If you’re planning a vacation trip to Puerto Rico, you definitely need to visit El Yunque National Rainforest, one of the most popular attractions on the whole island. Being the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and home to several endangered species, this enchanting tropical destination receives masses of visitors who want to admire its natural beauty and enjoy all the things to do in El Yunque.
As a travel lover and adventure seeker, I’m always on the lookout for awe-inspiring places and thrilling experiences—and El Yunque is no exception!
Therefore, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the rainforest before going. I’ll also give you some valuable tips to ensure you have a pleasant visit and can make the most of your visit. So get ready to venture into this lush wonderland, filled with breathtaking views, beautiful waterfalls, and exotic wildlife.
Stay Here (Old San Juan)
- Budget ($) — Acacia Boutique Hotel
- Best Value ($$) — Condado Palm Inn
- Luxe ($$$) — Cervantes Hotel
- Unique ($-$$$) — El Colonial
Best Activities and Tours in El Yunque National Rainforest
Whether you want to spend the day hiking among flora and fauna, swimming in natural pools, or learning about the forest’s history and ecosystem, you’ll find a tour that adapts perfectly to your interests and needs.
Taking a guided tour of El Yunque will guarantee you don’t miss out on the best activities and natural wonders this place offers.
Hiking Tours
Hiking ToursNo matter what tour you choose, you’re most likely to do some level of hiking. This is actually the best way to enjoy El Yunque since you’ll be able to get to the best sight points, including El Yunque Peak, one of the highest peaks in the forest.
There is a variety of well-maintained hiking trails to explore and each one varies in length and difficulty – so, don’t worry too much about physical condition since there’s something for everyone. Additionally, all trails provide an immersive experience amid stunning, lush vegetation and fascinating wildlife like birds, owls, bats, and Coqui frogs, well-known for their distinctive “coqui” sound.
But no hiking trip through El Yunque would be complete without a refreshing dip in the serene, crystal-clear waters of the rivers and waterfalls, adding to the beauty of this tropical wonderland.
Sounds good? Take a look at the following top-rated hiking tours on TripAdvisor:
- El Yunque National Forest Half Day Tour – an easy hike suitable for all ages.
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour with Transport
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour with Transport
- El Yunque Natural Waterslide and Rainforest Hike with Transport
Scenic Walks
Scenic WalksThis kind of tour might be more convenient for people who can’t do a lot of hiking. You’ll take a gentle walk along more moderate trails that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of El Yunque without too much physical effort, which is great if you’re visiting with kids. Along the way, you’ll come across key spots such as the Yokahú Observation Tower, where you can admire the lush greenery from above. Moreover, dip into the pristine natural pools and admire the spectacular waterfalls, which are the most relaxing things to do in El Yunque.
Additionally, your guide will show you the best locations in the forest and offer valuable insights into Puerto Rico’s history, culture, and diverse ecosystem. Walking tours in El Yunque are very informative and enjoyable for all ages.
But that’s not all. Before the end of the tour, you’ll take a short drive to the nearby Luquillo Beach. Here you’ll have some time to relax as you enjoy the savory local cuisine from the long line of waterfront food stands and kiosks.
Check out the following walking tours:
- El Yunque National Forest and Luquillo Beach Tour
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides, and Beach Tour
- Rainforest River Nature Walk Adventure and Luquillo Beach
Need more ideas for your upcoming trip to Puerto Rico? Here’s how to spend 5 days on the island!
Zipline
For nature enthusiasts who also enjoy the adrenaline, a zipline adventure is the perfect complement to your visit. Launch from the various zipline platforms in the rainforest and fly over a breathtaking backdrop of towering trees and rivers.
Ziplining is one of the only things to do in the El Yunque Rainforest that offers such incredible views. It combines the thrill of heights with the calmness of nature.
Ziplining tours you can’t miss:
Waterfalls & Waterslides
If you love swimming and water activities, these waterfall and waterslide tours are for you. This type of tour also includes some hiking, but they’re more focused on spending time on the waterfalls and rivers throughout the forest. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy rope swinging, cliff jumping, free diving, and natural rock slides.
Make sure to check out the hiking difficulty before you choose your tour as some trails might be more difficult than others.
I highly suggest you take one of these tours for an unforgettable experience in El Yunque. You’ll have lots of fun, and the crystal-clear waters will surely be the highlight of your day trip.
Must-Do Tours:
- El Yunque Natural Waterslide and Rainforest Hike with Transport
- Transport to El Yunque Waterfalls & Waterslide
- El Yunque Waterslide Adventure with Transportation
Combo Tour
Another excellent option is taking a combo tour, combining the excitement of hiking through El Yunque with a calm kayak ride through the glowing waters of Laguna Grande’s Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo. You’ll be enjoying these two magical locations in one day as part of the same tour.
Start your day hiking through the forest’s lush trails and natural wonders. Then you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and head directly to Fajardo to catch the sunset from the water.
