El Yunque National Forest Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vanessa Howard
Vanessa HowardEl Yunque National Forest is a national treasure in Puerto Rico and the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest system. It holds cultural significance to Puerto Ricans and is the perfect place to visit to immerse yourself in nature. This rainforest in the beautiful Sierra de Luquillo mountains is just a 45-minute drive from vibrant San Juan. El Yunque is home to hundreds of unique animals and plant species and features waterfalls, hiking trails, camping, and historical sites. Keep reading for everything you need to know to have an adventure-filled trip to El Yunque National Forest.
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Contents
What is El Yunque National Forest?
The El Yunque National Forest may be on the smaller side when it comes to National Forests, but the diverse rainforest is home to various flora and fauna. The 28,561 acres of El Yunque are just waiting to be explored.
Whether you want to hike to a waterfall, splash in a swimming hole, or zipline through the lush tropical surroundings, El Yunque has it all. Being the only rainforest in the National Forest system of the United States makes this a bucket list destination.
What To Expect
El Yunque National Forest is open every day from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm (except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Three Kings Day (January 6). While the El Portal Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (more on that later). The forest has no entrance fee; however, admission to some of the attractions and parking cost around $8 for adults, while children under 15 enter for free. Keep in mind that parking in El Yunque National Forest is fairly limited. It’s best to arrive early if you are driving yourself, as that increases your odds of finding a parking spot. Parking spaces tend to fill up quickly.
You no longer need to make a reservation to visit El Yunque, and if you have a United States National Park Service pass, you’ll get half off the entrance fee at the El Portal visitors center.
Getting To El Yunque National Forest
You’ll find El Yunque National Forest nestled in northeastern Puerto Rico. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from the lively capital of San Juan to this tropical paradise. Situated in the picturesque Luquillo Mountain Range, El Yunque is an easy destination to reach. However, the best way to explore the rainforest is through a tour or rental car. Rideshare, taxis, and public transportation options are not recommended for traveling into El Yunque National Forest (more below).
By Rental Car
If you plan to get to El Yunque on your own, renting a car is your best option. The drive from San Juan only takes about 45 minutes, but be sure to use a navigation app to keep you going in the right direction. Download offline maps before you go, as cell phone service can be unreliable near the rainforest. You’ll find all major rental car companies available in Puerto Rico, as well as smaller local businesses. The widest selection of rental cars can be found at the San Juan airport. You’ll need to be at least 21 with a license held for 1 year or more to rent a car in Puerto Rico. Keep in mind there may be an underage driver fee for those renting a car under 25.
Once you’ve got your rental car, grab your hiking boots and head to the Río Grande area via PR-66 to PR-3, and then follow PR-191 the rest of the way to El Yunque.
Search for great deals on rental cars here.
By Tour
The most convenient way to get to the El Yunque rainforest is to book a guided tour with transportation included. Most tour operators in Puerto Rico offer pick-up and drop-off from hotels in the greater San Juan area. You can also make your way to a meeting spot if needed. If you choose to take a tour, you won’t have to worry about transportation, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure.
Current tour pricing ranges from $65-100 for half-day tours to $150-200 for full-day combo packages.
Search for the top El Yunque Tours here.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are completely prohibited in El Yunque National Forest, no rideshare apps are authorized on federal forest land, and drivers face potential fines up to $5,000. Regular taxis are also prohibited unless they have special federal permits, which most do not.
There is no public transportation to El Yunque’s recreational areas. We strongly advise renting a car or booking a guided tour.
Tips For Visiting El Yunque National Forest
1. Visit Early In the Day If You Can
If you want to avoid crowds, visit El Yunque early in the morning when it first opens. This will also help you to avoid the midday scorching sun. Be aware that most tour groups arrive between 9 am and 10 am, so if you can enter El Yunque before then, you’ll have a much less crowded experience. Parking lots often fill by 10-11 am on weekends.
2. Don’t Let The Rain Stop You
Remember that El Yunque is a rainforest and experiences an average rainfall of around 120 inches per year, although higher elevations can receive up to 240 inches. You can expect daily rain showers, and be prepared for them by bringing a poncho or umbrella. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra set of dry clothing, just in case.
3. Check The Website For Weather And Closures
The rain at El Yunque is often intense but brief, so check the El Yunque website before heading to the rainforest. You can also check their social media to ensure the weather is cooperating and there are no closures in the forest. Closures can occur due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and mudslides and can affect waterfalls and trails.
4. Packing List
You’ll want to be comfortable on your day in El Yunque, so you’ll need to be prepared. Here are a few items that are recommended for a comfortable visit to the rainforest:
Sturdy Hiking Boots and Hiking Clothing
Being in a national rainforest, you’ll need to have sturdy hiking boots that provide support. Waterproof is best because rain will likely happen during your El Yunque adventure. If you plan to zipline, then make sure to wear longer shorts or pants.
Swimsuit & Towel
The rainforest is full of beautiful and inviting swimming holes, and you’ll definitely want to jump in at some point. Be on the lookout for a Tarzan swing and jump on it, but make sure you pack your swimsuit!
Waterproof Camera
With all the fantastic views you’ll see in the El Yunque rainforest, you’ll also want to capture your most exciting moments to share with family and friends when you return home. Make sure to pack your waterproof camera!
