El Yunque: Your Guide to Puerto Rico's National Forest
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
March 2025
Juan Diego Upper Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
Some say the “real Puerto Rico” can only be found in El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the United States national forest system, and a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture: an inspiration for folklore legends, pop culture, and traditions on the island for centuries. And whilst we may disagree with the disclaimer that this is the only place you can find the “real Puerto Rico”, El Yunque National Forest is absolutely worth a visit!
El Yunque National Forest (you may also see it written in Spanish as Bosque Nacional El Yunque) is a lush rainforest that offers visitors numerous opportunities for hiking, picnicking, swimming, standing beneath thundering waterfalls, incredible landscape views, and encountering plenty of diverse wildlife. A visit here is a must for nature-lovers, or for anyone simply seeking a soul-refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of San Juan.
So what’s so special about this place? Aside its geological wonders, its unique ecosystems, and its cultural significance, why not take a step inside and see for yourself?
We provide for you here an overview of what you can expect from a visit to El Yunque National Forest (which we will shorten to El Yunque in most places), including our recommendations for the top things to see and do.
Fun fact. “El Yunque” is the name of the mountain peak within the forest (Pico El Yunque), the name of the forest itself, and also the name sometimes given to the entire Sierra de Luquillo mountain range in which the forest is located.
Fun fact. El Yunque National Forest is renowned for its unique Taino petroglyphs. Indeed, some believe the name El Yunque comes from the Taino word “Yuké”, meaning “white earth” or “white land” – a reference to the clouds that gather around the forest’s namesake peak. Others believe it derives from “Yúcahu”, the masculine spirit of fertility in Taino mythology.
Quick Tips
View over the cloud forest from atop Yokahú Tower (El Yunque National Forest)
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico.
El Yunque is just under an hour’s drive from San Juan, in eastern Puerto Rico, and is open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 7.30am to 5pm.
There is no entrance fee to visit El Yunque National Forest.
Prepare for your visit to El Yunque appropriately, including packing lightweight wet weather gear, a change of clothes if you plan to go swimming, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
There is a lot to do in El Yunque, from hiking to searching for Taino petroglyphs, and from swimming in natural pools beneath beautiful waterfalls to ziplining, horse-riding and ATVing.
El Yunque is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 240 species of trees and plants, including numerous endangered and rare species.
Stay safe in El Yunque by sticking to marked trails and following designated signage, to help protect both yourself and the forest.
Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to visit El Yunque National Forest!
Plan Your Trip
Parking can get crowded in El Yunque (Puerto Rico)
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Where is El Yunque National Forest?
The entrance to El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico)
A decent 45-60-minute drive from the San Juan Cruise Port you’ll find the entrance to El Yunque on Highway 191 (PR-191), near the town of Rio Grande. Nestled in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo mountains of northeastern Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest is a symbol of nature’s strength and beauty.
The most common (and indeed convenient) way to get to El Yunque is by renting a car and driving yourself. We simply used Google Maps from San Juan and found the directions quite accurate and easy to follow. You can also join a guided tour, most of which will offer a pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the San Juan city limits. Note there is no public transportation (buses or trains) that go directly to El Yunque.
Upon arrival at El Yunque you’ll first come across the modern El Portal de El Yunque Visitor Center – redesigned and reopened in January 2022 following significant damage by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. This easily accessible visitor center is an excellent place to begin your journey through the forest, offering maps of El Yunque, as well as up-to-date information – it is also a hub for interpretive services, with daily Ranger-led talks offered for visitors that provide information on the forest’s history, geology and biodiversity, as well as walks along an interpretive trail. El Portal is also home to museum exhibits, local artwork exhibitions, a small theater, a gift shop, a café, restrooms, and an event pavilion.
Fun fact. The area of land where El Portal is located today was once the site of a coffee plantation.
Planning Your Visit to El Yunque National Forest
Slippery trail to Juan Diego Upper Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
Opening Hours
El Yunque is open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 7.30am to 5pm. The visitor center (El Portal) is open from 9am to 5pm (except on several major holidays).
Entrance Fees
There is no entrance fee to visit El Yunque National Forest, though there is an entrance fee to visit the El Portal de El Yunque Visitor Center (US$8 for adults, free for children under the age of 15). No reservation is required to visit El Portal.
Some parking areas within El Yunque also charge a small fee (for example, it costs US$2 per vehicle to access the La Mina Recreation Area).
