Playa de Jobos, Isabela /Dean
Isabela June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Isabela
Jardín del Noroeste
Isabela is called the Jardín del Noroeste (the Northwest Garden) and is known for the delicious local cheese (quesito de hoja), the breeding of cockfighting birds and paso fino horses. You may also find artisans, santeros, demonstrating how the hand-carved wood statues of saints (santos) are created, and annual events such as the Festival del Tejido. Nature lovers will find rivers, lakes and caves to explore.
Isabela offers a trolley/bus services that takes you to points of interest throughout the area such as Guajataca Tunnel, Playa El Pastillo and El Pozo de Jacinto. You have to call for reservations.
The beach around Isabela is spectacular, with a number of places along the coastline where you can stay right on the water. In addition, there are seaside restaurants scattered throughout this area. The best-known beach is probably Playa de Jobos.
The Guajataca Forest, just outside of Isabela, has a new trail system that is well worth a stop. At the small ranger station you can pick up a trail map for an excellent self-guided tour. In addition to the lookout tower, follow the map on the well-marked trail for clear explanations of a number of both unique and typical features in the forest including 156 types of trees and 45 bird species.
>How to go to the beach: From Isabela you can take Rt 466 down to the beach and west toward Aguadilla. To stay with the beach, continue on Rt 4466 when Rt 466 turns south. Rt 4466 ends at Rt 110. If you turn right at Rt 110, you go through the old Ramey Air Force Base and into Aguadilla via the shoreline.
>How to go to the forest: From Rt 2, take Rt 446 south.
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