One of our earliest trips with kids was a week-long visit to the incredible main island of Puerto Rico, a US territory that’s just a quick 2.5 hour flight from the mainland. We spent a beautiful day enjoying the waterfalls of El Yunque National Forest, America’s only tropical rainforest.
That visit was back in 2014, but unfortunately in the interim the forest has experienced a some significant damage due to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which both hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. So much of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure was damaged by those twin storms, and it has taken years to recover.
Thankfully that healing process was in full swing when I returned in 2023. I spent that trip based in San Juan and hopping to several of Puerto Rico’s smaller islands (it has more than 140!) so I didn’t have a chance to revisit El Yunque. Fortunately Catherine of Postcard Narrative had an opportunity to visit in 2024 and she’s reporting back on the current state of the forest and the best things to do in El Yunque.
El Yunque is where you can go to reset after exploring San Juan or soaking up the sun on Puerto Rico’s coastline.
Here are the top things to do in El Yunque including many personal tips to help you have the best experience.
How to Get to El Yunque
From San Juan to El Yunque
Certainly the option with the most flexibility is to explore by rental car. You can pick one up at the San Juan airport or near Old San Juan. The drive from San Juan to these top things to do in El Yunque takes about 45 – 55 minutes.
An Uber/Taxi is not recommended as you may struggle to book a return ride and find it difficult to explore the vast forest efficiently.
You’ll also find many tours that begin in San Juan and take visitors to the national forest for a day of hiking and adventure. If you go this route, I really recommend that you book either a private or small group tour. Not only will you have a better experience (compared with a group of 30) but you’ll also deal with fewer pick-up and drop-off locations; unfortunately due to the heavy traffic in and around San Juan, large bus tours can add an hour of transportation time each way. This small group tour gets rave reviews and has a maximum of 12 people.
If you want a real treat of a tour, spend the day with “Profe Nat” as he takes you on a deep dive throughout northeast Puerto Rico. Not only will you see the beauty of El Yunque but you’ll also get to experience numerous cultural sites and stunning Luquillo Beach. This tour has a maximum capacity of 6, so you’ll get a truly personalized experience. It only runs on certain days and fills up quickly, so don’t wait to book if you prefer to visit El Yunque with a knowledgable guide.
From Other Parts of Puerto Rico
If you’re driving from Fajardo or Luquillo to El Yunque, it’s only 30 minutes away by car. You won’t have to contend with the San Juan traffic thankfully!
We found Luquillo accommodations make a fantastic home base from which to explore San Juan, Fajardo’s Bioluminescent Bay Tour, head on a day trip to Vieques, and venture into El Yunque on this 4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary.
From Ponce or the west coast, expect a 2–3 hour drive. If you plan to explore the west, check out these top sights in and around Rincon. If you enjoy the waterfalls in El Yunque, you’ll love the waterfall attraction in that Rincon guide.
Parking & Entry Fees
Parking is available near major trailheads and waterfalls, but the lots fill up quickly at the most popular sites. This is another great reason to arrive early in the day.
Entry Fee: The park itself is free to enter, but guests wanting to use amenities and partake in educational opportunities at the Visitor Center will need to pay a fee.
Top Things to Do in El Yunque
Check out some of of the top adventurous things to do in El Yunque here!
El Yunque’s Best Waterfalls
La Coca Falls
You’ll see La Coca Falls right off the road as you drive in—no hiking necessary. There’s a small parking lot, so you can hop out, grab a photo, and keep going. It’s a quick stop, but worth it to admire the 85-foot cascade right next to the road.
Historic Swimming Holes: Baño Grande & Baño de Oro
These man-made pools from the 1930s are no longer open for swimming, but they’re still worth checking out. Across America, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the lasting impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ hard work, and this spot is a prime example.
Juan Diego Falls
Juan Diego Falls is just a five-minute walk from the trailhead, and the pool at the bottom is perfect for a quick swim. The water is cool, refreshing, and easy to get in and out of—a big plus if you don’t want to scramble over rocks or are visiting with kids.
This waterfall has my vote for the lowest effort, highest reward spot out of these top things to do in El Yunque.
La Mina Falls
La Mina Falls is the waterfall everyone talks about when they mention El Yunque. The trail is moderate in difficulty (especially challenging to climb back up) and is 1.5 miles round trip.
The La Mina Trail winds through the jungle and follows the river until you reach a stunning waterfall pool.
This trail is often closed for repairs. Check the status online before you go or stop by the Visitor Center to inquire.
Las Paylas Natural Water Slide
This isn’t technically inside El Yunque, but if you’re up for something fun, Las Paylas is worth the side trip. It’s a natural water slide, formed by smooth rocks and a rushing river.
We watched a few people go down, and while it looked super fun, it could also be painful if you landed wrong. I wasn’t about to risk it without a helmet, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go for it. Just be careful—the upper slide is much faster than the lower one.
If you choose not to slide, it’s a great spot to picnic or swim.
To get there, you’ll need to pay $5 to park on private property, then take a short, steep, and slippery trail down. You’ll see signs along the roadside of where to park.