When to Visit
Puerto Rico has a tropical rainforest climate, whilst some elevations – including parts of El Yunque – border on a subtropical highland climate. There is no distinct wet or dry season in El Yunque – basically, it rains year-round, and the temperature and number of daylight hours remain relatively consistent year-round. El Yunque sees an average of 120 inches (3.05 meters) to 240 inches (6.1 meters) of rainfall each year, which helps to create its lush, jungle-like setting.
Be prepared, as trail conditions can change in an instant
Prepare and pack for your visit to El Yunque accordingly, including bringing lightweight wet weather gear (it will still be hot and humid in the forest, so bring sunscreen and water too!) and a change of clothes if you plan to go swimming. We also recommend wearing sturdy shoes, as hiking trails range from paved paths to rough, uneven trails with steep slopes.
We also recommend visiting El Yunque on a weekday morning, if possible. Limited parking at certain attractions within the forest can cause challenges, and arriving early will help you avoid the large tourist crowds that often come through around late morning through late afternoon.
Insider tip. El Portal offers “trip planning services”. If you plan to spend some time in the visitor center on your way into El Yunque, be sure to take advantage of these free services.
Insider tip. Before you head to El Yunque, be sure to consult the forest’s website for weather conditions, trail status, and any park closures due to weather or maintenance that may affect your plans. Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, many of the forest’s trails were rebuilt, but periodic closures for restoration still occur.
Things to See and Do in El Yunque National Forest
Entrance to Baño Grande (El Yunque National Forest)
Encompassing more than 28,000 acres (44 square miles) through eight different municipalities, El Yunque is the largest block of public land in Puerto Rico. It also means there’s plenty to see and do inside!
Archaeological Sites
El Yunque National Forest is home to several indigenous archaeological sites, including unique Taino petroglyphs. These petroglyphs can be commonly found carved into large rocks along rivers and streams in the foothills of the forest. The largest concentration of these are near a swimming hole called El Hippie, a place well-known to locals. If these pre-Columbian petroglyphs – primarily representations of people, spirits and ancestors – are something of intrigue to you, it might be worth arranging a local guide to help you better understand their meaning and significance.
El Yunque is understood to be one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere, only four years younger than Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Interestingly, however – and despite these petroglyphs – there is no record or evidence of there ever being a permanent settlement in El Yunque, suggesting it to be a sacred place for the Taino.
Hiking Trails
An overview of El Yunque’s hiking trails (Puerto Rico)
As the most popular activity within the forest, El Yunque offers visitors a plethora of hiking trails, catering to all levels of hiking ability and interest – and these trails are where the real magic within the forest lies. Detailed maps of El Yunque’s hiking trails are available from the visitor center, with some of the must-visit trails including the following.
Angelito Trail. A short and easy hike (0.7 miles long) – and also dog-friendly – that leads to a series of natural pools. If you’re up for walking a little further, continue along the trail to a rope swing, where you can jump and dive into the lagoon. Note this area can be prone to flash flooding during heavy rains, so be careful!
Big Tree. This interpretive trail is 1.5 miles (2.4km) long, pleasantly paved for easy access (though note it is steep in parts). Here you’ll come across some of the largest trees in El Yunque, and it is one of two trails that ends at La Mina Falls (which we’ll talk about in a bit!).
Caimitillo Trail. Another short, easy, and family-friendly trail (less than half a mile long) where you can take your time and enjoy a quiet stroll through giant tree ferns and palm trees. The trail is dog-friendly and leads to a picnic area.
El Toro / Tradewinds Trails. If you’re a serious hiker and are up for a true challenge, consider the El Toro Wilderness Trail, one of the most remote hikes in El Yunque. Extending for almost 3 miles along a paved section, before turning to an unpaved section for another 2 miles (this section is also known as the Tradewinds Trail), the El Toro trail leads to the highest point in El Yunque, also the highest point in eastern Puerto Rico. The trail crosses four municipalities, and it is here you will find the most ecologically preserved section of El Yunque, home to numerous endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
La Coca Trail. Not to be confused with the La Coca Falls (see below for more information on those!), this is a very challenging 3.6-mile (5.8km, round trip) primitive trail that takes you through some incredibly dense forest, ending at the Mameyes River. The trail crosses several small streams and waterfalls, and is in one of the wettest parts of El Yunque, often leaving the trail muddy and slippery. Make sure you stick to the well-marked trail here and bring lots of water with you – the return hike is all uphill.
