El Yunque Rainforest Photos
Recommended Reviews - El Yunque Rainforest
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Even I did not have much time left, we made sure to drive up the mountain into this national forest. It is currently free however it's clear that won't be the case in the future as they built a new entrance hut with and attendant. Even it was Monday it was busy and parking at every waterfall was an absolute pain. I can only imagine in the weekend. I did not have time to climb onto any of them but you don't have to to see them, you can take pictures from the street so this is very accessible to anyone. I did not stop at the tower or any of the eateries or souvenir shops.
The famous El Yunque - rainforest! Great place for people of all hiking experiences and ones with families. A guided hike for sights and scenes with options to create your own adventure. Here was our experience. EXPERIENCE: Parking: As usually advised, come early. This is no hidden gem so this picks up fast. Other alternatives is carpooling or arrange a tour. Depends on where you stop, but parking fills up FAST. Come early if you want the better trail access and less stress. Visitor access is managed largely because of parking limitations Vibes: The feelings from the temperature and energy changes. One night we were partying the streets of Santurce, next we we're in this chill and calm quiet area. There are paved scenic stops, short walking trails, and engaging areas such as waterfalls and river areas. You really can make it as adventurous as you want. OVERALL: 5 Stars. What's there to hate about this place? Maybe it can get super crowded but aside from that, it's a beautiful Puerto Rico experience. Whether you want waterfalls, hikes, scenic drives, or just to disconnect for a few hours, this place delivers. After that, you're not too far away from Luquillo Beach! Tips: * Go EARLY for parking and lighter crowds * Bring water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting muddy
If you want to step into something that feels both ancient and alive, El Yunque National Forest is it the only tropical rainforest in North America, a green cathedral of moss, mist, and tumbling waterfalls. Trails wind like secret arteries through towering trees, ferns unfurl like delicate scrolls, and every pool and cascade feels like a private baptism carved out by time itself. You come for the waterfalls, yes, but you stay for the way the air hums humid, earthy, electric and for the quiet thrill of knowing you're in a place unlike anywhere else on the continent. Even with the occasional crowd, there's a rhythm here that forces you to slow down, to feel the mountains under your feet and the sky pressing in from all sides. Hike a little, climb a little, slip into one of those jade-colored pools, and it's like stepping into a ritual older than memory. This isn't a beach day, it isn't a cocktail hour it's something sacred, a natural rite of passage, a place where the island's magic is not just seen but inhaled. El Yunque doesn't just impress it grounds, astonishes, and leaves you with a pulse tuned to the heartbeat of Puerto Rico itself.
Review #1,050 Posted on 5.1.26 We came to hike the Mt Britton trail at El Yunque on Friday the 24th of April. This was one of the better experiences of our trip, it was awesome up there. The parking is a bit tricky, honestly if I had to do it over again, I probably would've just parked a tad sooner then walked up more, but if you do that, it's a lot more time & walking/energy spent. The drive to those areas to park/hike is super scenic. You've got tons of green, and sounds of birds all around you, we rolled our windows down and soaked it all in. We parked pretty close to where the trail to hike Mt Britton begins, and it took us about 40 minutes to get to the castle, when you make it to the castle for sure go inside and walk the staircase to the top/roof. The views are awesome up there and you get some good photo opps. I would 100% make sure to do this again next time we visit.
There is a reason it is called a rainforest, it rained nearly nonstop. The way there from San Juan, all sunny, but enter the park and it's rain. It's beautiful but you need to be prepared. We used hiking shoes and rain jackets and hats. No issue with the weather. We parked near the Big Bano swimming hole. We did the Big Loop trail and followed it counter clockwise. I'm very glad we went this way as we had to traverse the rocky path going up but had several paved areas going down. We could see out to the ocean from the tower but El Yunque peak was pouring rain and no visibility. Everything was so green that I made it a challenge to take some pics of non green things we saw along the way. Not a ton of people. No fees required. Great day.
We went here on a weekend in February... it was BUSY. We arrived about 10:30am and began our drive up the mountain. There are about 4 stops open at this time in 2026. It didn't cost anything to get in. There are very steep hills and a lot of potholes! Very limited parking at each stop. It's a beautiful place if you Like nature and don't mind driving and stopping and being patient in order to get parking.
