El Yunque National Forest was the first rainforest I’ve ever visited, so even without being absolutely incredible, it holds a special place in my heart!
In this guide, I cover the forest’s history, top waterfalls and where to swim, the best hikes, what to wear, the weather, and everything else you’d ever want to know. I’m so excited to share this with you!
Here’s the complete guide to El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico:
Why is El Yunque so popular?
El Yunque National Forest is so popular in part because it’s the only rainforest in the U.S. Each year, about 600,000 travelers visit El Yunque, making it the most visited attraction in Puerto Rico.
History
El Yunque National Forest is intertwined deeply with the history of Puerto Rico.
The indigenous Taíno people lived in the rainforest for centuries before the arrival of the Spanish, whose colonization shaped modern-day Puerto Rico.
Today, El Yunque is one of the most visited spots on the island, no longer the spiritual center of Tainos.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before visiting El Yunque, you gotta be prepared.
This is a rainforest, after all! Remember to respect Mother Nature by not littering and staying on the trail.
Entrance fee: There are no entrance fees at El Yunque, yay! The rainforest is open to all.
Hours: The Forest is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Address: El Yunque National Forest, PR-191, Río Grande, 00745, Puerto Rico
Is it better to go to El Yunque in the morning or afternoon?
I suggest going to El Yunque in the morning to avoid the afternoon rain and have a better chance of spotting wildlife. However, if you can’t get to the ‘Yunque until the afternoon, you’ll still have an incredible time.
How do I reach El Yunque National Forest from San Juan?
My advice is to rent a car in San Juan and drive to El Yunque from San Juan in about an hour or take a tour that includes transportation. There are also tours that pick you up from San Juan, which I talk more about below. Check out the note below about Uber and rideshare.
Is there cell service in El Yunque?
Yes, there is cell service in El Yunque, but it can be moody, so make sure to download maps.
Note: Uber and taxis can drop you off, but they’re not allowed in the rainforest. That means you’ll have to find a different way back, which can be tough because there’s very little ride share outside San Juan.
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Top Things To Do in El Yunque National Forest
From incredible hiking to swimming in bucket list waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical greenery, there is so much magic to be experienced here.
These are the top things to do in El Yunque:
Hiking
Don’t leave El Yunque without a fairytale hike through the rainforest! Even if you don’t do a formal trail, make sure to walk around and just breathe in the beauty. Try these trails:
- Yokahu Tower Trail. This 0.1-mile long, mostly paved trail leads to the Yokahu Observation Tower, where you can take in lovely forest and ocean views.
- La Mina Trail. This trail leads to the beautiful La Mina Falls (more on that below). It’s 0.7 miles one way and takes about 45 minutes to hike.
- Mt. Britton Trail. This trail has amazing views! It’s a must. It’s also a bit steeper, 0.8 miles, and takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the top.
- Big Tree Trail. This moderate trail is 1.2 miles long and has stunning views of some of the tallest trees in El Yunque, including the iconic “Big Tree.”
- Baño de Oro Trail. This 3-mile-long trail is much more secluded than the others on this list. At the end is a natural pool called Baño de Oro, where you can swim.
Note: Some of the trails are closed after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. If you’re not taking a tour, check the USDA El Yunque Rainforest for updates before your trip.
Does El Yunque have caves?
El Yunque is not known for caves, but plenty of other caves are on the island. Hop on a tour to the legendary Cueva del Indio to see the ancient Taino petroglyphs, less than an hour from San Juan.
Are there monkeys in El Yunque?
At El Yunque, you’ll find all kinds of beautiful plants and cool animals, but not monkeys. However, you can see the Puerto Rican parrot, giant toads, and red ferns!
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Waterfalls
One of the most popular things to do at El Yunque is to take pics and swim in the waterfalls, for obvious reasons. These are the most visited waterfalls in the forest:
La Coca Falls
La Coca Falls is the easiest to see because it’s right off the PR-151 main road, around 4.9 miles (8 km) from the park’s entrance. La Coca Falls is a favorite spot to take photos, but beware that the rocks are super slippery, making La Coca unswimmable. Park on the side of the road.
Juan Diego Creek
Juan Diego Creek is a set of cascading mini waterfalls that follow the river. A short trail leads to natural pools perfect for swimming, but remember that the area is popular and usually crowded. The trailhead sign is visible from the PR 191 main road, and there is limited parking.
La Mina Falls
La Mina is the most popular fall in the El Yunque Rainforest. The natural swimming pool below the falls is around 65°F (18°C). You’ll cross a few beautiful bridges to reach La Mina Falls, so make time to slow down for photos.
Can you swim in the waterfalls at El Yunque?
Swimming is allowed in some areas, like the pool near La Mina Falls. Always be careful because the rocks here are so slippery!
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Tours
El Yunque tours are so worth it. Take these tours to learn more and do 0 navigating:
- Guided Hiking Tours: Join a guided hiking tour to learn about flora, fauna, and the forest.
- Waterfall Tours: Take a guided tour focused on exploring the stunning waterfalls of El Yunque. I like this option because it shows you the best watering holes and natural rock slides for swimming and cliff jumping.
- Zipline Adventures: EL Yunque zipline tours are a popular choice- who wouldn’t want to fly through the forest canopy?
Can you explore El Yunque without a tour?
Yes, you can explore by yourself, but keep in mind that having a guide can enhance the experience with expert knowledge. If you’re super into learning about the history of El Yunque and finding all the hidden gems, just take the tour girl.
Climate and What to Wear
This is a rainforest, meaning it’s warm and humid no matter when you visit.
From December to April, it’s a bit drier, making it prime for hiking and exploring. But come May to November, it’s the wet season, which means more lush greenery and, you guessed it, rain and temperatures in the upper 80s.
What do you wear in El Yunque rainforest?
When visiting El Yunque National Forest, it’s important to dress appropriately for the tropical rainforest environment. Here are some recommendations:
- Sunscreen to protect your precious skin, even on overcast days. Don’t forget to reapply! If you have sensitive skin like me, consider an oil-free, fragrance-free sunscreen. I also use the waterproof lipscreen to keep my lips from chapping and drying.
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing. It’s humid, it’s humid, it’s HUMID.
- Bright leggings or tops to contrast the forest in photos.
- Hiking shoes with good grip.
- Rain-pare. Prepare for light tropical rain with a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho.
- Insect repellent. I’m picky about chemicals, so I use bug soother.
- Water and snacks. It’s easy to get dehydrated despite the humidity. Stay strapped with H20.
- Backpack. Carry your essentials in a lightweight backpack, including water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a map, or a guidebook (remember, the cell service sucks).
Y’all know looking cute is critical, but you wanna dress correctly for El Yunque. Otherwise, you’ll be hot, rained on, sunburned, and falling down 🙂
Should I wear long pants to El Yunque?
Wearing long pants in El Yunque National Forest is a good idea, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring the trails. I wore comfy leggings to protect against scratches and insects, especially when the trail gets dense.
What shoes to wear to El Yunque rainforest?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with a good grip for the wet and uneven terrain. These are my go-to Columbias, but any good hiking shoes will do.
Do you need bug spray for El Yunque rainforest?
Yes! Yes! 1000 times, yes, you do need bug spray to explore El Yunque! Unless you’re into getting quietly eaten alive by mosquitos, of course.