On the way to Mt. Britton (El Yunque National Forest)
Mt. Britton Tower Trail (Mount Britton Trail). A moderately challenging, but short (only 1.6mi / 2.6km) hike that crosses a Sierra palm forest and two mountain streams on the way to the summit of Mt. Britton, the 8th-tallest peak within El Yunque. The summit is home to a small lookout tower built in the mid 1930s, and on a clear day will afford visitors incredible panoramic views over both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Pico El Yunque (El Yunque Trail). This 5.4-mile (8.7km) trail is the most popular within the forest, leading you to the summit of its highest peak (El Yunque), with incredible views over the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding region. Although considered moderately difficult for hikers, some of Pico El Yunque’s side trails are considered to be even more challenging (if you’re up for it, we say go for it!). This trail is open year-round and is dog-friendly.
Rio Sabana. In the southern part of El Yunque you’ll find this challenging hike that crosses dense forest and remote steep areas. It extends just 2.2 miles (3.54km) and has bathrooms and a picnic area.
Vereda La Coca Trail. Not to be confused with La Coca Trail above (though they are within close proximity of one another), this is another challenging hike, with a total distance of just over 3 miles out-and-back. There are restrooms available at the start of the trail.
Other hiking trails lead to fabulous waterfalls, which we’ll share with you next!
Insider tip. Some hiking trails within El Yunque remain closed due to damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Be sure to consult the forest’s website for up-to-date information on trail conditions and status. At the time of writing, La Mina, Big Tree and the Baño de Oro trails were all still closed.
Waterfalls
La Coca Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
Without question, one of the most popular activities within El Yunque is hiking to one of its numerous notable waterfalls – with many opportunities to go swimming in these natural pools, if you fancy! Consider visiting one or more of the following during your time in the forest.
Juan Diego Lower Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
Juan Diego Falls. If you’re looking for a short, easy (but unpaved and uneven) hike and a swimming opportunity, head to the Juan Diego Falls. Here you can wade into the natural pool at the end of the trail, beneath the beautiful 15m-high (49-foot) waterfall. There’s also a second set of falls – the upper falls (about 40 feet high) – but the trail to get there can be a little challenging (and is very muddy and slippery after rainfall!). Note that due to its increased popularity, there is now limited capacity at Juan Diego Falls, with visitors only permitted to park at the entrance to the falls for a maximum of half an hour. We loved visiting these falls in particular, but heads up you will probably get muddy and you definitely need sturdy shoes for this one (unlike the ones we wore…)!
La Coca Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
La Coca Falls. These are perhaps the easiest falls to access within El Yunque, as they are literally right beside the road! La Coca Falls are quite the spectacle, with a drop of 85 feet (26 meters) on to large rock formations. This is one of the most popular photo spots in the forest and also has bathrooms and a small gift shop. Be careful crossing the road from the parking to the falls, as it can be quite dangerous. No swimming is permitted here.
La Mina Falls. Though it remains closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, the popular hiking trail to La Mina Falls is considered “moderate to difficult”. The trail is approximately 1.4 miles (2.25km) long and follows La Mina River, where it then ends at the incredibly picturesque La Mina Falls, where you can swim in the natural pools.
La Coca Falls (El Yunque National Forest)
Insider tip. No matter if you’re hiking to the top of a mountain or to some tranquil waterfalls within the El Yunque National Forest, be sure to stick to the marked trails. Heading off the paths damages the fragile ecosystem, and has even been known to cause landslides.
Other Activities Within El Yunque National Forest
Yokahú Tower (El Yunque National Forest)
In addition to hiking and swimming in the natural pools beneath picturesque waterfalls, El Yunque offers additional recreational activities that include picnicking, birdwatching, ziplining, horse-riding and camping.
Ziplining
Up for some adventure (ahem, we mean more adventure!) during your time in El Yunque? Why not test your nerves and enjoy a different perspective of the forest by ziplining through the beautiful green canopy?
There are two options for ziplining: JungleQui Zipline Park (just a 4-minute drive from El Portal visitor center) and Yunque Ziplining (14 minutes from El Portal visitor center, in Luquillo). JungleQui offers 11 carbon fiber ziplines and a rappel, whilst a tour with Yunque features five scenic ziplines ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet (122m to 305m) in length and 50-100 feet (15-30m) high. Both parks emphasize your safety with professional equipment and certified guides.