El Yunque National Forest is such a unique experience. The views from the trails are absolutely stunning. There are several locations with waterfalls and pools where you can swim and relax, as well as strenuous mountain trails for those who like to hike. The trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the trails do not have much parking available nearby, which could be an issue, especially as the park gets to be busier during the afternoon. The park closes at 5pm sharp every day. It's a really fun day trip out of San Juan! Would definitely recommend coming!
It's only a 40 minute drive from town on a massive clean and wide freeway. There are lots of signs, towns and restaurants lined to get you there. Once you get to the restaurant lined town slow down. Some drivers can be impatient. You'll need to pay to view the incredibly modern visitor center high above the tree lined valley with commissioned artwork and parrots. It has interactive open air placards, staff, restrooms, and an expensive gift store. Head up and through to the top, then circle back down to stop at a few featured areas. The waterfalls, tower and cafe are popular parking stops. Breathe in cool clean air and enjoy the views. If you're adventurous do a little or a lot of hiking from the crowds.
This place is so gorgeous, but also a complete tourist trap! Try to go early when they first open as we went midday during spring break and there were alot of kids and tourists (tourists year round obviously). I really wanted to take pics of the waterfall but there were too many tourists and it also started to rain hard. Such a beautiful and lush seven wonders of the world!
10/10- great rainforest. Visitor center was great! Nice exhibits and gift shop. Good walking path around the center. Found a lovely watering hole on the Angelito Trail. No mosquitos! Lots of rain. Highly recommend.
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Many believe its name comes from the Taino word, Yuke, or "white earth," a reference to the clouds that gather around the forest's mountainous peak; others believe it derives from Yúcahu, the Taíno deity of fertility. It's not very big, stretching about 28,000 acres, but it is rich with fauna diversity. As you trek through the muddy clay earth, you'll admire colorful ferns, tall bamboo, canopy trees and the chirping of coqui frogs. If you're worried about any dangerous animals or insects, don't fret! There are no predators or venomous creatures here! The cooler temperature and running rivers make the area unsuitable for mosquitoes too! We hiked about 30 minutes to get to a natural water slide, rope swing and cliffs for jumping. It was a bit crowded but it was so much fun! It's about a 45 minute drive from San Juan and easy to get to by car. Visiting El Yunque is a must when in Puerto Rico!
I went with a tour group called Spot-On, my tour guide was Andrea. She is phenomenal!! She's so well versed in all there is to know about the habitats, creatures, and of course the historical significance of the land and how it came to be. It was an amazing experience to be able to hike the trail while learning about everything we passed by. It was humid, but very moderately! However, the trail was very slippery!! Both muddy and rocky/uneven. Bring good shoes!!! Ones with grip and ones you don't mind getting dirty. The waterfall was breathtaking!! And the water slide?! An experience I will NEVER forget. I can't explicate how thrilling and exhilarating it was. The adrenaline that surged through my body when we went cliff diving- Chills just thinking about it now. But I'm so happy I did it. Definitely a place you MUST visit when in San Juan Puerto Rico!!! You can go on your own, they offer maps at the front entrance. However, going with a tour guide is safer and they know where all the nice spots are. Additionally, they take pictures for your group and of you individually. As well as record your jumps and of you going down the water slide.
I went on the El Yunque Rainforest guided tour with Spot In Tours today, and it was easily the best part of my Puerto Rico vacation so far. From the pickup to the drop-off, everything was seamless and well organized. But what really made this experience unforgettable was our tour guide, Orlando. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the rainforest, its history, wildlife, and ecosystem, and he made the entire adventure both fun and safe. Orlando guided us through natural water slides, cliff jumping, rope swings, and swimming spots, making sure everyone felt comfortable and secure every step of the way. The day was packed with adventure, laughter, and amazing memories. He also did a fantastic job bringing the group together--we all connected, mingled, and had a great time as if we'd known each other for much longer than a few hours. If you're visiting Puerto Rico and considering a trip to El Yunque, I cannot recommend Spot In Tours enough. And if you have the chance to tour with Orlando, take it--you won't regret it. I'll absolutely be booking this tour again the next time I'm back in Puerto Rico.