Cash
It’s never a bad idea to have cash on hand in Puerto Rico, whether it’s to buy lunch or water at the visitors center, tip your tour guide, or pick up a souvenir.
Bug spray and Sunscreen
Trust us, you’ll want to apply bug spray when visiting El Yunque. Remember, you’ll need to reapply after playing in waterfalls and waterslides. You’ll also want to ensure you’re wearing enough sun protection, particularly if you visit mid-day when the sun is at its peak.
Plenty Of Water (And Some Food)
You can purchase snacks and water at the El Portal Visitors Center, but you should plan to bring your own food and plenty of water for your day at El Yunque. There are no restaurants inside the forest. You can easily stop on your way to the rainforest at several kiosks selling food and drinks along the road.
Things To Do At El Yunque National Forest
Top Highlights
1. Visit El Portal Visitor Center
Located at El Yunque National Forest’s main entrance, you’ll want to stop by the beautiful El Portal Visitor Center. The perfect place to start your journey in the rainforest, the visitor center offers an accessible interpretive trail that circles the property. Watch for the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot that calls the rainforest home, the wild population has recovered to approximately 75 birds in El Yunque after dropping to just 2 surviving parrots. While visiting El Portal, you can enjoy exhibits, interpretive programs, restrooms, a gift shop, and a café.
El Portal is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The entrance fee is $8.00 per person for anyone 16 years and older. Interagency Pass holders pay $4.
2. Take A Hike
Hiking in El Yunque is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the rainforest. Hike to one of many natural pools where you can cool off and relax. With so many trails, you’ll find something perfect for every skill level. Some of our favorite El Yunuqe hikes include:
If you’re searching for a Tarzan-like rope swing, choose the popular Angelito Trail, where an easy .5-mile hike leads to a beautiful lagoon. This trail is also dog-friendly.
For gorgeous views, check out the El Yunque Peak Tower, a moderate 1.5-mile hike that takes you to 360-degree rainforest views.
For those looking for a challenge, hike the El Yunque Trail, a difficult 2.6 mile, to see the best the rainforest has to offer.
3. Relax At A Waterfall
There are 3 waterfall trails in El Yunque National Forest. However, 2 of the trails are currently closed. La Mina Trail is one of the most visited waterfall hikes in the forest; however, beginning in May of 2024, the trail has been closed indefinitely for repairs due to high traffic.
You can still take in the beautiful waterfall on the La Coco Trail, a challenging 3.6-mile hike. Many hikers recommend sturdy boots as the trail can be slick and muddy.
4. Spot The Unique Rainforest Flora and Fauna
As you wander the beautiful rainforest, keep your eyes peeled for the many birds that call Puerto Rico home, including the green mangos, emerald hummingbirds, and the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. You can also watch for giant toads, Puerto Rican boas, and the small Indian mongoose (it looks like a weasel).
El Yunque contains around 240 species of native trees, and around 88 of those are rare. There are 23 varieties of trees that are found only in El Yunque. The rainforest is also home to 50 species of stunning native orchids, each as unique and beautiful as the next, and over 150 types of ferns.
5. Take In The Beautiful Views
If you’re looking for the “wow” factor at El Yunque National Forest, take a drive to the Yokahú Observation Tower. Built in 1963 and standing 69 feet tall at an elevation of around 1,575 feet, the tower’s expansive views are worth the stop. With the beautiful blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance and the vast lush green of the rainforest surrounding you, you’ll be reaching for your camera to capture it all.
No hiking required, the tower is accessible directly from the roadside parking area.
6. Have An Adventure
Is there a better way to experience El Yunque than from the lush green canopy of the rainforest? Check out Yunque Ziplining for availability and pricing. Here, your adventure begins with 5 breathtaking ziplines, rappelling, and hanging canopy bridges over beautiful El Yunque.
Or you can visit Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park, where you can take a horseback ride or ride UTVs near the rainforest. It’s an adventure perfect for all ages.
7. Dine Near The Rainforest
Your day exploring El Yunque is sure to work up an appetite. There are no restaurants inside the park, although there is a small cafe at the visitors center. There is no need to worry; several nearby restaurants are worth a stop.
Near the entrance of El Yunque (about 3 miles away), you’ll find Don Pepe, the perfect place to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Get the Puerto Rican Assortment to sample native finger foods, or try the Mofongo with a variety of meats, including conch. The restaurant can get busy, so consider arriving outside peak lunch hours.
If you’ll be returning to the San Juan area from El Yunque, check out our Puerto Rico Restaurant Guide for more great options!
Best Tours Of El Yunque National Forest
There are plenty of El Yunque National Forest tours, but these are some of the best!
Check out this top-rated El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides, and Beach Tour with transport.
Or this popular El Yunque Tour with Luquillo lunch stop and transport. This private tour has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, and after you visit El Yunque, you’ll stop by Luquillo Beach.
Don’t have time for a full-day tour? Check out this El Yunque Half Day Tour with transportation. You can choose a 7 am tour or a 12 pm tour.
This highly recommended El Yunque Rainforest Vivid Day Tour offers transportation and pick-up in San Juan, Carolina, Rio Grande, or Luquillo areas.
Have a natural waterslide adventure with this top-rated El Yunque Rainforest Tour.
For a visit full of adventure, check out this Rainforest Zipline In The Foothills Of El Yunque tour.