El Yunque
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System and a must-see destination for nature lovers. With its lush vegetation, mountain streams, and stunning waterfalls, El Yunque is one of the best things you can do on your trip. The best hiking on the island is in El Yunque. Here is a map of the hiking trails, disregard the gate closure time and the visitor center closure, it is outdated. It is usually a ½ day activity for me with my chosen itinerary but you could easily stay in the forest from open to close (8:00 am – 5:00 pm). When visiting El Yunque, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The trails are generally mellow but can be steep and slippery at times. To get in, you no longer need to reserve tickets. The number of daily visitors is limited and it’s first come first served, so show up early. Some tours will take you here, but the best way is to rent a car to drive to the national forest. Here is how to get there and how you should spend your time:
El Yunque Visitor Center
The El Yunque Visitor Center is impressive. The architecture manages to look modern and sleek while still feeling like a jungle bungalow that fits in the rainforest. There is art built into the architecture and other subtle stylistic choices that set this facility apart from any other on the island. My favorite part by far was the chance to see Puerto Rican parrots up close. Prior to seeing them here, I had gone on multiple expeditions to find them, each unsuccessful. They are a stark reminder of the damage mankind can do, unknowingly or otherwise, to the environment for financial gain.
La Coca Falls
When you show up you’ll have to check in with staff there. As soon as you do, you’ll immediately see La Coca Falls when you drive right past it. It’s unique and worth a 5-10-minute stop on the way in or out of the rainforest. People often climb up the rocks on the left side to get a picture next to the waterfall.
Yokahu Tower
Torre Yokahú (Yokahu Tower) offers stunning views of the rainforest and the coast. Park right next to the tower and ascend via a spiral staircase. If you don’t want to do the longer hike to Britton Tower this is a great alternative.
Juan Diego Falls
One of the most popular attractions in El Yunque is Juan Diego Falls, a small waterfall that cascades into a natural pool. Visitors can swim in the pool or simply relax on the rocks and enjoy the scenery. The trail to Juan Diego Falls is very easy and only takes a few minutes to walk. From the falls you can see another waterfall behind and further up, take the trail on the right side of Juan Diego Falls going up and staying left to get to the other waterfall (pictured on the top right). I think it’s even cooler, check it out!
Britton Tower
My favorite spot in El Yunque is the Torre Britton observation tower. Standing at 1335 feet above sea level, the tower offers breathtaking views of much of the rainforest and the surrounding area. The tower is accessed via a gradual uphill hike I rate as moderate. The trailhead is at the end of the road leading through the forest. The hike up takes 25-35 min and is paved making it accessible while raining. Everyone should do this hike as far as I am concerned.
You can easily spend the whole day hiking in El Yunque. Up until this point, what I have included will only take you a half day. If you’d like to spend more time hiking through the rainforest I recommend the following three hikes:
El Yunque Peak
The best view in El Yunque and possibly the best on the entire island. Standing on the small tower on the peak of El Yunque affords an incredible view of the surrounding forest and coastline.
Roca El Yunque
The view from this rock structure is beautiful. It is only slightly lower and less scenic than the majestic El Yunque Peak view.
Los Picachos
The 3rd best view in El Yunque is also the most difficult to get to. The hike to this pointy peak is not easy with steep uphill sections.
El Yunque Alternatives
If you want more experiences like El Yunque, try these alternatives. All exist in or very near the national forest but outside the main recreation corridor.
This is the hike for those who want a more adventurous and intense hiking experience. This is easily the most difficult hike I have done in Puerto Rico. Leave from a trailhead in Canóvanas into what must be the least used entrance to El Yunque. The hike up took me three hours and the hike down took 2.5 hours. The trail is uneven, overgrown, and extremely muddy for almost the entire way. Bring plenty of water, I was not ready for how difficult this hike was. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with what I think might be the most spectacular view on the island. You’ll have just about a 360-degree view of the east coast with the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea both visible – the full 30-mile width of the island. I did this hike with a very fit 73-year-old friend, we sat on rocks at the top for an hour to recover from the trek up and to take in the view. Avid hikers will love this hike, more casual hikers should look elsewhere.
Angelito Trailhead is a great alternative to El Yunque because it is very near the recreation corridor with limited entry. This trail is inside national forest boundaries north of the corridor. You’ll be walking a very similar trail. This is a mellow hike leading to the Mameyes River where you can get in the water. It’s best to go when it has not been raining recently so the river is clear and the trail not muddy.
This natural water slide and swimming hole is an 8-minute drive from Angelito trailhead – close to El Yunque, which means a lot of tour guides stop here. It costs $5 to park in front of someone’s property and $1 to walk through their property. The walk can be a little muddy and slippery. Walk up the rock on the right side of the slide. Be careful, it is very slippery! When sliding down, sit up and run your hands over the rock as you go down for balance – like sitting in a chair with armrests. After the slide, walk down the river a ways to find a large swimming hole.
Also inside of the national forest, this time on the south side is a 2-hour hike through dense, verdant forest to a waterfall (4 hours roundtrip). Start at the disused Sabana River Recreational Area. The hike is mostly flat but you’ll need to climb up and down some areas using ropes. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you find a ladder going straight up next to a waterfall. I suggest you stop your hike at the top of the ladder. To get to the pools formed in the sloping waterfall, you must scramble up, and then back down, the extremely slick rock next to the waterfall. It is smooth enough that I had to take my shoes off for more grip and getting down was scary. We learned that two weeks after we went, a couple of people died on that rock face. Never attempt if there are any clouds in the sky. It is already dangerous when dry, if you get caught in the rain here, you’ll be in serious trouble. Please be careful and have fun!
This location is on the south side of El Yunque, just outside the boundary of the forest. Las Tinajas is awesome because there is a lot to do. There is a spot for cliff jumping, a rope swing, and two natural water slides.
Park in a lot on someone’s property for $5 cash. Then, hike along the trail (ask around if you are unsure where that is) until you reach a swimming hole with a rope swing. If you follow the trail, you’ll need to pay $2 per person as you’ll cross someone else’s property who charges. Alternatively, you can follow the river until you arrive for free, though I have not tried this.
Cross the river to get to the rope swing and follow the trail on that side of the river and you’ll find the first water slide which is the longer and better one. In the photo, you can barely see the smaller slide in the back. If the water is intense and the water is brown and fast-running only use the bigger slide pictured, not the smaller one as it can be unsafe according to tour guides.
Check out more freshwater activities like waterfalls, rivers, and natural springs here!
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