This is a must visit when in PR. This is a 45 min drive from San Juan but it is worth it and it is free. There is a map when you enter, parking is on the side of the road or they have parking lots the further you drive. There is a lot of parking so you would be likely to find parking as busy as it gets people come and go so parking becomes available. Even if you do have to wait it wouldn't be long before a spot is available. You see a waterfall at the beginning of the tour. As you proceed to drive up and view the rainforest further you will get to hike and find other waterfalls. Aside from waterfall there are beautiful trees and flowers. On one side you have the rainforest and on the other you have a view over the island. read more
Lovely visit the the El Yunque National Forest while staying in nearby San Juan. About a 45-minute drive from San Juan. No fee to enter the national forest...only an $8 fee when visiting El Portal Visitor's Center, which I recommend. I followed other visitor's recommendations by getting there when the forest opened and going directly toward the end to Mount Britton. I was luckily able to get one of those few designated roadside parking spaces. I finished the Mount Britton Tower (Torre) in about two hours (45-minute, 0.8-mile walk/hike each way) before making my way back toward the entrance stopping at the other attractions along the way. Note that it is about a 25-minute drive from the park's entrance to Mount Britton Trailside parking...due to the speed restrictions given the sharps turns and hills. As most others have said...the forest main road (191) goes one way through the forest, and loops back around towards the exit. Along the way, there are lots of stops...just look for the parking lots of roadside parking spaces and you will know you are close to an attraction. I ended the trip with visiting the El Portal Visitor's Center...at around 3:30pm...and it was very empty. I do suggest working the Luquillo Kiosks into the trip...given it is about a 15-minute drive away from the forest. read more
While in Puerto Rico this is a MUST DO I am so glad we came here Our tour guide was amazing and super knowledgeable about all the plants we were walking past and animals we could here in the background Going down a natural stone/rock slide was super scary but worth it! Jumping off of a rock cliff I was so nervous yet excited and I am glad I am here to tell you how amazing it was We did have some down time to just enjoy the scenery and take it all in To be in a rainforest is just breath taking experience El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico. From El Portal Visitor Center, a walkway winds through the surrounding treetops. Trails run to La Mina waterfall and Mount Britton, then up to the high-altitude dwarf forest. In the south are ancient petroglyphs, made by the area's indigenous Taíno people. The forest comes alive with the nightly calls of coquí tree frogs. I def recommend using water shoes, I decided to wear leggings and a sports bar with a t-shirt over . You are climbing and jumping and swimming and low key fighting for your life!! This is a RAIN FOREST not a beach so dress accordingly Our tour guide provided fresh fruit and water. If you are not on a tour bring water and snacks read more
Even I did not have much time left, we made sure to drive up the mountain into this national forest. It is currently free however it's clear that won't be the case in the future as they built a new entrance hut with and attendant. Even it was Monday it was busy and parking at every waterfall was an absolute pain. I can only imagine in the weekend. I did not have time to climb onto any of them but you don't have to to see them, you can take pictures from the street so this is very accessible to anyone. I did not stop at the tower or any of the eateries or souvenir shops. read more
The famous El Yunque - rainforest! Great place for people of all hiking experiences and ones with families. A guided hike for sights and scenes with options to create your own adventure. Here was our experience. EXPERIENCE: Parking: As usually advised, come early. This is no hidden gem so this picks up fast. Other alternatives is carpooling or arrange a tour. Depends on where you stop, but parking fills up FAST. Come early if you want the better trail access and less stress. Visitor access is managed largely because of parking limitations Vibes: The feelings from the temperature and energy changes. One night we were partying the streets of Santurce, next we we're in this chill and calm quiet area. There are paved scenic stops, short walking trails, and engaging areas such as waterfalls and river areas. You really can make it as adventurous as you want. OVERALL: 5 Stars. What's there to hate about this place? Maybe it can get super crowded but aside from that, it's a beautiful Puerto Rico experience. Whether you want waterfalls, hikes, scenic drives, or just to disconnect for a few hours, this place delivers. After that, you're not too far away from Luquillo Beach! Tips: * Go EARLY for parking and lighter crowds * Bring water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting muddy read more