Best Hiking Trails in El Yunque
Mt. Britton Tower Trail
This trail is about 1.7 miles out and back. At the top, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of the park.
Angelito Trail
This one’s great if you’re visiting with kids or just want a relaxed swimming spot. The Angelito Trail is a short, 15-minute walk, leading to a forest-framed pool.
Some areas are 8 feet deep, so be mindful of that, but overall, it’s one of the best things to do in El Yunque to float and enjoy the rainforest.
El Yunque Peak Trail
If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out the El Yunque Peak Trail that takes you to the highest point in the forest. It’s a challenging, 5.4 mile hike round trip. Bring plenty of water.
Scenic Views in El Yunque
Yokahu Tower
Climbing up Yokahu Tower gives you some of the best views in El Yunque. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Atlantic.
I mentioned a few hikes above for scenic views, but this one requires no hiking. There is a parking lot adjacent to the tower. It should definitely be on your list of things to do in El Yunque.
Los Picachos – Hidden Gem
For a less trafficked view point, consider a short walk to Los Picachos . It’s only about .2 miles but be prepared for a steep stone staircase.
El Yunque Wildlife
It takes a trained eye to spot wildlife in El Yunque National Forest, but it’s there if you’re patient! There are nearly 100 species of birds living in the forest, plus bats, frogs, giant tree snails and more. Bring these excellent compact binoculars and keep your eyes peeled.
Outdoor Adventures & Activities
Guided Hikes vs. Self-Guided Exploration
Self-guided hikes are doable, but a guide will give you local insight and help you spot hidden gems.
Ziplining Near El Yunque
While ziplining isn’t technically inside the park, Rainforest Zipline Park in Luquillo is a great nearby option.
Rappelling & River Trekking
Some guided tours offer waterfall rappelling and river hiking. We highly recommend partaking in these activities with a guide so you’ll have a local’s expertise on the river conditions as well as being provided necessary safety gear.
Look for a company that will take you to the natural waterfalls at Las Paylas too!
Visiting El Portal Visitor Center
Lots of people explore the park without even stopping at the Visitor Center, but I’m including it as one of the top things to do in El Yunque for a few reasons:
- The recently renovated Visitor Center (re-opened after Hurricanes Irma and Maria) is filled with informative exhibits and interactive displays to learn about the rainforest’s ecosystem.
- There are ranger guided programs and anyone can enjoy earning a badge by completing the Junior Ranger program.
- If you’re short on time, there’s an easy loop trail that starts right from the Visitor Center.
- You can refuel at the El Portal Rainforest Café.
Note: While there isn’t a fee to enter El Yunque, there is a fee for the Visitor Center. Ages 16+ pay $8. (Free for 15 and under.) If you have an America The Beautiful annual pass, admission is discounted to $4.
Best Time to Visit El Yunque National Forest
Visiting in the morning,you’ll find cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and have a better chance of avoiding afternoon rain showers.
December to April is typically the driest, but also brings more tourists. Hurricane season (June–November) brings more unpredictable weather, but the rainforest is open year-round.
Look up park conditions in advance, as heavy rainfall can cause trail closures.
Essential Tips for Visiting El Yunque
What to Pack:
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers as the trails get muddy and slippery.
- Water shoes if you plan to swim in waterfalls or wade through the streams. They are a must for comfort on the rocky bottoms.
- A change of clothes for when you get wet. Better to be prepared with a dry set of clothes and shoes.
- Travel towel to dry off after swimming
- Day pack with a rain cover to keep all your gear dry
- Plenty of water & snacks since vending is very limited inside the park.
- Bug spray (or wipes) & sunscreen – It’s humid in the rainforest, and mosquitoes here are no joke.
- First Aid – Especially if you’re traveling with kids, be prepared to quickly remedy bites or scrapes. Some bandaids, antiseptic, and anti itch cream are a few staples we keep on hand when hiking with kids.
- Binoculars if you plan on any bird watching
What to Wear:
Wear quick-dry fabrics which are crucial in this rainforest humidity. Bring a rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers.
Safety Tips & Guidelines:
- Watch out for slippery rocks—especially around waterfalls.
- Stay on marked trails—the jungle can be disorienting.
- Respect wildlife—coquí frogs and parrots call this place home.
- Be prepared for no cell service—download maps before you go.
- Leave no trace—this is a trash-free park, so carry out anything you bring in.
Dining Near El Yunque
With so many things to do in El Yunque, you’ll work up an appetite. We recommend packing a picnic so you can spend a good portion of your day inside the park.
Best Local Spots for Puerto Rican Food
- La Muralla – Famous for lechón (roast pork), you can reach La Muralla with just a 2 minute drive from La Coca falls.
- Kioskos de Luquillo – Beachfront food stalls serving fresh seafood and empanadas.
Picnics
If you pack in a picnic, remember to take your trash with you. There are no trash cans inside the park.
Planning your trip to Puerto Rico
El Yunque is one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave. And it’s not the only place on the island known to do that! If you have time to explore more unique places in Puerto Rico, check out Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
Check out these additional resources to jump start your Puerto Rico travel planning: