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  • December 15, 2022
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El yunque rainforest: El Yunque National Forest – Home

Visiting El Yunque: Best Things To Do!

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Lush greenery, refreshing waterfalls and stunning views can all be found at El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. There’s a reason why visiting El Yunque is a must have on any Puerto Rico itinerary!

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One of the most popular ways to see El Yunque is on a guided tour, but if you’d prefer to explore on your own, keep reading to discover the best things to do in El Yunque – you won’t be disappointed! 

El Yunque: Things To Do for an Epic Day

Did you know that El Yunque rainforest  is only 29,000 acres in size? That’s small for a national forest, but this rainforest is mighty. There’s gorgeous waterfalls in El Yunque, as well as miles of hiking trails for anyone to enjoy. Below I’ve compiled a list of El Yunque things to do if it’s your first time visiting. 

NOTE: El Yunque is one of the most popular attractions in Puerto Rico, so I strongly recommend you plan to start your day early to avoid the crowds!

Juan Diego Falls 

Juan Diego Falls is one of those quintessential El Yunque waterfalls – super pretty, and super cool. Best of all, it’s super easy to access Juan Diego, there’s a sign right off the road that lets you know you’re in the right place. 

There’s a very small parking area around kilometer 9.6. Park around here and look for the short trail on the right that will take you to the waterfalls. 

As you start to walk along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by deep, lush green tropical foliage, and you’ll soon see rushing water. Keep going! You’re looking for the natural end of the trail – it opens up to a large, rocky clearing where the first waterfall is obvious. 

Dip your toes in the water, and feel free to go for a swim – the water is a little cold (but super refreshing!)

After you explore the first waterfall, look for a muddy path on the right, this is a slippery and kinda sketchy little trail that will take you up to another, even taller waterfall.  

It took us a few minutes to scramble up the path – watch out for tree roots and even logs along the way. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a large, stunning waterfall and pool. You’ll likely find less people in this second waterfall – the tricky climb up dissuades many! 

TIPS: I wore my hiking boots up the muddy path to the second waterfall and was so happy that I thought to bring them. The mud is super slippery, you need good traction. Also! Don’t forget to bring water shoes – the waterfall pools are super rocky, you’ll want to protect your feet. 

Mt. Britton Tower – Hiking in El Yunque

After you’ve cooled off in the El Yunque National Forest waterfalls, it’s time to hit the trails! Mt. Britton Tower is one of the most famous hikes in El Yunque, and with good reason. 

The tower is a beautiful orange color that stands in sharp contrast to the deep green colors of the jungle and the blue skies. Plus, there’s stairs inside the tower that take you all the way to the top where, on a clear day, you can see clear across the island of Puerto Rico, all the way to the water. 

There’s several different ways you can get to Mt. Britton Tower, but perhaps the most straightforward is to drive almost to the end of the main road in El Yunque, and take the 0.8-mile (one-way) trail through the forest. 

The hike takes about 40 minutes one-way, and you start by immediately gaining elevation. The trail is paved, and you’re surrounded by the smells, sights and sounds of the forest. Listen closely and you’ll likely hear the sounds of Puerto Rico’s frog, the coqui. 

As you continue along the trail, you’ll come across a couple of picnic-area-like covered benches where you can rest and take in the views. 

Continuing along, you’ll eventually reach the end of the forest and hit a paved road. Veer right and follow the signs, you’re almost there! 

Mt. Britton Tower will slowly come into view – you may notice the emerald plants perfectly framing the tower! 

Once you reach the tower, climb the stairs to the top and admire the view. Keep in mind, it can get windy, foggy, and cold up there! 

You’ll return to your car the same way you came, but this is where hiking El Yunque National Forest gets easy: it’s all downhill! 

Baño Grande

After you leave Mt. Britton Tower, head back down the road and stop at the Baño Grande, a historic, man-made pool fed by the waters of El Yunque’s rivers. 

Baño Grande is a product of the New Deal era, and was in use from its construction in 1936 up until 1968. Getting here is super easy, there’s a parking lot across the street and then a short walk will take you around the pool (around kilometer 11.9). 

It’s closed to swimming, but it sits as a reminder of the ways that humans have altered the natural landscape of the rainforest.  

Yokahu Tower

Yokahu Tower is another lookout point in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque, and unlike Mt. Britton does not require a long hike to get there. 

Rather, you can see the tower right from the road – there’s a parking lot right at the base of the tower. From here, you can walk to the entrance and climb to the top to take in the views. 

