To hear the name of Guanica is to think of Gilligan’s Island, to think about their beautiful hostelries, to think about more than 10 breathtaking beaches that the town has to offer, to think about its unparalleled and unique Dry Forest, but above all else the small Sunflower Farm that it is hidden there.
This farm of sunflowers, located on State Road #116, km 26.2 in Guanica, is highly special because it is the first farm with flowers and sunflowers open to the public, and allowing the visitors to have direct interaction with nature and the community. The customers who visit this site have the opportunity to walk through the grounds where the sunflowers are located so that they may admire them, take photographs and even purchase the most beautiful sunflowers that they can find.
This gorgeous initiative was made possible thanks to Froilan Avila Arbelo, who is an agronomist and offers orientations to universities in regards of the cultivation on the island. One of his visions was to provide students the experience of visiting a farm where they can have a direct interaction with cultivation. Therefore, one of his first steps was renting a small piece of land and plant sunflowers. As time went by, the sunflowers started growing and so did the curiosity of the community, which led them to visit the area and purchase them. Between him and his son, Froilan Avila Perez, it was decided to expand their planting site and turn the place into a beautiful farm of 10 acres of land, as well it was a big help to pay for his son’s college tuition. Currently on the farm, within now 25 acres, vegetables and fruits are also being planted.
The farm has gotten such popularity that it receives approximately thousands of visitors a year, from people in the community and citizens from all parts of the islands to tourists from other countries and celebrities. Amongst them we can mention Puerto Rican singer Sie7e, Puerto Rican basketball player Christian Dalmau and actress / singer Daniel Droz, among many others. This farm has welcomed all these people and has been a part of photography sessions and marriage proposals. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, a beautiful place to visit.
But, what makes this location so peculiar that has gain such popularity? The main reason are the Helianthus annuus, scientific name originated from the Greek and it is formed by the words helios (sun) and Anthos (flower), meaning ‘sun flower’. Commonly known as sunflower because when the plant is young it rotates according to the position of the sun. Once the plant has matured it does no longer rotates and remains in a fixed position. This beautiful flower, that takes approximately 60 to 70 days to germinate, grow and acquire a good height, is very fond of dry soils. There are many varieties of sunflowers, all in different colors and type of leaves however, the sunflowers you will see the most will be traditional one; blond, white and red sunflowers.
Do not miss the opportunity and visit this beautiful farm that lies in the town of Guanica! For more picture of the farm, you can visit our gallery in Pinterest HERE.
INFORMATION:
- Kindly be advised, even though it is a farm dedicated to the cultivation of sunflowers, please take into consideration that there won’t always be an abundance of sunflowers. Although sunflowers are born every day, it also takes approximately two months to reach a considerable height. Everything depends on the climate.
- Once you arrive to the farm, remember that not always there are going to be people to offer you a guided tour of the farm. There is a possibility that you would have to do a tour individually.
- The flowers are pollinated by bees therefore, be cautious when approaching closely to a sunflower.
- There is an entrance fee of $2.00 USD per vehicle.
- The cost for one sunflower is $3.00 USD, for 2 sunflowers is $5.00 USD and $25.00 USD for 12 sunflowers.
- The area is hot, as it is located in one of the driest towns in Puerto Rico. So it is strongly recommended to bring water and sunscreen.
- Visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, we highly recommend calling to ensure that the farm is open at 939-402-7967 or 787-233-6399. As well, you can also write to info@fincaelgirasol.com.
Adictos a Descubrir PR is not liable for any damages caused by performing the activities mentioned here; changes of date, time and / or place of the events; or changes in prices. Should you have any questions, you may contact us through our social media or contact the place of interest.
Addicted to Discover 