El Yunque was one of the places we had decided to visit before we even arrived in Puerto Rico. Less than an hour from San Juan, it is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. El Yunque National Forest covers roughly 27,000 acres of mountainous terrain, shaped by high humidity and frequent rainfall that sustain dense vegetation, rivers, and waterfalls. As the elevation rises, the climate and the landscape gradually change.
We arrived at El Yunque just after midday and were curious to see whether there would still be parking available. Luckily, there was. We found a spot close to where the El Yunque Trail begins, which meant we could walk straight into the rainforest from there. The trail runs through dense vegetation, but in several places the forest opens up, offering views across a landscape that is intensely green and lush.
The trail leading all the way up to El Yunque Peak, one of the highest points in the area, was closed that day. After walking about a mile, we turned around and headed back the same way we had come. Before our visit, we had checked that there are no venomous snakes or giant spiders in El Yunque, and on our short hike, we did not see any animals along the way, apart from a small lizard, but we heard plenty of birds and various jungle sounds as we walked.
Despite the humidity, the trail was relatively dry and easy to walk. I have read that it can often be muddy and slippery, but the conditions were very good the day we were there. We were wearing regular sneakers, which worked perfectly well for the short distance we walked. That said, hiking shoes with ankle support are always an advantage, especially if the trails are wet or if you are planning a longer hike.
On our way back toward the entrance of El Yunque, we stopped at Baño Grande, a large artificial swimming pool built in the 1930s as part of a recreational project in the area. Swimming is no longer allowed, but the pool is beautifully set among green hillsides and dense vegetation and is a great spot for a short stop and photos.
Directly across the road from Baño Grande is La Coca Falls. The waterfall drops straight down the rock face close to the road, and while it is not particularly large, it is very pretty and definitely worth a quick photo stop.
It was a lovely day with bright sunshine and good hiking conditions. We had plenty of water with us and took things at an easy pace. Guided tours are available in El Yunque, but the rainforest is easy to visit on your own and does not require much planning. We enjoyed being able to move around at our own speed and decide for ourselves how far we wanted to go and what we wanted to see.
Getting to El Yunque
We drove from San Juan to El Yunque in our rental car. The fastest route is to head east on PR-26, which continues onto PR-66. PR-66 is a toll road and the quickest way to get there. When PR-66 ends near Río Grande, you continue briefly on PR-3 and then turn onto PR-191, which leads directly into the rainforest.
If you want to avoid toll roads, you can stay on PR-3 the entire way, but the drive will take longer.
The drive from San Juan to El Yunque usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes. For us, it took a bit longer since we stopped for gas, picked up supplies, and had breakfast at Coffee at the View along the way.
The final part of the drive along PR-191 winds up into the mountains, with hairpin turns and a few narrow sections. There was quite a bit of roadwork when we visited, but there are guardrails and good road conditions, and traffic moves calmly. I would not hesitate to drive up there again.
You can also book guided tours with transportation from San Juan if you prefer not to drive yourself.
I would not recommend taking Uber, as ride share drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers inside the park. In practice, this means they can only pick up at the entrance, which is far from where most of the hiking trails start and end.
Practical tips for visiting El Yunque
There are very limited options for buying food inside the park. We had breakfast beforehand and brought snacks with us.
Bring plenty of water. It is hot and humid, and you will get thirsty faster than you expect.
There are few trash cans along the trails, so take your trash with you out of the national forest whenever possible.
There are no fixed opening hours for the rainforest and the trails. Visitors are allowed in the park during daylight hours, but not after dark. This is also why it is generally recommended to arrive relatively early, especially if you plan to go on longer hikes.
I would recommend arriving early in the morning, particularly during high season and on weekends, when parking fills up quickly. We were lucky to find a spot even though we arrived later in the day, but if I were going again, I would aim to be there around 8:00 a.m.
Cell service is unreliable inside the rainforest. Take a photo of the trail map before you start hiking.
It is free to visit El Yunque National Forest. There is a visitor center, El Portal de El Yunque Rainforest Center, where you can learn more about the rainforest. Admission is $8 as of 2026.
If you plan to swim in any of the pools, rivers, or waterfalls, remember to bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and a towel.
