta or Cerro Punta (Spanish for 'point hill' or 'hill point', respectively) is the highest peak in Puerto Rico, rising to above sea level. The mountain is part of the Cordillera Central and is located on the municipal boundary between Ponce and Jayuya in the central region of the main island of Puerto Rico.

Location

The mountain is part of the Cordillera Central and is located on the border between the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya. It is located within the boundaries of the Toro Negro State Forest and Nature Reserve, and it has been described as "an alpine runt." There is an observation platform at the top of the mountain.

Wildlife and flora

The mountain is home to an abundant amount of wildlife, lush vegetation, flowering shrubs and trees, and numerous waterfalls. The mountain is covered by Sierra palm trees. such as the endangered fern Elaphoglossum serpens which is found only on this mountain and nowhere else in the world, and Cook's holly (Ilex cookii) or planta de te, which is only found here and in neighboring Mount Jayuya.

Nearby roads

The area consists of many steep mountains. The nearest road is PR-143, which is a winding two-lane mountain road that must be travelled very slowly as it is not possible to see traffic coming from the opposite direction for any significant length. Off Route 143 is the road that actually leads to the mountain's top. Route 143 can be accessed via the better-traveled Route 10.

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For your safety, driving in Puerto Rico sign.jpg|Driving in mountain roads tips

View of roadway that leads up to Cerro de Punta.jpg|View of roadway from Cerro de Punta

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Hiking and access trail

A nearby inn called Hacienda Gripiñas, has a trail that leads to the top of the mountain. Hacienda Gripiñas was a coffee plantation, but has been turned into a country inn. In 2010 it still grew some coffee. The inn operates under a contract with the Government of Puerto Rico.

  • Cerro de punta photos from Panoramio
  • Official website from the municipality of Jayuya
  • Cerro de Punta Climb, Puerto Rico. (A climber's Dairy)