El yunque rainforest activities: THE 15 BEST Things to Do in El Yunque National Forest – 2022 (with Photos)

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Things to do in El Yunque National Forest

Forest

El Yunque National Forest
, El Yunque National Forest

Discover a lush tropical escape by hiking El Yunque National Forest, noted for its remarkable biological diversity. The only tropical rainfor

Tours from 46 €

Waterfall

Cascada La Mina (La Mina Falls)
, El Yunque National Forest

Trek to Cascada La Mina (La Mina Falls), a waterfall that represents the focal point of one of the park’s most popular trails. The waterfall

Tours from 142 €

Water Body

Laguna Grande
, Fajardo

Marvel at an unusual natural phenomenon at Laguna Grande, one of the only locations in the world home to the glowing organisms. The creatures

Tours from 47 €

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Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest

Duration: 4 hours

Explore the rainforest on a journey full of history & different natural gems. We visit the East side of El Yunque Rainforest to enjoy a 25 minute hike to the first waterfall. There you can enjoy the landscape, swim in the water, rope swing or free dive from multiple heights. Further up after a 15 minute hike, there is another watering hole with a natural rock slide and cliff jump into the river. Learn of the history of the rainforest, iguanas, guava trees, bamboos and 100 year old trees. This is an adventure good for those looking to enjoy nature and an a very authentic puertorrican rainforest experience. Good physical condition required as hike is in pure nature, muddy & fun. We meet in Fajardo, here you will follow the guide driving your own vehicle from the meeting point until we reach the rain-forest. TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED. Uber and taxi NOT allowed. GOOD PHYSICAL condition required. Be ready to enjoy a real adventure full of nature and water-slides in the rain-forest.

Book on Viator from 46 €

Observation Deck

Yokahu Observation Tower
, El Yunque National Forest

Gain a new perspective of the forest on top of Yokahu Observation Tower, a cylindrical viewing tower located in El Yunque National Forest. Cl

Tours from 71 €

Nature / Park

Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan
, Fajardo

Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan showcases seven different ecosystems–a bay, a rainforest, a dry forest, beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, a

Tours from 201 €

Kayaking / Canoeing

Kayaking & Canoeing
, Fajardo

Paddle the Caribbean Sea off Fajardo on a guided kayaking and canoeing tour. This is a great way to explore and learn with a professional mar

Tours from 47 €

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El Yunque Natural Waterslide & Rainforest Hiking with Transportation

Duration: 7 hours

Adventure to the rainforest on a journey full of history where you will learn about different natural gems. Courtesy transportation from San Juan is included.

Book on Viator from 65 €

Scuba / Snorkeling

Scuba & Snorkeling
, Fajardo

Explore isolated and uninhabited islands off Puerto Rico’s coast on a snorkeling or diving tour from Fajardo. Your experienced captain will t

Tours from 95 €

Island

Isla Palominos
, Las Croabas

Take a ferry out to the tropical paradise of Isla Palominos, the largest of three private islands close to Puerto Rico. Try different water r

Tours from 206 €

Waterfall

Catarata La Coca
, El Yunque National Forest

Observe a 26 m (85 ft) falls flanked by rainforest on both sides when you visit Catarata La Coca. Easily accessible once you enter the El Yun

Tours from 71 €

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Casual One Puerto Rico: El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslide, Beach, Dine, and Shop

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Explore El Yunque and Luquillo like a local! Rather than watching through the window of a tour bus, see, smell, hear, touch, and taste what makes Puerto Rico the enchanted island!When entering El Yunque we will venture on a moderate walk through the lush canopy and natural landscape! Making our way to the calm waters of La Barrigona you will be able to jump in for a swim or relax and take in the unprecedented scenery that makes El Yunque a natural treasure. Experience a beautiful waterfall and natural waterslide that is coveted as a hidden gem by those that call the island home. Enjoy a refreshing slide or the show from afar, this is suitable for all comfort levels!We will wrap up our day at the famous Luquillo Beach and Los Kioskos. Experience local culture and the essence of Puerto Rico with amazing food, drinks, music, and the sun coming down over the Atlantic Ocean. You will head home full of memories and pictures to last a lifetime!

