Top Things to do in El Yunque National Forest
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The 10 Best Things to do in El Yunque National Forest, El Yunque National Forest
Experience the rain forest without having to blaze your own trail. El Yunque's well-marked trails and helpful guides lead you to its many photogenic features, from waterfalls and lush vegetation to an observation tower with great views. It's an easy day trip from San Juan.
1. Mount Britton Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By tykamp4 - North Myrtle Beach, United States
My wife and I rented a soft top Jeep, put the top down and headed up to El yunque. We had an absolutely spectacularly gorgeous time. The road is twisty and windy and narrow just like the road to Hana in Maui, if you've done that before. We were hoping to hike to the El Mina waterfall/pool, but that is currently closed due to covid. ****Important**** you now need to reserve a time at recreation.gov from either 8-11am or 12-3pm to proceed to Mt. Britton tower, Coca Falls, and the bulk of the hiking as a Park Ranger checks every incoming vehicle for a pass. The cost is just $2, I think they are attempting to control volume of people coming in to the park due to Covid-19. Masks are required. Despite these hassles, was WELL worth the trip. Highly recommend an open air Vehicle to take in all the views.
2. Torre Britton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
This lookout tower in El Yunque is sometimes incorporated into Santeria (an Afro-Caribbean religion) ceremonies.
Reviewed By aundreah2014 - Fitchburg, United States
Great hike on a paved path. Beautiful lush green rainforest with beautiful fauna and flowers. So peaceful and serene listening to the coqui frogs as we hiked. Watch for the Humming birds. They are everywhere.
3. Yokahu Observation Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
A tower in El Yunque offering a sweeping view of the rainforest.
Reviewed By kevwoh - Forney, United States
The parking lot was right there and you didnt have to walk very far to the entrance. There was no charge to walk up and see the ocean from the top of the tower, there is rain forest between you and the ocean. Plus there was a small gift shop at the base of the tower, on the inside. Dont forget your camera, the view was pretty remarkable
4. Catarata La Mina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 886 reviews
Be sure to leap into the cool waters at the base of this 35-foot cascade.
Reviewed By IndyKevin317 - Indianapolis, United States
La Mina falls is currently closed. I have been there once before a few years ago. It is probably one of the best waterfalls to visit in Puerto Rico because it is so easy to get to. There are other great waterfalls that I have visited in Puerto Rico but none of them have been as accessible as La Mina. I can't wait for it to reopen.
5. The Mine Trail (La Mina)
6. El Yunque Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By EJW3
We hiked to El Yunque Peak from the Mt. Britton Tower Parking area. It is a very scenic and enjoyable hike and the views from the peak on a clear day are amazing. From the top you can get a great view of the peaks and valleys of the National Forrest, see the Atlantic to the north, San Juan to the west, and the Caribbean to the south. Although from the parking area El Yunque Peak looks far away and high up, the trail is well marked, well maintained, and comfortable, and the climb and change in elevation is easily manageable. When you reach the fork for the Mt. Britton Tower, the trail to the tower is to the right. It is a short hike on a spur trail and the tower is worth the visit. The service road to El Yunque peak is to the left, and the hiking trail to the peak is straight ahead on the left. I recommend that you take the trail. The road to the peak is smooth and paved, and the distance is shorter, but it is very, very steep. The trail to the peak is longer, and rocky and uneven, but it is much more scenic and the change in elevation is much more gradual.
7. El Yunque Rain Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,295 reviews
Covering 28,000 acres, and receiving more than 200 inches of rain per year, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US Forest System. Noted for its biodiversity, the forest is home to more than 400 different plant species. It has more than a dozen maintained trails for hiking, picnic pavilions, stone towers, rivers, waterfalls, and an interpretive visitors' center.