Book your combo tour here and have a day packed with adventure!
Love having fun in nature? These 10 water activities in San Juan are for you!
Don’t have plans for the night yet? Grab my San Juan nightlife guide.
Traveling on a budget? Here’s how to do it like a pro.
Must-See Spots in El Yunque Rainforest
Main areas and popular spots in El Yunque not to miss:
- El Portal Visitor’s Center is a great starting point for your visit to El Yunque. Through its interactive exhibits and educational displays, you can learn all about the rainforest’s ecology, history, and conservation efforts. It also counts with an on-site restaurant and gift shop.
- Juan Diego Falls – located in a secluded corner of the rainforest, here you can enjoy a tranquil setting for swimming and relaxing to the sound of the falling water.
- El Angelito Trail – this is a scenic hiking trail that leads through a dense forest, passing by pristine streams, towering trees, and stunning flora and fauna.
- La Coca Falls – with waters that cascade gracefully over moss-covered rocks, this waterfall creates a stunning backdrop for your photos.
- Mt Britton Tower and Yokahu Tower – these observation towers provide elevated views of the lush greenery, as well as some animal species like birds and lizards.
- El Toro Trail – this rugged trek offers a steep journey for experienced hikers seeking a challenge through remote wilderness.
- Baño Grande – this natural pool is a great place to swim and refresh after a long hike. Enjoy the scenery surrounded by lush vegetation and a small waterfall.
- El Yunque Peak – this is the highest point in the rainforest, located at 3,494 feet (1,065 meters) above sea level. A hike to the peak offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the treetops, mountains, and the coastline.
Where To Stay Near El Yunque Rainforest
- Budget ($) — Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn
- Best Value ($$) — Casa Coral
- Luxe ($$$) — Casa Alternavida
- Unique ($-$$$) — El Conquistador Resort
What to Know Before Going to El Yunque
What to Know Before Going to El YunqueNow we’ve covered the best things to do in El Yunque, there are a few other things you should know that will help you prepare for your visit.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours of El Yunque
El Yunque National Rainforest is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and El Portal Visitors Center is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
While there is no entrance fee for the forest, you must pay to enter some of the attractions and activities, which is $8 for adults and free for children under 15 years old.
How Early Do You Need to Get to El Yunque?
The best time to visit El Yunque is as soon as the pools open. Since this is a major tourist spot, it gets crowded quite quickly, which can diminish the experience of hiking or swimming in the pools.
Additionally, lots of buses and cars come and go from the forest every day. So, you might get stuck in transit and lose part of your day if you don’t go early.
How Long Should I Spend at El Yunque?
The forest is a huge place, and every bit of it is beautiful. From the several hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls to the observation towers, activities, and exhibits of El Portal Visitor Center, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours in each of them.
Many tours offer half a day or even a whole day in El Yunque. To ensure a complete experience, plan to spend at least 5 to 8 hours there.
Can You Enter El Yunque Without a Car?
Unfortunately, the only way to get to El Yunque is by driving – you can get a rental car or book a tour that includes transport.
Uber and taxis are not a good option since they’re not allowed in the rainforest parking areas. Not to mention that it would be significantly more expensive. If you don’t want to drive there yourself, the best you can do is book a tour that offers hotel pick up and drop off so you don’t have to worry about the transport hustle.
Can I Go to El Yunque Without a Tour?
You can certainly explore the forest on your own. However, it’s far more convenient and easy to book a tour that takes care of the logistics of your visit. Besides the fact that you’ll be saving yourself time – and the anxiety of driving on the road, if that’s something that stresses you out – there’s a chance you’ll see and learn much more about the forest with a local guide who knows where the best spots and hidden gems are.
What to Wear and Pack for El Yunque
Most things to do in El Yunque involve nature and some level of physical activity. This is why you must be prepared and make sure you bring everything you might need to be comfortable in every situation.
Here are some essentials to ensure you have a great day in El Yunque:
- Comfortable clothing – make sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothes that allow you to move.
- Swimsuit – once you see all the beautiful watering holes along the way, you’ll definitely want to get in right away!
- Hiking boots – you’ll be walking and hiking a lot on mud and slippery surfaces, so make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear that doesn’t slip or hurt your feet. You can also bring water shoes for wet areas.
- Sunscreen – super important, the sun is strong in Puerto Rico, and you’ll be outdoors for the majority of the day.
- Bug repellent – trust me, you’ll be in a tropical rainforest where humidity, bugs, and mosquitoes abound.
- Water – it’s essential to stay hydrated during your adventure, especially if you’ll be in the forest for several hours.
Other travel necessities that I love
Last Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this guide and found the perfect tour with great things to do in El Yunque. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see in Puerto Rico, and it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with nature.
If you love discovering new places and having amazing experiences on your trips, check out the best 10 hidden gems in Puerto Rico. It will give you some ideas for your trip when you run out of things to do.
Enjoy your trip!
XO,
Anna
Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!
