A trip to Puerto Rico isn’t complete without a tour of El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico. It’s the perfect activity to add to your winter getaway itinerary, and a great way to see the rainforest if you haven’t before.
What is El Yunque?
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest Service. It’s location in a mountainous region makes it great for hiking. Plus, the cooler temperatures make it a great escape from the hot weather on the rest of the island. This post will answer some of the frequently asked questions about planning a visit to El Yunque.
Note: The information provided in this post is based on normal operating circumstances. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and necessary changes in policy, you should check the official El Yunque National Forest site for current information.
How to book a tour of El Yunque National Forest?
Booking a tour of El Yunque has never been easier. Below are some easy options to book ahead of time, or after arriving in Puerto Rico.
- Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has evolved into more than just booking accommodations. Locals are now able to host experiences as tour guides and experts of the region they live in. Using Airbnb Experiences you can easily book tour guides for El Yunque day trips. They typically provide transportation and cost between $50-$100 per person.
- Talk to your hotel concierge or even Airbnb host. They will usually know reputable tour operators and can help coordinate your booking.
- Expedia Activities – You can book tours online with Expedia as well if you prefer booking online ahead of time. It’s easy and if you already use Expedia, you’ll be familiar with how to book on their site.
Can I go to El Yunque National Forest without a tour guide?
Yes, you can go to El Yunque National Forest without a tour guide. On our most recent trip we opted not to hire a tour guide. While tour guides provide a more structured day and interesting information, we wanted to save money on this particular trip.
If you choose this option, make sure you follow all marked trails and don’t attempt trails above your skill level. While we never felt unsafe, it’s important to remember that it is a rainforest with hidden dangers. There are wild animals, slippery paths, and if you’re not aware of your surroundings there is always the possibility of getting lost.
In order to get to the park without a guide, we simply rented a car for the day from the airport in San Juan. It was about a one hour drive and it was easy to navigate with Google Maps. Note: Our phone service got spotty as we made our way into the mountains, so make sure you download any trail maps or information you might need.
How much does it cost to visit El Yunque National Forest?
There is no fee to enter El Yunque National Forest. However, if you decide to go to the El Yunque Visitor Center there is a small fee. Please note that it is optional to visit the El Yunque Visitor Center.
Is El Yunque National Forest open?
El Yunque trails are open everyday, except Christmas Day, from 7:30am-5:30pm. Check their website for any ongoing maintenance, weather closures, or changes in hours here (scroll down to Hours of Operation).
What are the top hiking trails at El Yunque?
Mount Britton Tower Trail – The Mount Britton Tower trail is marked as a moderate difficulty out and back trail. It’s approximately 1.5 miles and the elevation gain is 570ft. The path is mostly paved, but gets slippery and can sometimes be narrow. While the tower at the top isn’t glamorous, the view of the valley and surrounding forest is stunning. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Angelito Trail – The Angelito trail is a short, easy hike. It ends in a small pool and river that are ideal spots for swimming. Note that the water is cold, but refreshing. Be alert for flash flooding as it can occur with little warning. Dog are allowed on this trail but need to be kept on a leash.
El Toro Trail – Experienced hikers looking for more of a challenge will enjoy El Toro trail. It’s an approximately 5 mile out and back hike with a 1,325ft elevation gain. Beware that many hikers report that the trail is very difficult and muddy. You’ll want to be prepared with good hiking equipment and be an experienced hiker as the trail isn’t highly maintained. It’s more ideal to go when it hasn’t been rainy, as the mud can make it too difficult. Prospective hikers should check online for recent weather conditions or ask a park ranger.
Check the El Yunque official site for more details on the hiking trails.
What are the best waterfalls at El Yunque?
La Mina Falls – La Mina Falls is a picturesque waterfall with a pool at the base to swim in. It’s exactly what a tropical getaway is all about. Unfortunately, it was still closed due to damage from Hurricane Maria. Current plans are to open it by 2021, but you should check with park rangers or check the site before attempting to visit this waterfall.
La Coca Falls – La Coca is visible right from the main road when entering the park. It’s a steep drop with mossy growths making for a lovely first impression to the forest.
Juan Diego Falls – It’s an easy hike to get to Juan Diego Falls and you’ll be rewarded with a small pool that you can swim in. It is small so it’s not the best place for lots of people to swim at once, but it will make for a nice picture.
What should I bring to El Yunque?
If you plan to hike make sure you wear comfortable clothes and good hiking shoes, since the trails get slippery. Typically, long sleeves and pants are recommended since it’s a little cooler in the mountains and will likely rain while you’re there. I always wear layers when I hike, so I can remove or add if I get hot or cold.
While we didn’t notice a high population of mosquitos, likely due to the water always running down the mountain, we always bring insect repellent just to play it safe.
You will definitely want to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views. Make sure you have rain gear for yourself and something to keep your camera and any other electronics dry. If you plan to swim include a bathing suit and towels. Lastly, we brought water and snacks since we hiked for hours. Don’t forget to hydrate!
El Yunque National Forest Animals
Some El Yunque National Forest animals you might see include different types of birds, bats, tree frogs, lizards, the Puerto Rican Boa, and more. We’re glad we didn’t see any boas since I’m terrified of snakes. The diverse wildlife population is yet another perk of El Yunque rainforest.
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