Horseback Riding and ATVs
There are also opportunities for horseback riding and jumping atop an ATV adventure whilst you’re visiting El Yunque. Your best bet for these activities is to head to Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park, located just outside El Yunque. From Carabalí, you can choose activities that cater to all levels and that will take you either into the foothills of the forest or out to the beach for an hour or so. We heard from other visitors that you can even ride the ATVs through Rio Mameyes – and then take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. A great thing about these tours is that you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about El Yunque’s geology and history from local guides as you go.
Insider tip. You must have a valid permit or driver’s license to drive the ATVs, and provide proof of such before embarking on your tour.
Observation Towers and Other Large Structures
Baño Grande (El Yunque National Forest)
El Yunque is also known for its numerous viewpoints and observation towers.
Baño Grande and Baño de Oro. These man-made structures are two former swimming pools and recreational areas, popular between the 1930s and 1960s. They were closed due to a series of drownings and other safety issues, but today remain interesting historic sites, listed on the National Register of Historic Places – and are definitely worth visiting during your time in El Yunque.
Fun fact. Baño de Oro takes its name from the Rio Baño de Oro, the river that feeds the pool. Baño de Oro means “bath of gold”, as Spaniards mined for gold in its waters during the 16th century.
Mt. Britton Tower. Built in the late 1930s, this stone tower offers stunning views from its observation deck across the entire forest, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea – and on a clear day, as far away as El Portal visitor center. See the information above (under Hiking) on the Mt. Britton Trail and how to reach the tower.
Yokahú Tower (El Yunque National Forest)
Yokahú Tower. Follow the 96 steps (yes, we counted!) to the top of this 69-foot (21-meter) tower and you’ll be afforded magnificent panoramic views of El Yunque (including the cloud forest), the coastline and beyond: on a clear day you can even see all the way to the Virgin Islands! Here you’ll also find a large parking area with clean port-a-potties.
El Yunque’s Wildlife and Conservation: A Biodiversity Hotspot
The lush green highlands of El Yunque (Puerto Rico)
El Yunque National Forest is home to over 240 species of trees and plants, endangered species, and even some rare flora and fauna (many endemic to Puerto Rico) worth exploring. Animal and plant life varies depending upon the altitude range within the forest – so when you’re out hiking, swimming beneath waterfalls, or walking up stairs to the top of an observation tower, make sure to look out for the following.
Puerto Rican Parrot. This beautiful, small, and predominantly green parrot with a red forehead and white rings around its eyes – also known as the Puerto Rican amazon or Puerto Rican iguaca – is the only remaining native parrot to Puerto Rico. Once widespread, the Puerto Rican parrot has been listed as critically endangered since 1994, due to the removal of most of its native habitat, as well as numerous hurricanes causing deforestation and landslides. Conservation efforts on the island have been successful in bringing this bird back from near extinction, and there are now believed to be just under 60 individuals in the wild (and up to 300 in captivity due to ongoing reproduction efforts).
Insider tip. If you don’t have any luck spotting the Puerto Rican parrot during your adventures in the forest, be sure to wander along the interpretive trail that circles El Portal visitor center. Many visitors have reported seeing the parrot here.
For bird enthusiasts, El Yunque will provide you with one of the best bird-watching opportunities on the island. Aside the Puerto Rican parrot, be on the lookout for the Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk, the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk, the Puerto Rican oriole, the peregrine falcon, and the Elfin woods warbler.
Puerto Rican Boa. The largest snake (oh my!) on the island and endemic to Puerto Rico, this boa is also known as Culebrón, or “big snake”. The Puerto Rican boa is a nocturnal land and tree snake, with pale to dark brown coloration, growing up to 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) in length.
Fun fact. Female Puerto Rican boas give birth to live litters (that’s right, no eggs!) of between approximately 23 and 26 boas (oh my!). It is also the only boa species known to catch bats in mid-flight.
Friendly anole (El Yunque National Forest)
Other animals to look out for whilst you’re in El Yunque include the red fruit bat, the Puerto Rican giant anole (a large tree-dwelling lizard native to the island), the Puerto Rican twig anole (a small arboreal lizard endemic to the island), and common Coquí (16 species of this small frog are known to live in Puerto Rico, 13 of which have been found in El Yunque – listen for their loud, distinctive “co-kee” call between sunset and dawn).
Fun fact. Over the years, the Coquí has become an animal of great endearment to Puerto Ricans. In fact, today it is a symbol of Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans.
Fun fact. Although the Coquí is an amphibian, it possesses some features not usually found in frogs. For example, the Coquí don’t have any webbing between their toes (the webbing would not be conducive to climbing trees in the moist forest environment) and their eggs are laid on land (rather than in water) – that’s right, they hatch as mini “frog-lets”, rather than tadpoles!
