May 24, 2008
A day in the rainforest
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!
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!
Entrance to El Yunque
El Portal, the visitor center
La Coca falls
Yokahu tower
One of the peaks of El Yunque
La Mina Falls
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