If you want to step into something that feels both ancient and alive, El Yunque National Forest is it the only tropical rainforest in North America, a green cathedral of moss, mist, and tumbling waterfalls. Trails wind like secret arteries through towering trees, ferns unfurl like delicate scrolls, and every pool and cascade feels like a private baptism carved out by time itself. You come for the waterfalls, yes, but you stay for the way the air hums humid, earthy, electric and for the quiet thrill of knowing you're in a place unlike anywhere else on the continent. Even with the occasional crowd, there's a rhythm here that forces you to slow down, to feel the mountains under your feet and the sky pressing in from all sides. Hike a little, climb a little, slip into one of those jade-colored pools, and it's like stepping into a ritual older than memory. This isn't a beach day, it isn't a cocktail hour it's something sacred, a natural rite of passage, a place where the island's magic is not just seen but inhaled. El Yunque doesn't just impress it grounds, astonishes, and leaves you with a pulse tuned to the heartbeat of Puerto Rico itself. read more
Review #1,050 Posted on 5.1.26 We came to hike the Mt Britton trail at El Yunque on Friday the 24th of April. This was one of the better experiences of our trip, it was awesome up there. The parking is a bit tricky, honestly if I had to do it over again, I probably would've just parked a tad sooner then walked up more, but if you do that, it's a lot more time & walking/energy spent. The drive to those areas to park/hike is super scenic. You've got tons of green, and sounds of birds all around you, we rolled our windows down and soaked it all in. We parked pretty close to where the trail to hike Mt Britton begins, and it took us about 40 minutes to get to the castle, when you make it to the castle for sure go inside and walk the staircase to the top/roof. The views are awesome up there and you get some good photo opps. I would 100% make sure to do this again next time we visit. read more
There is a reason it is called a rainforest, it rained nearly nonstop. The way there from San Juan, all sunny, but enter the park and it's rain. It's beautiful but you need to be prepared. We used hiking shoes and rain jackets and hats. No issue with the weather. We parked near the Big Bano swimming hole. We did the Big Loop trail and followed it counter clockwise. I'm very glad we went this way as we had to traverse the rocky path going up but had several paved areas going down. We could see out to the ocean from the tower but El Yunque peak was pouring rain and no visibility. Everything was so green that I made it a challenge to take some pics of non green things we saw along the way. Not a ton of people. No fees required. Great day. read more
6 months ago
We went here on a weekend in February... it was BUSY. We arrived about 10:30am and began our drive up the mountain. There are about 4 stops open at this time in 2026. It didn't cost anything to get in. There are very steep hills and a lot of potholes! Very limited parking at each stop. It's a beautiful place if you Like nature and don't mind driving and stopping and being patient in order to get parking. read more
El Yunque National Forest is such a unique experience. The views from the trails are absolutely stunning. There are several locations with waterfalls and pools where you can swim and relax, as well as strenuous mountain trails for those who like to hike. The trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the trails do not have much parking available nearby, which could be an issue, especially as the park gets to be busier during the afternoon. The park closes at 5pm sharp every day. It's a really fun day trip out of San Juan! Would definitely recommend coming! read more
It's only a 40 minute drive from town on a massive clean and wide freeway. There are lots of signs, towns and restaurants lined to get you there. Once you get to the restaurant lined town slow down. Some drivers can be impatient. You'll need to pay to view the incredibly modern visitor center high above the tree lined valley with commissioned artwork and parrots. It has interactive open air placards, staff, restrooms, and an expensive gift store. Head up and through to the top, then circle back down to stop at a few featured areas. The waterfalls, tower and cafe are popular parking stops. Breathe in cool clean air and enjoy the views. If you're adventurous do a little or a lot of hiking from the crowds. read more
This place is so gorgeous, but also a complete tourist trap! Try to go early when they first open as we went midday during spring break and there were alot of kids and tourists (tourists year round obviously). I really wanted to take pics of the waterfall but there were too many tourists and it also started to rain hard. Such a beautiful and lush seven wonders of the world! read more
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Many believe its name comes from the Taino word, Yuke, or "white earth," a reference to the clouds that gather around the forest's mountainous peak; others believe it derives from Yúcahu, the Taíno deity of fertility. It's not very big, stretching about 28,000 acres, but it is rich with fauna diversity. As you trek through the muddy clay earth, you'll admire colorful ferns, tall bamboo, canopy trees and the chirping of coqui frogs. If you're worried about any dangerous animals or insects, don't fret! There are no predators or venomous creatures here! The cooler temperature and running rivers make the area unsuitable for mosquitoes too! We hiked about 30 minutes to get to a natural water slide, rope swing and cliffs for jumping. It was a bit crowded but it was so much fun! It's about a 45 minute drive from San Juan and easy to get to by car. Visiting El Yunque is a must when in Puerto Rico! read more