Book on Viator from 76 €

Hiking Trail

The Mine Trail (La Mina)
, El Yunque National Forest

One of the most popular walks in El Yunque, The Mine Trail (La Mina) leads through lush rainforest to an impressive 10 m (35 ft) waterfall. T

Hiking Trail

Big Tree Trail
, El Yunque National Forest

Bring your hiking boots and trek across the 1. 4 km (0.8 mi) Big Tree Trail as you enjoy the sites and sounds of nature. Enjoy the 200-to 300-

Hiking Trail

Mount Britton Trail
, El Yunque National Forest

Recommended El Yunque National Forest tours

FROM
46 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest
Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from 46 € ›

FROM
65 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
El Yunque Natural Waterslide & Rainforest Hiking with Transportation
El Yunque Natural Waterslide & Rainforest Hiking with Transportation

Duration: 7 hours

Tours from 65 € ›

FROM
76 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
Casual One Puerto Rico: El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslide, Beach, Dine, and Shop
Casual One Puerto Rico: El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslide, Beach, Dine, and Shop

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Tours from 76 € ›

FROM
90 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
Let a Local Show You Puerto Rico with Visit to El Yunque
Let a Local Show You Puerto Rico with Visit to El Yunque

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Tours from 90 € ›

FROM
87 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
El Yunque Rainforest Guided Hiking with Waterfall Tour
El Yunque Rainforest Guided Hiking with Waterfall Tour

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from 87 € ›

FROM
95 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip from San Juan
El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip from San Juan

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from 95 € ›

FROM
161 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour
El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour

Duration: 12 hours

Tours from 161 € ›

FROM
82 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
El Yunque Off the Beaten Path Hiking Tour
El Yunque Off the Beaten Path Hiking Tour

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from 82 € ›

FROM
108 €
BOOK WITH VIATOR
Snorkel Icacos Island aboard El Innovation
Snorkel Icacos Island aboard El Innovation

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from 108 € ›

Side trips from El Yunque National Forest

Scuba / Snorkeling

Scuba & Snorkeling

Fajardo

4. 4

Duration: 5 hours

Kayaking / Canoeing

Kayaking & Canoeing

Fajardo

4.5

Duration: 2 hours

©

Island

Isla Palominos

Las Croabas

4.5

Duration: 2h 30 min

©

Water Body

Laguna Grande

Fajardo

3.4

Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in El Yunque National Forest

Hiking Trail

The Mine Trail (La Mina)

4.4

Duration: 2h 30 min

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Specialty Museum

El Yunque National Forest

4.2

Duration: 1 hour

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Hiking Trail

Big Tree Trail

4.5

Duration: 2h 30 min

Hiking Trail

Mount Britton Trail

5. 0

Duration: 2h 30 min

Nature in El Yunque National Forest

Mountain

Luquillo Mountain Range

5.0

Duration: 2h 30 min

©

Waterfall

Cataratas Juan Diego

4.8

Duration: 2h 30 min

Mountain

El Toro

4.0

Duration: 2h 30 min

Parks in El Yunque National Forest

Nature / Park

Angelito Trail

4.3

Duration: 1h 30 min

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Things To Do in El Yunque National Forest

Image Source: Adam at La Coca Falls, El Yunque Rainforest by BluEyedA73, on Flickr

El Yunque rain forest is the only and the most spectacular rainforest in Puerto Rico. Many people from all around the world come to visit it each year for its unique, rare birds and trees and its very picturesque landscapes also, it is a great place for adventures lovers where you can try many activities like hiking, camping and ziplining!

How To Get To El Yunque National Forest

The best way to get there from San Juan is by simply driving, you can take route 3 and travel for about an hour to route 191, then you will be there! The forest usually opens from 7:30 am until 6 pm and you can go anytime through the year as the weather hardly changes. So, if you are a nature lover and you love taking pictures, trying new things and adventures, this is definitely for you!

What Is There To Do in El Yunque National Forest

Many people visit this forest to go hiking in its beautiful hiking trails, the forest includes about 16 different hiking trails. The best-known one is La Mina Trail which you can reach by taking the Big Tree Trail. This trail is special as it leads to La Mina falls where you can enjoy swimming as it is the only waterfall that is open for swimming.