Reviewed By Innovator-Designer - Indianapolis, United States
After beautiful Puerto Rico was battered by Maria in September of 2017, its unique rain forest El Yunque took direct hit from category 5 hurricane, which left the area devoured of its lavish 40 shades of green foliage. Plants, trees and unique fauna suffered tremendous damage. Landslides left trails unsuitable for walking, small animals and birds, including unique Puerto Rican parrot, needed saving from harsh flooding, torrential winds and destruction all around. Because of dedicated efforts of forestry employees, volunteers, US Army, and help from all around the globe, and with the time, El Yunque is now shines in all its glory, once again. Sun shines between trees and makes every plant visible under its tropical rays... Roads are cleared, old observation tower is open for tourists, trails are becoming accessible due to the cleaning efforts. People and mother nature put combined efforts to make the most beautiful of rain forests accessible for people to enjoy. Day by day, more areas are recovering, and there are so many visitors now at El Yunque enjoying its relaxing tranquil beauty that even parking became a temporary challenge, which will ease off after folks hungry for visiting this jewel of Puerto Rico, satisfy their loving curiosity to see waterfalls, photograph majestic landscapes and bring home memories of resilience of nature and people in Puerto Rico. Come enjoy this great place, support local businesses and bring home souvenirs and memorabilia from local gift shops; get food and drinks in local restaurants in the area. Also, motels are open in the area for tourists with all needed amenities; come breath fresh air in true nature environment; have fun at ziplines; take photos; experience first-hand what a beautiful place Puerto Rico really is.
8. Cataratas Juan Diego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By WFRunnergirl
My group included 3 adults ages 40-62 and 5 children ages 9-13. The hike to the lower falls was very easy for everyone. The kids decided to take the path to the right of the lower falls to reach the upper falls. The hike is short but very steep and depending on the rain can be extremely muddy and slick. Expect to climb on all fours at times grabbing on to roots and branches for leverage and stability. Everyone survived the hike though it was not easy for some of our group. The upper falls are wonderful! It is quite rocky so enter the waterfall carefully. The water is crisp and the falls feel like an aggressive massage(very aggressive haha). We took the path to the left of the falls to descend which is extremely short but requires climbing up/down a rock face with the help of a rope. I'd recommend this route to anyone less inclined to try our rigorous ascent. Overall the waterfall is truly a gem and a wonderful way to take in the beauty of El Yunque.
9. Angelito Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By CameronM229 - Mobile, United States
Come prepared with good water footwear, a hiking pole and a drybag and you can wade upstream to find your private little slice of PR heaven. The common swimming hole at the end of the main trail is the biggest and deepest, but there are a lot of folks there on a warm afternoon, even a weekday. Mostly locals, it seems, but tourists too. We did a hit and run one afternoon while we waited for our Air BnB to open. Then came back a few days later prepared to strike out upstream. The Mameyes river is the clearest stream we saw in PR, which made it far more inviting to get in. It's quite cool, 70F I'd guess, so you won't likely sit and soak, but if the sun is out it's really nice. Beautiful surroundings. The road getting there is not too back, relative to other mountain PR roads. Still, it's narrow with plenty of pot holes. I wouldn't say there's "plenty" of parking at the Angelito TH, but we didn't have a problem either time.
10. Catarata La Coca
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 451 reviews
A premier attraction of El Yunque Rain Forest, these dramatic waterfalls cascade down mossy cliffs, where the more adventurous can climb up slippery rocks to its base for a closer look.
Reviewed By X975TUstevem - Providence, United States
This seems to be just about the most popular place for people to stop in the forest. It is easily viewable from a car, and many people seem to stop and take pictures without even getting out, partly because there are so many visitors you have park hundreds of yards away. That said, I was there early in the morning, easily found a parking spot, and was able to get some decent pictures with noone else in them. There is not a proper trail but if you are nimble you can ascend the rocks next to the falls a bit from the road. Not sure whether this is "legal" but on my drive out of the park I saw maybe a dozen people up there. Other than that there is not much to do here other than grab a photo.
