El Yunque National Forest Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience El Yunque National Forest. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day El Yunque Rainforest Hike with Waterslide From San Juan
• Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest and Waterslide Guided Tour
• El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides, and Beach Tour with Transport
• Small-Group El Yunque Rainforest Vivid Day Tour with Transport
• El Yunque Tour with Luquillo Lunch Stop and Transport: 6 ppl Max

You can explore the trails and natural attractions at El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico for free. The El Portal Visitor Center, the hub for information, exhibits, and educational programs, costs US$8 for adults (16 years and older). Guided tours start at US$26.

It takes about 40 minutes to reach El Yunque from San Juan by car. Head toward the Río Grande area, east of San Juan, via PR-66 to PR-3, and then follow PR-191. Most guided tours offer round-trip transportation from San Juan hotels. There are no direct buses from San Juan.

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 El Yunque National Forest tickets online. If you show up without a reservation, 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.

When visiting El Yunque National Forest, bring comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, a swimsuit, and a towel. Pack a pair of binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife and a hat and sunglasses for extra sun protection.

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 system’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.

Yes, El Yunque National Forest has waterfalls where visitors can swim, but accessibility and conditions vary. Juan Diego Falls features small pools for wading and cooling off. La Mina, a forest favorite, is currently closed.

The trails in El Yunque range in difficulty from easy to challenging. La Mina Trail leads to the famous La Mina Falls, but it's closed for repairs. Try El Yunque Trail for a more strenuous hike. Families enjoy the easy Caimitillo Trail. Angelito Trail ends at Las Damas Pool, a swimming hole.