The El Portal Visitor Center for El Yunque provides informative exhibits, rainforest education, and a gift shop.

Another trail is Mt Britton trail that will take you to the stone tower that was built in the 1930s by the civilian conservation corps or the CCC.

If you are a serious hiker, you can take on the ridge of the Luquillo Mountains (Sierra de Luquillo). It takes a full day and is only for serious hikers. There is a threat of flash floods and hiking boots are required to navigate the potentially deep mud.

Right off the widing road, you can find La Coca Falls.

El Yunque Rainforest La Coca Falls by BluEyedA73, on Flickr

It makes for a quick stop as you are driving through the forest.

Adam at La Coca Falls, El Yunque Rainforest by BluEyedA73, on Flickr

Not too far from the Coco falls is the Yokahu Observation Tower. Its hard to miss with an easy to spot sign.

Yokahu Observation Tower, El Yunque Rainforest by BluEyedA73, on Flickr

A true highlight is an old tower which you will find after a hike up a paved trail.   From here you can enjoy views of the rainforest and other parts of the Island.

From Inside Yokahu Observation Tower by urbanshoregirl, on Flickr

There are also activities that are more daring like taking a canyoning tour where you can do many- adrenaline rush – activities like zip-lining, leaping, rock climbing, and rappelling! You can stay the night are can go camping there, just don’t forget to bring all your stuff and supplies you are going to need and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

The weather in El Yunque National Forest is fair with temperatures around 73°F (23°C) year round. Since it is a forest, you will likely be in the shade most of the time so you may want to bring a jacket.  Long pants make it less likely you will be dealing with mosquito bites.

You can also get with you an insect repellent, as there may be insects in the forest, just make sure that you don’t go into the waterfalls after applying it. Also, don’t forget to bring an umbrella and a waterproof bag because it rains usually four times a day there! Thanks to the rain, there are no mosquitos at all in the forest.

Rare species in El Yunque

The waterfalls and the nature of the forest made it home for more than 240 species of plants and birds. Little toddy or San Pedrito for example, can be found there and is considered one of the most beautiful and colorful birds. You will also be able to spot the screech owl and the Puerto Rican parrot.

There are few mammals inhabiting the forest, this goes back to the nature of the creation of the forest, it was created as a result of volcanic activity and thus, any creature has to fly or swim to get there. You may also see bats, rats, skunks, gall wasps, raining frogs, and mongoose. So what are you waiting for, grab your backpack and get ready for the best experience ever!

moderate temperatures of 73°F (23°C) year round and is usually covered in mist or it’s raining. So after visiting Fort San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, grab your bathing suit and a rain jacket because we can go swimming in this rainforest!

Puerto Rico—The Treasure of the Atlantic—Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Puerto Rico—The Treasure of the Atlantic

ON November 19, 1493, a Spanish flotilla led by Christopher Columbus entered a bay in the Caribbean Sea. Columbus named it San Juan Bautista, after John the Baptist. Hastily replenishing provisions, he ordered to raise the sails and continued his 2nd expedition.

Palm-lined golden beaches and lush vegetation of the island were not what the discoverer was looking for. He was attracted by the larger islands, which promised untold riches.

The Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon, who supposedly accompanied Columbus on that voyage, planned to return to this island, known to the natives as Boriken. Hearing that the locals had gold jewelry, Ponce de Leon decided that a lot of precious metal was hidden in the bowels of the island, so after 15 years he returned to colonize it. In 1521, the Spaniards founded a settlement on the north coast. Hoping for a rich profit, Ponce de Leon named the new city Puerto Rico, which means “rich harbor”a.

But Ponce de Leon’s expectations were not met. The small amount of gold found on the island soon dried up. One after another, riots broke out. Ponce de Leon left the island and settled on the territory of modern Florida (USA).

There were few minerals on the island, but the Spaniards soon realized that the island bay was of considerable value. In the 16th century, the capital city was turned into a port, protecting the galleons that transported gold from the American colonies to Spain. And soon San Juan became known as “the main stronghold of Spain in America.”

The mighty city walls, six meters thick and thirteen meters high, and two massive fortresses are witnesses of the enormous effort put into the defense of this city. Today, San Juan is still one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. Tourists love to walk along the city walls, admire the ancient architecture, imagining what life was like in colonial times.