The 69 feet tall tower faces a different direction than Mt. Britton, so your views will be of the northeastern ends of the island, but they’ll still be beautiful. 

Due to its location, Yokahu Tower is super popular. When we visited, there was a line that just barely went out the door to get into the tower. 

La Coca Falls 

One of the tallest of El Yunque falls, La Coca Waterfall towers over the rainforest with an 85 feet drop. It’s seriously impressive. 

You can see this beautiful waterfall right from the road – in fact it’s likely to be one of the first attractions you notice as you drive into the park! 

Due to their location, photographing the waterfall is relatively easy – but it’ll be from a distance or behind a guardrail. There’s also no swimming in this waterfall area. 

La Mina Falls 

Perhaps the most famous of Puerto Rico Waterfalls at El Yunque, La Mina is a super popular area in the rainforest. The waterfall itself has a 35 feet drop into a natural pool where swimming is allowed. 

There’s two trails that will get you here: La Mina Trail and Big Trees Trail. Both trails are around 0.8-mile one way until you reach the waterfall, and they get congested really quickly. 

The trails were closed when we visited El Yunque – if they’re open again when you’re planning your trip, I’d recommend getting here early and doing this first to avoid the crowds (you can do everything else in the same order). 

If you’d like to see a cool waterfall but don’t want to bother with the hike, spend your time at Juan Diego Falls instead – it’s still stunning! 

NOTE: La Mina Falls and the Big Trees Trail are closed due to hurricane damage and aren’t projected to open until 2022.  

Tips for Visiting El Yunque / Know Before You Go 

Now that we’ve covered the fun part of the Things to do in El Yunque National Forest, There’s a couple of things that you should know before you actually go. 

  • You should get breakfast right before you get to El Yunque. We really liked the super affordable breakfast sandwiches at Puertorrican Bakery and the acai bowls at Degree 18. 
  • Make sure you get to El Yunque early to avoid the crowds. The park currently opens at 8am and closes promptly at 5:30pm. There’s a reservation system in place through summer 2021, so make sure you book your tickets in advance here
  • There’s several different areas to El Yunque, but the most popular and accessible is La Mina Recreation Area (every attraction we’ve listed is located here). If you’d like to get more off-the-beaten path, I strongly recommend booking a tour.  
  • The speed limit is 20mph, and parking is pretty strictly enforced. The road can be pretty narrow, so forest staff try to make sure no one is illegally parked blocking any portion of the road. 
  • After a full day exploring, head to the Kioskos de Luquillo just a few miles up the highway to pick up a late lunch or early dinner of authentic Puerto Rican food.  The nearby Luquillo Beach is a personal favorite, and I highly recommend you check it out. 
  • Cell service in El Yunque is spotty at best. Download your offline maps ahead of time. 
  • Did you know that you can zipline through the rainforest? Get full details on that here! 

What To Pack for El Yunque 

You don’t need much when visiting El Yunque, but there’s a couple of things you may want to bring with you to the forest – see below for a list as well as recommendations.  

  • Water shoes: absolute must if you want to go into the waterfalls. This is the affordable pair I bought for Puerto Rico. 
  • Hiking Boots: optional, but recommended. My boots helped give me much needed traction up muddy trails, but I’ve had friends also hike around in hiking sandals successfully. 
  • Change of clothes: you’re likely to get wet, so pack some underwear and a change of clothes in a large ziploc bag and stick it in your bag. 
  • Quick-dry towel: these turkish towels were awesome in El Yunque, and dried super quick too! 
  • Dry bag: I have this small yellow dry bag and it was perfect for keeping everything dry, even when it started to drizzle. 
  • Plenty of snacks: especially if you’re hiking. 
  • Raincoat, umbrella, or poncho: El Yunque gets on average, 160 inches of rain  a year – it’s likely to rain during your visit. Pack a super cheap poncho, just in case. 
  • Waterproof cell phone cover: for bringing your phone into the waterfalls with you and taking cute selfies. This one is an affordable option. 

What to Wear in El Yunque 

Wear a super comfortable outfit, like shorts and a t-shirt  layered over a cute swimsuit. El Yunque can get hot and humid – I wouldn’t want to be wearing jeans or even leggings out here! 

For shoes, sturdy tennis shoes or even hiking boots / sandals should do the trick. 

How to Get to El Yunque from San Juan

If you’re coming to El Yunque from San Juan, getting to the forest should take you anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

From San Juan, take PR 26 to PR 66 or PR 3 until you hit Highway 191, which will take you to El Portal Visitor Center.

