As the sole tropical rainforest within the US National Forest System, El Yunque is an essential destination for visitors to Puerto Rico. Spanning nearly 29,000 acres of verdant terrain, it is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, supporting 200 varieties of trees, 70 species of birds, several species of bats and lizards, as well as 13 species of coquí, the island’s cherished and vocal frog.
This forest also holds sacred significance for Puerto Ricans, with many suggesting that its designation comes from the indigenous Taíno word yuké, meaning “white earth,” which refers to the ethereal white clouds enveloping its mountain peaks.
Historians note that the native Taínos believed their deity Yocahu resided atop these mountains, safeguarding the lower island from the hurricanes characteristic of the region.
Delve into this rich history and discover much more—natural pools and waterfalls, hiking trails, and ziplining opportunities—during your day at El Yunque.
Before You Go
The park operates from 7:30 AM to 5 PM and there is no entrance fee; however, early arrival is recommended. Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis to mitigate congestion, which may result in waiting times if the park reaches capacity. If you plan on participating in a guided tour, prior arrangements are necessary.
Be sure to pack waterproof attire, as rain showers, while typically brief, are frequent and can be quite intense. Additionally, bringing swimwear and a change of clothing is advisable.
Given the propensity for storms in the region, some trails may be temporarily closed. Therefore, it is prudent to consult the El Yunque US Forest website for up-to-date information regarding weather conditions, park closures, and safety measures.
In the Morning
Hike Through the Rainforest
The optimal means of accessing El Yunque is by car, approximately a 45-minute drive from San Juan. Upon arriving at the primary park entrance on PR-191, you will reach the El Portal Visitor Centre, a beneficial location to orient yourself.
Within the visitor center, the Portal Rainforest Café opens at 10 AM for breakfast. For those eager to start their day earlier, it is recommended to procure fruits or local favorites such as empanadas before entering the park to prevent hunger.
Once replenished, proceed to the adjacent Angelito Trail to ease into the day’s adventures. This brief 20-minute trail winds through the lower montane forest, culminating at the Río Mameyes, designated as a Wild and Scenic river.
For more adept hikers, the La Coca Trail presents a more challenging option. This arduous route features steep inclines, various streams, and a river crossing ending at the same location as the Angelito Trail. It is crucial to remain on marked paths, as many hikers often lose their way.
Engage in Waterfall Swimming
Before your midday meal, visit Juan Diego Creek and traverse its five-minute path from the parking area to the initial natural pools for a refreshing swim. From that location, a small dirt trail will guide you through the forest to a picturesque waterfall that you can enjoy. Be vigilant regarding your time as parking is limited to 30 minutes to accommodate capacity requirements.
For Lunch, Head to Nearby Palmer
If you wish to remain in the park for lunch, proceed towards the Caimitillo Trail, an easy route lined with numerous picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue pits.
Alternatively, Palmer, situated a mere 10-minute drive away, offers various dining options, such as Don Pepe, which features local specialties like Puerto Rico’s famous chuletas can can (crispy pork bellies) and its renowned mofongo (mashed plantains with pork cracklings), alongside an array of seafood selections.
In the Afternoon
Observe the Forest from Yokahú Observation Tower
Yokahú Tower is one of two observation towers located within the park (the other being Mt Britton). Constructed in the 1960s by a former forest supervisor, this 69-foot tower offers an exceptional vantage point to admire the diverse types of forest encapsulated within El Yunque.
From Yokahú, one can view the Tabonuco Forest, Palo Colorado Forest, Sierra Palm Forest, and cloud forest; on clear days, you may even catch glimpses of the Virgin Islands.
Follow the Trail to Mt Britton Tower or El Yunque Peak
Commence your journey at the Mt Britton trailhead to initiate your trek to the park’s second observation tower. The trail quickly ascends through the Sierra Palm Forest, passing mountain streams and advancing upward through the cloud forest.
At a junction on the path, you may choose to proceed towards Mt Britton Tower or continue to El Yunque Peak. Constructed from stone, the tower was erected between 1937 and 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps—a voluntary work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942, aimed at providing employment for young men.
If you are inclined to bypass the tower, El Yunque Peak can also be accessed via the straightforward Los Picachos trail, which includes a segment of steep stairs. Persist for breathtaking views of the island’s eastern shoreline and the striking white clouds.
Engage in Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventure activities are available for booking in advance. While not strictly located within El Yunque, they are conveniently nearby. Options include horseback riding from Carabalí Rainforest Park, taking you into the El Yunque foothills.
For those seeking an exhilarating experience, Yunque Ziplining features five scenic zip lines that traverse a private rainforest, offering unique vistas of El Yunque as you glide through the treetops.
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner
For dinner, drive to Luquillo, known as Puerto Rico’s “Sun Capitol,” which is approximately a 40-minute drive away. Enjoy your meal at the popular food kiosks lining the beach (locally referred to as the Luquillo Kiosks). With around 60 establishments to choose from, each is numbered for convenience.
These casual locations allow you to sample a variety of dishes; perhaps indulge in alcapurrias (fritters) and mofongo at Jíbaro’s Borinquen Restaurant (#22), fresh seafood at La Parrilla (#2), and delightful calzones and pizzas at Revolution Pizza Shop (#34).
After Dark
The Luquillo Kiosks also offer an assortment of drink vendors serving beer, while bars such as Tattoo Tavern (#17) and MojitoLab (#42) mix tropical cocktails. The vibrant rhythms of reggaeton will be ever-present, with establishments open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you prefer a quieter evening, consider returning to El Yunque for an opportunity to witness the nocturnal antics of the coquí frogs through a unique night tour with Para La Naturaleza.