A walk through the Old Town

The Old Town — the historical part of the capital — is not at all like the noisy new districts outside its walls. It resembles a ship cutting through the ocean waves. The cape, surrounded on all sides by the sea, proudly protrudes into the Atlantic like a ship’s bowsprit. This strategic location houses the fortress of El Morro, which protected the entrance to the harbor. Its walls stretch along both coastlines of a cape that resembles the prow of a ship. To the east, at a distance of a mile, is another fortress – San Cristobal. She defended the “stern” from possible attacks from land. Between these fortresses is Old San Juan. At 19In 83, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Old quarters are constantly being restored. Local residents paint the facades of houses in iridescent colors, plant courtyards with tropical plants and decorate balconies with wrought iron bars with fresh flowers. The narrow streets of San Juan are paved with bluish paving stones made from iron ore waste mined in Spain. These ore slags were used as ballast on Spanish ships bound for Puerto Rico.

Cannons preserved on the walls of the fortress of San Cristobal give it the appearance of a stern guard. However, today the harbor no longer receives Spanish galleons loaded with gold, but giant liners with tourists on board. The relaxed atmosphere of the city and the friendliness of its inhabitants attract visitors from all over the world. In the Old Town, pedestrians will always give way – good-natured drivers often patiently wait for tourists, standing on the roadway, to take pictures against the backdrop of local attractions.

Four valuable ecosystems

In addition to San Juan, where a third of the island’s population lives, Puerto Rico has a lot more to offer. The island itself is relatively small, but its geographical features and climate are extremely diverse, which explains the richness of its flora and fauna. Let’s get acquainted with at least four unique ecosystems that the authorities of Puerto Rico have taken under their protection.

El Yunque National Park. This is one of the few tropical rain forests preserved in the Caribbean. The forest landscapes of this reserve are decorated with picturesque waterfalls. In foggy forests, orange bromeliads burn with bright lights against the background of lush greenery. Giant ferns compete in a rampage with vines and palms. It is home to endangered species such as the Puerto Rican Amazon parrot and the iconic leaf frog coca . This tiny creature breaks the silence of the forest with its endless croaking.

From a distance it seems that the slopes of El Yunque are covered with a silvery veil. This illusion is created thanks to the leaves of cecropia. This tree has grown rapidly on the island since the devastating Hurricane Hugo swept through here. Pointing to young trees, one of the park keepers explained: “After natural disasters, the forest heals itself. However, the real danger comes from the person. ” About 225 species of trees, 100 species of ferns and 50 species of orchids grow in the forest. Thanks to the huge variety of flora, El Yunque has received the status of a Biosphere Reserve under the auspices of the UN.

Guanica Biosphere Reserve. Only one percent of tropical dry forests may remain in the entire world . Such a forest is located just a few hours drive from El Yunque. According to some botanists, Guanica is “the brightest example of a dry subtropical forest.” Most of the exclusive Puerto Rican bird species and 750 plant species, seven of which are critically endangered, are found in this reserve. Hummingbirds and flocks of butterflies flock to outlandish flowers. A pristine stretch of sandy beach stretches along the forest, where leatherback and green sea turtles lay their eggs.

Mangroves and coral reefs. Along the coast of Guanica there are mangroves . One forest ranger said: “We keep the mangroves clean. There is no industrial or agricultural runoff here, and the mangrove swamps are an ideal breeding ground for many of the fish found among the coral reefs.” Another unique feature that attracts tourists is the luminous bays, which have been preserved only thanks to the pristine mangroves. There are several such wonderful bays in Puerto Rico. (See box below.)

Coastal coral reefs fortunately not affected by poaching. Several sandbanks and coral reefs have been taken under protection. These underwater gardens are a haven for scuba divers to get up close and personal with sea turtles, manatees and a variety of colorful fish.

Although Puerto Rico did not impress Columbus and disappointed the conquistador gold diggers, today its many natural treasures cannot but delight those who come to admire this treasure of the Atlantic.

[Footnote]

a A geographical curiosity is connected with the name of the island and its capital: due to an oversight of cartographers, the capital city began to be called San Juan, and the name Puerto Rico was assigned to the entire island.