Not-so-fun fact. Due to climate change, there has been a 10- to 60-fold decline in the anthropod biomass in El Yunque over the past 35 years. This has, in turn, led to a simultaneous decline in the population of lizards, frogs and birds who feed primarily on these anthropods.
River-dwellers. If you find yourself crossing streams or swimming beneath waterfalls in El Yunque, keep your eye out for the endangered American eel, the fat sleeper fish and the bigmouth sleeper fish, big-claw river shrimp (known for their prominent claws … obviously!), and bocú shrimp (a popular ingredient in Puerto Rican dishes).
View over the Sierra Palms (El Yunque National Forest)
Sierra Palm. Found at the highest elevations of El Yunque (anything above 600m / 1,970ft above sea level), this palm dominates the landscape at this height.
Palo Colorado Forest. Some of the trees at this elevation – up to 900m / 2,500ft above sea level – are estimated to be up to 1,000 years old. The trunks of these trees are commonly used as nesting sites by Puerto Rican parrots.
Safety in El Yunque National Forest
Make sure to heed warnings and follow designated signage
During your time in El Yunque, be sure to follow some simple guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Stay on marked trails. This is for your own safety (some trails can be very slippery and muddy, with sharp drop-offs), as well as to protect the forest itself.
Follow designated signage. It can be easy to get excited when you see a thundering waterfall before you and have the urge to explore a little deeper. Be sure to heed warning signs and stick to established trails so, in the rare event something does happen to you or a loved one, park staff can easily find you.
Stay informed. Some parts of El Yunque remain closed due to damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Be sure to consult the forest’s website for up-to-date information on weather, trail conditions and status. Don’t forget that tropical weather - including sudden torrential downpours – can change conditions quickly, including causing flash flooding.
Dining
Mofongo, traditional Puerto Rican cuisine (Bocas Del Mar, Luquillo Beach)
Adventuring through El Yunque is bound to work up an appetite! If you’ve forgotten to bring enough snacks with you, if the small cafe at El Portal didn’t have exactly what you were looking for, or if you forgot to buy some packaged goodies at one of the (very small!) food stalls strewn throughout El Yunque, fear not – there are some excellent options for dining only a hop, skip and a jump away from the forest’s entrance.
El Punto del Rico Coco. Just over 5 minutes from the El Portal visitor center, heading back towards San Juan, this is a popular food truck right by the river, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Serving up restaurant-quality Puerto Rican dishes for lunch and dinner, meals are known to be incredibly fresh and definitely on the larger side.
Bungalu Rest & Bar. Less than a kilometer (half a mile) up the road from El Punto, you’ll find this laidback bar and restaurant, serving up quality Caribbean cuisine with a view of the forest from their rooftop tables. Meals are well-priced, it’s family-friendly, and the taco trio is one of their most popular dishes.
Don Pepe. A minute up the road from Bungalu Rest & Bar you’ll find Don Pepe, which opened in 2003 and has been serving fresh, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to happy customers ever since. They also sell cocktails and have live music on a regular basis.
There are plenty of dining options near Luquillo Beach (Puerto Rico)
Kioskos de Luquillo. If you have a bit of extra time before returning to San Juan, consider heading a bit further east to the seaside town of Luquillo. Here you’ll find a long line of about 60 locally-run kiosks selling food, drinks and souvenirs. Each kiosk has its own personality and menu, so we recommend wandering along the strip for a few minutes before landing on something you like. We ended up at Bocas del Mar and highly recommend it for its incredible mofongo! After your meal, take a walk along the popular Luquillo Beach.
Final Thoughts
The road through El Yunque National Forest
If you find yourself in Puerto Rico with a spare half day or so, make sure you head out to El Yunque National Forest. El Yunque is one of the most popular attractions on the island, for visitors and locals alike – but it is far more than just a rainforest. El Yunque is nature in its most raw form, a sign of resilience, and a sacred place of cultural significance for Puerto Ricans.
In El Yunque you’ll find opportunities for everything from hiking, to climbing towers, to bathing beneath towering waterfalls, to ziplining through cloud forest, to searching for the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot (and we do hope you spot one – they’re very beautiful indeed!). This is the time to head outside the city walls of San Juan, brave your inner adventurer, and seek to find the extraordinary in nature.
So pack your sense of wonder, and let El Yunque’s magic weave its way into your story.
Let’s start planning your trip to help you make the most of your time in El Yunque!
