Ultimate Guide to El Yunque National Rainforest

El Yunque National Forest is a 28,000 acres tropical rainforest and is the only rainforest in the United States. If you are visiting, Puerto Rico, El Yunque is a destination you cannot miss. This post can hopefully serve as your guide to El Yunque!

How to Get to There

Getting to El Yunque National Forest from San Juan requires some planning, since public transportation options are limited, and popular ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis cannot pick up or drop off within the forest.

However, there are still viable transportation choices available. If you’ve rented a car, the drive to El Yunque from San Juan takes approximately 45 minutes. Follow Route 3 eastward, and you’ll arrive at the main entrance to the forest.

For those who haven’t rented a car, joining a guided tour is an excellent option. Many tour operators offer transportation from San Juan to El Yunque, which is a convenient and hassle-free way to experience the beauty of the rainforest.

Entrance and Admission

• El Yunque National Forest requires reservations before you go. Due to park regulations and to avoid crowding you need to reserve your time slot ahead of time online (you can reserve them here) 
• Time slots go quickly, so be sure to reserve your pass as soon as the window opens
• El Yunque itself is free, but to reserve a pass to enter, you need to pay a $2 service fee (per vehicle) online 

Hours and Details

• Hours of operation: 8 am to 5 pm daily (closures are possible due to dangerous weather conditions)
• parking is available at designated parking areas throughout the park
• There are bathrooms located at various parking lots throughout the park
• There is a restaurant on site if you do not want to bring your own food
• It is possible to book a guided tour to El Yunque. This is the recommended option if you do not have a rental car.

Hiking Trails

There are numerous trails in El Yunque for those that are interested in hiking.

1. La Mina Falls Trail – Approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) – Easy
2. Big Tree Trail – Approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) – Easy
3. El Yunque Trail – Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) – Moderate
4. Juan Diego Falls Trail – Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) – Moderate
5. Caimitillo Trail – Approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) – Moderate
6. Angelito Trail – Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) – Moderate to Difficult
7. La Coca Trail – Approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) – Difficult

Weather conditions and ongoing construction may result in some trails being closed. Make sure to check online for recent trail closures/openings before your visit.

Best Things to do in El Yunque

Here is a list of some of the most popular things to do in El Yunque!

1. Yokahu Tower – Climb up this observation tower for stunning panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding areas.
2. Juan Diego Falls – Another beautiful waterfall with a relatively moderate hike to reach it.
3. Mount Britton Tower – Hike up to this historic tower for more breathtaking views and a glimpse of the cloud forest.
4. La Coca Falls – A roadside waterfall that you can admire from the comfort of your vehicle or take a short walk to get closer.
5. Baño Grande and Baño de Oro – These natural swimming holes provide a relaxing spot to cool off and enjoy the forest’s beauty.