[Box/Picture on page 16]

A UNIQUE OBSERVATORY

Be sure to visit the Arecibo Observatory, located 80 kilometers west of San Juan. The pride of this observatory is the world’s largest radio telescope with a dish with a diameter of 305 meters. The size of this telescope allows astronomers to explore the horizons of the universe that other telescopes can’t reach.

[Credit]

Courtesy Arecibo Observatory/David Parker/Science Photo Library

[Box/Picture on page 17]

Off the coast of Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques, which has a unique bay known as Phosphorescent Bay. This name arose because the waters of this bay are believed to have the highest concentration of phosphorescent microorganisms in the world, called beetles. When disturbed, they emit a greenish-blue glow. This is one of the most stunning natural spectacles.

The first thing that visitors of the lagoon notice at night is the fireworks of myriad tiny living lights. Such a miracle occurs due to the fact that the fish, in fright, rush in all directions from the boat and traces remain in the water, similar to green shooting stars. In the darkness, you can see every movement of a floating person, and when he raises his hands above the water, a whole waterfall of shimmering spray is formed. One of the tourists exclaimed: “It feels like bathing in the stars!”

[Picture on page 15]

El Morro

[Illustration, page 15]

View of the Old City from the San Cristobal fortress

[Illustration, page 15]

Historical part of San Juan

[illustration, page 16]

Giant Fern in the El Yunque Rainforest

[Picture on pages 16, 17]

Guanica Coast

[Identification of source] 0130 © HeEB Christian/Age Fotostock

[Illustration, page 17]

Puerto Rican parrots

[Illustration, page 17]

Coral rif

[information on illustration.

Passport Stock/age fotostock

[Illustration details page 15]

All photos: Passport Stock/age fotostock

[Illustration details page 17]

Parrots: U.S. Geological Survey/Photo by James W. Wiley; reef: © Stuart Westmorland 2005; swimmer: Steve Simonsen

Scientists have named a new danger of tropical hurricanes in the Atlantic

Baku, March 26, AZERTAC

The most powerful hurricanes in the tropical latitudes of the Atlantic not only cause huge economic damage, but also extremely negatively affect the condition of forests on the islands of the Caribbean Sea and on the coast of America. In the future, natural disasters will become the main threat to their existence, reports AZERTAC with reference to the journal Nature Communications.

“What happened in Puerto Rico is a forecast for the future. Hurricanes will destroy more and more trees – everything that protected them in the past from the destructive force of the elements is no longer effective. The area of ​​\u200b\u200bforests will shrink, they will become smaller and smaller diverse, as they will not have time to recover,” said Maria Uriarte from Columbia University in New York (USA).

In the past three years, the most powerful hurricanes regularly hit the coast of North America, causing enormous economic damage to coastal cities and towns in America and causing great problems for the populations of some rare animals, such as monarch butterflies.

In August and September 2017 alone, four of the most powerful hurricanes of the fourth and fifth categories of danger arose in the Atlantic at once: Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria, which left Puerto Rico without electricity and created a potentially catastrophic situation on Atlantic coast of the USA and Mexico.

In addition to the destruction, which takes tens of billions of dollars to eliminate every year, such eddies have an extremely negative impact on the ecosystems of the Caribbean and Central America, destroying colonies of rare species of animals and plants. For example, the 2016 hurricanes killed about half of the monarch butterflies that wintered in Mexico.

Assessing the state of the island after the passing “Maria” and past, less powerful storms, Uriarte and her colleagues found that the destructive effect of hurricanes will affect not only rare species of plants and animals, but also all forest ecosystems in general.

To do this, the scientists went to the El Yunque nature reserve, located near San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Ecologists have been observing its flora and fauna for more than three decades, which allowed the Uriarte team to compare its current state with what the island’s forests looked like after hurricanes Hugo and George in 1989 and 1998.

As it turned out, “Maria” was much more destructive than her two predecessors: she destroyed and seriously damaged two and three times more trees than hurricanes of the third category of danger. At the same time, the element affected the forests in an extremely uneven way – some tree species were not actually affected, while others were almost completely destroyed.