El Yunque National Forest
Puerto Rico · Río Grande · 600 m
Description
El Yunque (Bosque Nacional El Yunque) is the only tropical rainforest in the United States forest system and the most visited natural attraction in Puerto Rico, an hour east of San Juan on the slopes of the Luquillo mountains. More than four metres of rain fall on the upper ridges each year, which keeps the forest in cloud and feeds waterfalls that drop straight onto the trails. The coquí tree frog calls from everywhere after dusk and is the unofficial emblem of the island. Trails climb from tabonuco forest through palm brake to dwarf cloud forest at the top. Entry to the main road is by timed reservation.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- El Yunque rainforest trails
- La Mina and Juan Diego waterfalls
- Yokahú observation tower
- Coquí frogs calling after dusk
- El Portal visitor centre
- Mount Britton tower and its cloud forest
- Río Mameyes natural pools at Angelito
- El Yunque peak trail
- Baño Grande and the stone bathing pools
- Puerto Rican parrot recovery aviary
- Zip lines on the forest edge