I went with a tour group called Spot-On, my tour guide was Andrea. She is phenomenal!! She's so well versed in all there is to know about the habitats, creatures, and of course the historical significance of the land and how it came to be. It was an amazing experience to be able to hike the trail while learning about everything we passed by. It was humid, but very moderately! However, the trail was very slippery!! Both muddy and rocky/uneven. Bring good shoes!!! Ones with grip and ones you don't mind getting dirty. The waterfall was breathtaking!! And the water slide?! An experience I will NEVER forget. I can't explicate how thrilling and exhilarating it was. The adrenaline that surged through my body when we went cliff diving- Chills just thinking about it now. But I'm so happy I did it. Definitely a place you MUST visit when in San Juan Puerto Rico!!! You can go on your own, they offer maps at the front entrance. However, going with a tour guide is safer and they know where all the nice spots are. Additionally, they take pictures for your group and of you individually. As well as record your jumps and of you going down the water slide. read more
3 months ago
I went on the El Yunque Rainforest guided tour with Spot In Tours today, and it was easily the best part of my Puerto Rico vacation so far. From the pickup to the drop-off, everything was seamless and well organized. But what really made this experience unforgettable was our tour guide, Orlando. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the rainforest, its history, wildlife, and ecosystem, and he made the entire adventure both fun and safe. Orlando guided us through natural water slides, cliff jumping, rope swings, and swimming spots, making sure everyone felt comfortable and secure every step of the way. The day was packed with adventure, laughter, and amazing memories. He also did a fantastic job bringing the group together--we all connected, mingled, and had a great time as if we'd known each other for much longer than a few hours. If you're visiting Puerto Rico and considering a trip to El Yunque, I cannot recommend Spot In Tours enough. And if you have the chance to tour with Orlando, take it--you won't regret it. I'll absolutely be booking this tour again the next time I'm back in Puerto Rico. read more
El Yunque is a beautiful rainforest. The weather was perfect when we were there. Blue skies and perfect temperature and we did get a bit of rain while we're in the rainforest lol. Our tour guides were great. Took us on a great hike to a beautiful waterfall to swim, rope swing and slide off the waterfall. A must visit for anyone ever visiting Puerto Rico. read more
A must see for trips to Puerto Rico! The park is free to enter but you must pay to visit the visitor center. However, we found it help to go and talk to the ranger about the trail closures which helped us to avoid a trail closed due to a landslide while still being about the access the peak. The trail are otherwise very well marked and not all together challenging. There was a shocking total lack of mosquitos but do prepare to get rained, it is a rain forest after all. It's a stunningly beautiful and well maintained place. I highly recommend the hike to the leak where you'll see numerous wild orchids along the way. read more
This is an amazing place. Get there early or the crowds will be overwhelming. We only spent about 2 hours here on our tour. I don't think 8 hours would be enough. They are still recovering from the last major hurricane. There are a lot of hiking trails. Get out and explore. read more
9 months ago
What an adventure! I wasn't leaving PR until I stepped foot in the rainforest. Beautiful foliage and cool, fun, painful water slides. If I could leave a review for my tour guide Raffy of Carribean Breeze Adventures I definitely would give him 10 stars. Amazing guide. Fun and informative. Just a whole Puerto Rican vibe doing his thing. The jungle was lush and slippery as all hell. I thought I was prepped for this hike but babbbbbbyyyy, the jungle said GOTCHA. LOL Though I had well gripped sneakers the algae attached to the bottoms and everything for Shay became a oops slip, slide and boom. Almost died here but I'd do it again. The rocks were better with cotton socks on. Learned that quickly. He took us to a river and 3 slides. By the end of the tour (I did it all) we happily celebrated going back to land. Everyone on slide 3 hit their elbow on a boulder and it hurt but not drastically. Just enough to scream "La playa pork favor!" When he asked if we were ready for the beach. It was an amazing tour we found on Viator. Included transportation and left a heavy tip because Raffy was fun, funny and vibrant throughout the tour. We were amazed at all the natural bays and slides the rainforest had created through evolution. We all agreed. Painful? Yup. A bit. Fun? Absolutely. Do it again? 11 out of 13 we said yes. You must be resilient to tour this forest. Elderly and littles proceed with caution. read more
6 months ago
Beautiful rainforest with well-kept trail system. There are lots of paved trails available, so it is super accessible for people who don't typically hike! A great way to get people outside. The visitor center is also wonderful and has great items in the shop. I love that the trails are free to go on and that you only need to pay the $8/adult if you want to go to the visitor center. read more
