Many people know the famous Guajataca Tunnel, located in the town of Isabela. But, did you know that there is another, and longer, tunnel that used to connect with the Guajataca Tunnel? Located near the highway #2 heading west, you can discover the Black Tunnel: a tunnel that was used for the passage of railways to transport people and cargo. Because of its length and geometry, you can’t see either end of the tunnel as it goes pitch black halfway through the tunnel, hence its name: The Black Tunnel.
Just like the Guajataca Tunnel, the Black Tunnel was built in the early twentieth century, approximately around 1904, by the American Railroad Company of Puerto Rico, who began to build the stretch of road that would travel from Camuy up to Aguadilla. In 1906, the construction of this tunnel, that connected with the Guajataca Tunnel through a steel viaduct and built over the river, was completed. The route of this railway was not a simple one: this track was designed like a horseshoe to which the only way out was through the Black Tunnel and then up along the coast of Quebradillas until you reached the flat area.
After many railways accidents, along with the passage of time, high costs, wages, number of workers and many other factors, it was then decided to cease train operations and abandon the tunnels. The biggest accident, caused by the railways, occurred in the year 1910 at the end of the Black Tunnel where dozens of people died. The cause of the accident was due to the high speed, in order for a railway to successfully make it through the tight corner it would have to go on a very slow pace. It is said that the conductor of the train died in the accident. History dispute of this event, as many say that the accident took place at the Guajataca Tunnel however, relatives of those who survive the accident say that the incident took place in the Black Tunnel. And if you look closely at the pictures, the scene has many similarities to one the entrances of the Black Tunnel.
- Accident at the end of the tunnel in 1910. – Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawings Society
Should you reach the place where you can find the pathway to the tunnel, you will see vegetation through the hotel. Kindly be advised, pay close attention to the path as in some point you will feel the terrain extremely dry in one point and then you will feel it moist as you get near. The journey from the beginning to the entrance of the tunnel lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Once you arrive to the Black Tunnel and you look closely at the center of the ar
c, you will that the tunnel has written the year the construction was completed (1906). It is the only part of the tunnel that has it, since it is not written on the other side of the tunnel, and not even at the Guajataca Tunnel. To walk the whole tunnel would take approximately 5 to 10 minutes and inside you can see bats, different textures of the tunnels and a hole in one of the walls, which served as a refuge for one or two people for when the train would appeared.
Near the tunnel, after walking a few miles after you exit to the other side, you will find the Guajataca River: a beautiful river with clear water near the farm crops. However, it is necessary to request a permission from the owners of the land or from the guards patrolling the area to enjoy the river and its natural beauty.
To this day, the Guajataca Tunnel is a historical monument receiving thousands of tourists annually. However, the Black Tunnel has been the exact opposite: this structure has been hidden by nature, who has been in charge of hiding the old tracks and expose only a part of what was the structure, and the path of the railroad. Over the years, the land was purchased and, in some parts of the land, you can find the routes of the tunnel with its structure. In the other parts of the land you can find several acres of land where they cultivate fruits and plant trees; which is all protected by the Department of Natural Resources.
The path that leads to the Black Tunnel is located on Route #2, on the way to Isabela. Once you pass the Lookout of Guajataca, you will see a small space where there are small food cars. Through that road is the way to get to the tunnel, but, once again, it is a private properly and it will be necessary to ask for permission. And more importantly, there are restricted areas where it is prohibited to walk around, like for example the crop area.
You can look at more pictures in our gallery in Pinterest “Tunnels in Puerto Rico“. You can also read the article about the Guajataca River and find out how you can take advantage of the place. You can see the video of the Black Tunnel HERE:
Reference:
Accident at the end of the tunnel in 1910 [photo]. Retrive of Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawings Society.
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