El Yunque National Forest — Attraction in Río Grande

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:

Puente Roto Charco Los Angelitos Los Pailas

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

Hope this helps and you...

You can’t come to PR and not go to the rainforest! You don’t need a guide or tour although doing it that way is probably also as amazing. We got here at 8am and almost no one was here. We beat the tours and much of the crowd. So this made the ride up perfect, there was no traffic and we were able to take our time and truly enjoy the ride into the rainforest. The visitor center didn’t open till 9 so we did miss that opportunity and decided to forgo it on the way out but I’ve heard it’s nice to visit. That is the only thing that costs otherwise this is a free adventure like no other. Once you get in you can make your first stop at the coco falls and either take a photo from the car or pull into the little parking spot to get out and hike up the side for a closer view. Parking is very limited here. Just up a little further is the Yokahu tower with a larger parking lot and porta potties. These were very clean and they have hand washing stations with soap. The walk up is not bad and the view is beautiful. If you go further up you will find Juan Diego Falls, just look for the cars starting to park along the side and find a spot within the designated signs. People parked where it said no parking and got tickets. This waterfall is beautiful. You can get off the path and hike right in the rocks just be mindful and you won’t have any issues. There are 2 falls here the lower falls is very easy to get to and totally worth it to stop here. However there is another fall above I recommend you venture off to. To get to this one it’s a bit more rigorous but totally worth it if you can make it. You will see a path off to the right of the first falls, once you go up a few you will find a fork in the path, take the path to the left to get to the falls. The path to the right is extremely rigorous but worth the hike if you’re feeling adventurous. We hiked both and went pretty far up the path on the right. We never made it to anything but it was so fun trying to see how far we could get before turning back. The hike down is just as hard if not harder. But again totally worth the experience. We spent a couple hours here because of the hiking. The water falls themselves were amazing. Since La Mina falls trail is still closed we decided to end our journey here. But you could go further and visit the other sites up the road. By the time we were ready to leave, the forest was quite full with visitors. We then stopped for lunch outside the rainforest and headed to the rock slide in La Pailas. This was definitely an experience...

Nestled in the lush mountains of Puerto Rico lies the enchanting El Yunque National Forest, a tropical paradise teeming with biodiversity and natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience this stunning landscape is by hiking the various trails that wind through the forest, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of this unique ecosystem.

One of the most popular trails in El Yunque National Forest is the La Mina Trail, which leads hikers to the picturesque La Mina Falls. This moderate 0.7-mile hike takes visitors through dense rainforest vegetation, past towering trees and vibrant flowers, and eventually to a refreshing waterfall where they can cool off in the crystal-clear waters. The sound of rushing water and the sight of sunlight filtering through the canopy create a truly magical experience that is not to be missed.

For those seeking a more challenging hike, the El Yunque Trail offers a strenuous 6.2-mile trek to the summit of El Yunque Peak, the highest point in the forest. Along the way, hikers will pass through a variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforest to dwarf forest to cloud forest, each with its own unique flora and fauna. The panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort, offering a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Another must-see trail in El Yunque National Forest is the Big Tree Trail, which meanders through a grove of towering trees, including the famous Ceiba tree, known as the "Tree of Life" in Puerto Rican folklore. This short, easy hike is perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages, providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the forest and a chance to marvel at the sheer size and age of these majestic trees.

In addition to these well-known trails, there are numerous other hiking opportunities in El Yunque National Forest, ranging from short, leisurely strolls to challenging, all-day treks. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for a new adventure or a casual nature enthusiast seeking a peaceful escape, there is a trail in El Yunque to suit your needs and interests.

In conclusion, hiking the different trails in El Yunque National Forest is a truly unforgettable experience that allows visitors to connect with nature, explore diverse ecosystems, and marvel at the beauty of this tropical paradise. From the cascading waterfalls of La Mina Trail to the panoramic views of El Yunque Peak to the ancient trees of Big Tree Trail, each hike offers a unique and...