There’s signs on the highway that will point you in the right direction, I suggest you follow them. Do keep in mind that most maps will likely take you to El Yunque on a toll road (no cash allowed). Check with your rental car company before making the trek to see how they handle tolls.

Save This For Later 

As Puerto Rico’s rainforest, El Yunque does not disappoint. If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, El Yunque definitely needs to be on your list.

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El Yunque National Forest

Be in command!

Starting at

USD per person + tax

QUICK INFO

Duration: 4 hours
Age: 8 years +
Skill Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Food: Light Snacks and Refreshments Included
Location: El Yunque
Launch Site: Frutera Flores, Luquillo
Open: Monday – Sunday
Transportation: Optional service available!

Starting at

Price Per Person + Tax

BOOK YOUR TOUR!

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST

What’s included?

EL YUNQUE TOUR – Tropical Rainforest

  • Fully Guided El Yunque Rainforest Tour
  • Professional Tour Guides with Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid Certification
  • Pictures Throughout El Yunque National Forest Tour
  • Eco Interpretations Throughout the El Yunque Rainforest Trails
  • Refresh in Beautiful Natural Puerto Rico Swimming Pools and Waterfalls
  • Slide Down a Natural Water Slide in El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico!
  • Amazing Rainforest Hiking
  • Rope Swing into the Best River in Puerto Rico
  • Jump from Different Puerto Rican Rock Formations
  • Fresh Local Fruit, Snacks & Refreshments
  • All Necessary Equipment
  • Training and Safety Instructions Prior to Tour
  • Rainforest Entry Fee

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transportation (Guests MUST have Rental Car – NO Taxi or Ubers!)
  • Tour Guides Gratuities; not mandatory but appreciated

View Related Puerto Rico Tours

Launch Site, Check-in & Departure Schedules

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

CHECK-IN & LAUNCH SITE

  • Frutera Flores, Luquillo

TOUR DURATION

  • 4 hours

Itinerary & Route

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

Start your day by meeting your guide at the local fruit stand “Frutera Flores” in the town of Luquillo. Here, your Puerto Rican guide will pick up a variety of fresh local fruit for the tour (included), and you have the opportunity to purchase some local fritters and/or a fresh fruit smoothie. After this stop, you will follow your tour guide to Puerto Rico’s majestic Rainforest.

El Yunque is without a doubt Puerto Rico’s greatest Natural Wonder. It is the only Tropical Rainforest, and the most studied Forest, in the United States National Forest System. It is the most biologically diverse forest, hosting hundreds of plants and animals, some only found here in Puerto Rico!

After an interpretive hike through natural trails lined with beautiful flora and fauna, and some river wading, we will arrive to a hidden gem found in the heart of the rainforest. This breathtaking segment of the 29,000 acre forest is like a natural playground. Here you will have the chance to swim in the natural pools, refresh in waterfalls, slide down an exhilarating waterslide, rope swing into the river, jump from different rock formations, and enjoy fresh local fruit with a view. Along with all of this excitement, you will also have time to simply relax to the sounds of cascading waters and take in the beauty of this very special place.

APPROXIMATE ITINERARY

Meet at a Local Fruit Stand

  • Guides pick up a variety of fresh local fruit for the tour (included)
  • Guests have the opportunity to purchase local fritters and/or a fresh fruit smoothie
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Guests must have Rental Car to follow guides to Foothills of Rainforest (No Taxi or Uber!)

Arrival to Foothills of the Puerto Rico Rainforest – El Yunque Tours – for Check-In with Island Journeys

  • Pass out equipment for tour
  • Safety orientation and excursion itinerary chat for the El Yunque national forest tour

Guided Hike on Puerto Rico Rainforest Trails

  • 30 minute hike in El Yunque national forest (approximate) depending on group size
  • Interpretation of the area and different flora and fauna
  • Cross through river and continue hike up river to first stop (10-15 minutes approximately, depending on group size)

First Stop at El Yunque Tropical Rain Forest

  • Slide down natural water slide in El Yunque national forest!
  • Refresh in a natural pool in El Yunque national forest
  • Hike to next stop (10-15 minutes approximately, depending on group size)

Second Stop at Puerto Rico El Yunque National Forest

  • Rope swing into the El Yunque national forest river
  • Rock jumps
  • Enjoy fresh fruit
  • Relax and enjoy the area
  • Refresh in a natural pool

