El Yunque : Venture into the Rainforest - San Juan - Things To Do Reviews

The El Yunque rainforest is a must see on your trip to Puerto Rico. Located on the east center of the island, it is easy to reach from San Juan. Get a car and drive for about 40 minutes towards Rio Grande.
You will love the lush greenery and tropical plants. Once the road start climbing upward you'll see more and more little waterfalls and huge bamboo trees lining the road. It will also get a bit cooler but not less humid up here. After all little while you'll pass the first welcoming sign to El Yunque. On your right you will pass the portal. If you'd like some information about the rain forest you should go check it out. However you'll have to pay an entrance fee if you do. I usually skip this and go straight into exploring mode.
There are several spots where you can pull over and snap some pictures of the view but the first must see are the La Coca falls. There are two little parking areas located next it. There is only one road in and out of the rain forest so if it's too busy on your way up, simply stop by later on your way back. The La Coca falls are breath taking especially after a rain shower when the water is coming down hard.
The next stop is the Yokahu tower. From the top you get a great view towards the ocean and all over the rain forest.
Now you'll have to take your pick on what to do next. There are several hiking trails that will take you to the peaks of the highest mountains in El Yunque or you go and check out the other big waterfall La Mina. There is two trails leading you to La Mina falls. They are both very pretty, but watch your step, it can be slippery. If you don't go on one of the actual hiking up trail, flip flops will be fine, though I do not recommend them if you are as clumsy as me. ;)
I truly love El Yunque! Please go and check it out! You won't regret it!

Several points in non-narrative form:

*There is no public transportation to El Yunque, it is advised to rent a car. Approx drive from San Juan is 25 miles.

*Entrance into the park is free; entrance into the visitor center is 3.00 USD. I by-passed the visitor's center and read up on El Yunque on-line. Though for the price I'm sure it's worth it to stop in the visitor center.

*Wear sturdy shoes. I would not suggest flip-flops, etc.

*Bring bottled water because it is one heck of a hike. (I work out with a personal trainer three days a week, mountain bike 25 miles a week and was red faced, winded and desiring a swallow of water when I reached the top.)

...but it was all worth it in the end.

*I suggest you drive as far as you possibly can; park and then begin your trek. I took Mt Britton Spur, a pebble lined narrow path through moist vegetation to Mt Britton. This next path was a road wide enough for service vehicles to travel. The path is paved the entire distance so it's easy to traverse. Coming down was easier, but hard on your knees due to the steep angle. Either way, (up or down) it's a challenge.

*Once at the top of Mt Britton, my choice for the final destination, you find an amazing panoramic view and the top-side of the US' only Rain Forest.

*Something I read in Que Pasa, the local tourist magazine, was that on the last Friday evening of any month there is, "an entertaining evening of 'Music & Arts under the Stars' at El Portal Rain Forest Center (787-369-0970). Organizers describe it as fiestas patronales (traditional week-long patron saint festivals) in one night." ...I wasn't there at the right time, but it did sound interesting to me.

Have you ever wished that you could walk through a rainforest? Have you ever longed to smell the lush fauna? To feel the tropical rain falling down upon your shoulders? To hear the calls of animals in surround sound? Yet, the Amazon is too far and too dangerous?

About 40 km from San Juan Puerto Rico, lies a magnificant rainforest : El Yunque.

Walk through lush forests, hear the Puerto Rican Parrot sing, or the coquie frogs calling out to others. Smell the greenery. Take in all of your senses as you hike the beautiful rainforest.

Go to the observatories. Look over the mountain tops as the clouds gather. Relish in the beauty of nature!

This is the only rain forest in the US territories! Check it out!