El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest makes a great day-trip destination from San Juan. Many tours include round-trip transportation as well as other stops in El Yunque Region—home to caves, beaches, rivers, and more. El Yunque Region, its municipalities, and surrounding areas are also a starting point for many activities including rope swings and waterfall hikes.

• The El Portal visitor center provides a good introduction to the area—pick up a map and follow the signposted trails. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm and does not require a reservation. However, individuals 16 or older are required to pay an $8 entrance fee.

• Wear hiking boots, comfortable clothing, and bring a bathing suit; flip-flops are not recommended.

• There are plenty of hiking trails in the forest. The trails are restricted to foot traffic only and are not accessible by stroller or wheelchair.

• Popular combination tours include a kayaking trip on the nearby bioluminescent bay and a visit to Luquillo Beach.

• Travelers interested in a guided tour of the forest should ensure that their tour operator is an authorized El Yunque National Forest tour guide prior to booking.

El Yunque National Forest is in the northeast of Puerto Rico, less than a 1-hour drive from San Juan. Driving time from Fajardo is under 30 minutes. The forest's main entrance, Carr. 191 Norte - Área Recreativa La Mina, is where the El Portal visitor center is located but the forest also has three other entrances. Many tour operators offer round-trip transportation to El Yunque, too.

El Yunque is an easy half-day trip from Old San Juan. There's no distinct wet or dry season in the forest, and the temperature remains a comfortable 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (26°C) all year round.

Since the park is home to a number of hiking trails and natural pools, it can be tricky to know where to begin in El Yunque. Follow one of the more frequented routes along the La Coca trail, which is dotted with ponds perfect for a refreshing dip, or opt for the El Angelito trail, which rewards you with a fun rope swing and lagoon experience at the end. Whichever path you choose, there's a lot to love at El Yunque.

No, you can’t go to El Yunque National Forest’s main recreation area without a reservation. If you’re wanting to go to the main recreation area on Road 191 North in Rio Grande, you’ll have to plan ahead and book your reservations online. If you show up without one, you’ll be turned away.

Yes, you can swim in El Yunque, and the national forest even has more than five designated swimming areas for visitors to enjoy. Check the weather forecast on the day you’re planning to go swimming as flash flooding can occur with little warning.

You should wear clothing that’s comfortable to explore in as you’ll be walking and hiking around. Pick out a pair of shoes with good grip because if the weather is bad or the trails are wet, things can get slippery.

If you’re hiking El Yunque Trail, keep in mind it will take you about an hour to complete. This trail is one the national forest’s most strenuous hikes, with 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of paved and gravel paths. The forest’s easiest trail to walk is the Caimitillo Trail.

No, driving through the rain forest isn’t possible as all the trails within the forest are walking or hiking trails only and cars aren’t allowed. You can take road 191 up to the rain forest by car, but parking is limited within the El Yunque National Forest.

No, you don’t necessarily need hiking boots for a visit to El Yunque, but you’ll still want to wear some sort of hiking shoes or athletic running or walking shoes like sneakers. You could also wear hiking sandals if you don't mind your feet getting dirty.