Hike Back to Departure Point

  • 20-30 minutes (approximate) depending on group size

Arrive at Departure Point

  • Rinse off
  • Change clothes

Duration: 4 hours (approximate)

Important Note: One of the things that we enjoy the most about our tours and excursions is that every day on the water, in the El Yunque rainforest, or anywhere in Puerto Rico, it’s a different experience. According to the specific weather conditions, seasons, and availabilities for any given day, your trip may vary slightly from our advertised offerings. It’s truly one of the most unique rain forests in the United States national forest system. On these rare occasions, our tour guides will select the route that they believe will be the most fun and enjoyable for the entire group. On some full day trips, a given trip may make an additional stop beyond what is advertised; at the same time, that trip may make one less stop than what is advertised. For that reason, we encourage you to choose your trips based on the rough descriptions provided here on our website and simply trust us to provide you with a wonderful experience.

Planning & Restrictions

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

WHAT TO BRING

  • Mask (will get wet – we recommend cloth or bringing an extra)
  • Cell phone (in the event that we need to contact you or you need to contact us prior to the excursion)
  • Closed-toe shoes that can get wet/dirty, have good grip for hiking on wet surfaces, and provide comfort and support (no sandals, water shoes, or flip flops)
  • Comfortable hiking clothes that can get completely wet/dirty
  • Bathing suit (already on)
  • Towel and change of clothes
  • Water bottle to refill throughout the full day tour (provided if you do not have one)
  • Note: Items can be left in your vehicle during Rainforest Tour
  • DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLES OR ITEMS THAT CANNOT GET WET – lost items are very hard to find in the water, and anything you take with you will get wet!

 

HEALTH & AGE RESTRICTIONS

The difficulty level of this excursion is considered to be moderate to strenuous depending on your physical fitness level. It is very important that you are in good physical condition in order to participate and enjoy yourself. The terrain in the rainforest can be muddy, slippery, uneven and include river-wading, climbing large rocks and steep inclines. This excursion is recommended for guests with an active lifestyle.

  • Maximum Weight Limit: Bio Bay Tour is done in two person kayaks. The maximum weight per kayak is 425 pounds with a 250 maximum per one person.
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old
  • The following guests cannot participate:
    • Guests with neck, back, arm or leg problems or casts
    • Guests with recent surgeries
    • Pregnant women
    • Guests who have epilepsy, heart conditions and/or dizziness

All guests must be able to communicate in English or Spanish. Guests that show signs of intoxication by drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to share this information with the rest of your group and for notifying us ahead of time with any concerns about your health or physical condition for the excursion.

If you’re interested in visiting the Bio Bay (bioluminescent bay) be sure to check out our combo tour that visits both El Yunque and Bio Bay. The Bio Bay – bioluminescent bay – is a remarkable sight seeing tour where you can enjoy both El Yunque and the Bio Bay. Learn more about the Bio Bay and El Yunque combo tour here. If you’re staying in San Juan be sure to consider this full day tour for 12 hours. One of the best tours and excursions from San Juan. Puerto Rico’s Old San Juan has so much culture but our Bio Bay and tropical tour shows you the Puerto Rico’s natural side including amazing natural pools, waterfalls, water slides and more in this 12 hour tour.

Need more info? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Participation Minimum

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

This excursion requires a minimum of at least eight guests requesting in order to provide the tour. In the event this minimum is not met, we will call one or two days prior to the excursion to go over alternative options (i. e. reschedule for a different date or time that has the minimum requirement, payment options for a private excursion, or cancel without penalty).

Photography & Video

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

PRIVATE CAMERA SAFETY MEASURES

    • Bring waterproof or protected cameras only.
    • Use a bright floating attachment.
    • Do not put at risk big SLR cameras and non-waterproof cameras.

Transportation

EL YUNQUE FOREST TOUR IN PUERTO RICO

Recommendations we have for you to arrive to Frutera Flores, Luquillo.

SELF DRIVE/RENTAL CAR

This option requires guests to have a Rental Car to follow our guide to the Foothills of the Rainforest. Drive tour our location using the link below (also provided in your confirmation email). Take your time to enjoy the drive and explore more of Puerto Rico! Ask the crew for recommendations of places to eat and things to do after the tour.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/t2QCNh5t9dL2rKxRA

Contact the providers below for rates and availability:

  • Lets Go Puerto Rico – (787) 639-5831
  • Anthony Reyes – (787) 478-0806
  • Luis Taxi Services – (787) 448-7967

El Yunque is a unique tropical forest

El Yunque is a unique tropical forest – Secret World