1 year ago
This is a beautiful place to visit to get to know the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. The park is home to some beautiful paths that are walkable. You don't need a tour to go inside the park. You can drive in on your own. It is free to drive inside. There are several places to stop the car and explore. And yes you will get wet! It rains (you're in a rainforest)!!! Which makes it all the more majestic. There is nothing like the sound of the rain along the canopy of the trees. The rain is sporadic. While we were day it rained once, and it was short. There are also waterfalls and creeks along the paths. We did visit Juan Diego Falls. Its's very easy to park the car along the road and walk over. There are steps to get up to the waterfall. It is also a beautiful place to take a dip for a swim. Definitely bring a swimsuit and a towel. The waterfall itself is beautiful. It is a really nice spot to stop and take a few pics or maybe have a little picnic. There is some construction going on at the moment, but there was construction workers on site guiding the traffic. It's always an experiencing driving up the mountains through narrow streets. Highly recommend taking your time exploring the rainforest. There are so many beautifplaces to stop and admire the beautiful landscape. read more
10 months ago
When I took my first trip to PR i wanted it to be full of adventure and this was the number 1 attraction. You get to get picked up if at a local San Juan hotel or meet them at the hotel the car picks you up then takes you to el Yunque. They even stop at cafe and beach along the way so you can enjoy a meal and the beautiful water. It is normally wet as it is a rainforest. I only recommend if you enjoy being active. This has a lot of walking uo and down a trail to get to the rocks and walk on the wet slippery rocks to the throw yourself down a rock slide. It is very dangerous but worth every minute of it. read more
1 year ago
El Yunque Rainforest is a historical site on the island of Puerto Rico it is free to enjoy surrounded by Nature it was hit by hurricane Maria some of the damage is visible. Some areas are closed from enjoying for safety reason's. Tours are available. They have gift shops and you can stop and grab something to eat. They also have the conservation center for a fee of $8 pp with a history show and a gift shops along with to short trails to enjoy. This is separate from the rainforest and just a short drive away. I think it's worth the visit read more
9 months ago
We enjoyed a half day in El Yunque. Stopping at the visitor centre is helpful to understand the park and it is wonderful to see the film which explains the history. The drive through was nice yet there is much construction and various stops were closed. It led to us being a touch disappointed that we couldn't explore more than what we did. Nevertheless, the forest is beautiful a great reminder of our symbiotic relationship with the earth. We're glad we went, yet would spend perhaps 1/2 day which is sufficient. read more
1 year ago
El Yunque is a must-see if you ever visit Puerto Rico - it is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. You can go there without a tour, which is what we did. As you hike along the path, you can here the coqui frogs throughout the rainforest. Definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring a bathing suit if you plan to go to the waterfalls. I recommend La Coca trail to see the waterfall. We also went to El Yunque peak, where the El Yunque Tower is, which was quite a challenging and long hike, but definitely worth the breath taking views! read more
The rainforest is free to drive in, but if you decide to stop at the visitor center, they will charge you 8 dollar per person. We stopped at the gate of visitor center, and the guard said we can buy a map for 3 dollar, seems no need to get into the visitor center, so we turned around and drove up. It's a rainy day, no sunshine, the green are even greener, totally lush green. It's beautiful to drive through the rain forest. There are construction going on, giving you extra challenge for parking on the way. But since it's a rainy day, not too crowded, i guess it's ok. It's a beautiful place to visit if you are in San Juan, about one hour drive to get here. read more
1 year ago
We went on such a great day! I was so happy that it didn't rain as much as everybody said it was going to. But please be prepared, it will rain. It is a rainforest! The sunshine is beautifully through the peaks of the trees. There are so many stops to stop on if you drive up the hill. However, parking can be pretty hard. I recommend Finding a park and walking up and down the hill, but be very careful as this can be very dangerous. Going through all of the little creeks and finding the waterfalls were beautiful! Paths are not 100% carved out so you do have to wear the right shoes. I'd be very careful. read more
