Planning a day trip to El Yunque was the most intimidating part of my itinerary for 3 young adults. Here is why you should go under any circumstances, you can fit a full day here in 3-5 hours

We visited on the rainiest day of our trip and it made the experience more magical. Constant downpours made for extra powerful waterfalls and rapids and added to the atmosphere. You will get wet if you go here for the full experience, so the rain will not matter.

We wore water shoes, UV shirts, and biker shorts, we were worried about not having boots but trust me you will prefer good traction water shoes! The shirt choice and shorts are to stay warm in the cold swimming holes

You do not -need- to visit the Portal, or pay to see any waterfalls, it's $8 per person if you choose to stop at the visitors center and especially worth the trip if you have elementary aged kids. However the road further up to waterfalls etc gets very busy by 11am even on weekdays so do not stay long

You exit the visitor center and just drive one well paved and maintained road up the mountain with various stops on either side. If you do not stop at the visitor center first you can Google the park map.

There are places to stop along the way to buy gifts, essentials, use restroom, read map board, get food and even beer (rainforest cafe - this is not The Rainforest Cafe, its a quick stop with tacos and PR favorites and a GREAT selection of beer 4 for $18

If there is no covered seating left and it rains there is a large pavilion a 2 min hike downhill by a creek

We considered stopping for bug spray (available if you forget it) but we weren't being bothered and I left with only 2 small mosquito bites after 5 hours

The stop you want to dedicate at least an hour to is Juan Diego Falls. Here are 3 series of waterfalls with swimming holes. They are directly off the road so the hike is only a path alongside the creek to get to them all.

The first waterfall can be accessed by almost anyone, it's small but impressive and you can swim. The next leg up is a bit more challenging but you won't feel unsafe. The next waterfall is a bit larger. The next one up, watch everyone carefully to find the trail and the safest way up. I would not advise doing this leg with kids under 13. It's still an easy climb if you don't look down

You can drive almost to the peak and take a short, paved hike the rest of the way to a lookout tower. Torre Britton is the highest open access right now but just as impressive. The hike is 500ft elevation 0.8km with several places to stop and rest along the way. Families with babies were enjoying the hike

After you leave the park, take 988 for some more river spots that you can visit. We fit the whole park plus these all into 5 hours:

1. Puente Roto
2. Charco Los Angelitos
3. Los Pailas

Continue out to Loquillo for dinner at the Kioskos and some of the best snorkeling and views

Hope this helps and you enjoy it too!