I never feel comfortable rating nature. That being said, what I got to see of this place was magnificent. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get to see a whole lot of it. I went with a tour group, and they stuck to only a trail that took you to a couple of waterfalls (both in the same vicinity of each other). The trails are extremely muddy, so be prepared with the proper shoes (water shoes, Chacos). Honestly, those wearing the Chacos faired better than those on other shoes. I kept slipping in my water shoes. (Tennis shoes and hiking shoes/boots are useless.) Another fair warning, even if the weather is sunny and dry, the trails will be treacherously muddy. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE RAINFOREST. However, once you reach the water and revel in the beauty around you, you'll forget how you almost bust your butt just moments ago. Astoundingly beautiful, breathtaking scenery. I felt like an ant in awe of the massive nature that surrounded me. There were way too many people (well over a hundred) for me to have the complete serene experience that a nature lover would want, but I made the most of it. You can drive here or come with a tour. I was told Uber doesn't drop here. I cannot imagine doing/seeing everything in a day, but if you come early you can accomplish quite a bit. If you opt to visit with a tour, be advised that if you're an adventurer, you'll have to pick and choose. I could not find one tour that offered both a hike through the rainforest and the waterfall experience. Beware that some of the waterfall tours market themselves as a "hike", but it's only the trail to get to the water. Avid hikers would laugh at that trail. Also, try to book a private tour to avoid the large crowds. Next time, I hope to see more of the rainforest. read more
11 months ago
The views are breathtaking and the walks are very pleasant! Gotta look for Quebrada de Juan Diego! read more
Visiting El Yunque is a wonderful way to spend a day while you're in Puerto Rico. There are tours that can take you there, but it's very easy to do on a self drive day-trip for free. I visited with a friend while we were in Puerto Rico on a girls trip, and we made a ton of stops throughout the forest during the day we spent there. We first stopped at La Coca Falls which is a gorgeous waterfall right off the main road. You can stop and take photos of it from afar, or hike up to it and get sprayed by the refreshing mists of the falls. We had all day to explore, so we definitely did the hike. After we cooled down in the falls, we drove a bit more and found ourselves at the Yokahu Tower. It's a cylindrical tower that's about 70 feet high. If you climb to the rooftop, you can get a full 360° view of the rainforest. One thing you'll see from the top of the tower (and many other places in the forest), are the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains. They're massive and breathtaking, with fog rolling around their gigantic peaks. Once we were done with our photos on the roof of the tower, we drove a little more, making stops in a few places when we saw good lookout points (there are a zillion!). We also stumbled up on a fruit stand that sold fresh fruit and coconuts, which the proprietor would chop the top off of with a machete. It was cool to see, and also cooling to drink after we'd been exploring the rainforest all day. Post refreshing coconut juice, we were ready to make our way to La Mina Falls, which is another waterfall, down the mountain a ways (a 30 to 45 minute hike each way). It was pretty and a little easier to splash around in because its tide pool was at ground level, splashing onto some large rocks. So we made our way across the rocks and splish-splashed in the water a little bit to cool down and get some relaxation before our hike back up the 30-45 minute hike (uphill this time). Well, we splashed around for a bit too long, and then we realized it was about to get dark, and we definitely did not want to try to make our way in the dark! Our 30 minute hike turned into a 10 minute race up the mountain on foot. So definitely keep track of the time if you'll be spending the whole day there. But DO spend a day there exploring - you will not regret it! read more
1 year ago
From mountain observation towers to waterfalls, this is a paradise waiting to be explored. A real highlight of our trip to Puerto Rico. read more
2 years ago
A must see if you're in the Rio Grande area. It's free. You can spend a few hours or the whole day here. There's only one two-way lane curvy road to sites. So be cautious. Our first stop was La Coca Falls which is magical. Then off to Yokahú Tower. Nice easy climb to the top with a breathtaking view. Juan Diego creek you can take a swim than hike some more to another fall to swim again. Don't forget your towel! You'll have to climb so wear hiking boots. However, young folks had chancla on. We did this all in 2 hours. You can continue on the road up to other two mile hikes. Also they do have a food concession. Enjoyable, not that crowded in December. read more
3 years ago
This turned out to be a great day trip. The cost to get in is $8 per person. We stopped at the visitor center to get an idea of what we should expect while walking the trails. It's a gravel trail with hills so good shoes with support are recommended. While walking the great Puerto Rico lizard cuckoo flew over me and while trying to get a better view, two men approached us with some serious bird watching cameras. This was one bird they had been searching a while for. While we didn't see much of anything else the hollowed trees and extremely large leaves and a variety of flowers were all neat to look at. This is worth a day trip plus the visitors center has a cafe you can sit and relax. read more
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Sierra de Luquillo
Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773
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