El Yunque National Rainforest is located on the east side of Puerto Rico and is known as one of the most biodiverse spots you can visit on the mainland. Also, El Yunque is the only Tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Here you can enjoy some easy walks with the whole family and/or with your pets, do some serious hiking, go birdwatching, and if you are not an active person you can take a drive up the PR-191 stopping in all the observation areas and have a picnic surrounded by spectacular views.
We recommend you dress properly for a hike because El Yunque receives from 0(very unusual) to 9 inches of rain every day so expect the trails to be a little muddy, but we guarantee its going to be worth it. Most of El Yunque hikes end with beautiful views, waterfalls or refreshing natural swimming pools.
Angelito Trail
The Angelito Trail is one of the most popular hikes on El Yunque because it provides great reward with little effort. This short and sweet trail is about 0.5 mile long and it takes about 20 minutes to complete one-way, making it ideal to do it with your family and kids. It starts on a gravel path, then it gets a bit uneven and muddy, arriving at a refreshing natural pool and some small waterfalls.
Mount Britton
For those looking for a more challenging trail, Mount Britton is a 0.8 mile, out and back trail that starts just off PR-191 heading to the Mount Britton Lookout Tower. It takes about 45 minutes to complete heading up paved pathways through the Sierra Palms into the forest. This trail has three covered rest stations on the way up so you can take a breather if you need to. Also, this trail connects to El Yunque Trail that leads to the peak. Once you reach the top you will be in the clouds.
El Yunque Trail
El Yunque Trail takes you all the way up to the highest point in the forest. This trail is accessed through Mount Britton and it takes about an hour to complete. In here you can observe different types of trees as the elevation changes through the Sierra Palms and the mist through the Cloud Forest. The surface is a mix of asphalt, gravel, native stone, and it can get really muddy in some places.
Los Picachos
After you complete the El Yunque Trail, Los Picachos will give you the best reward for it. This short and easy 0.2 mile hike leads to a stone masonry platform with a 360 degree view vista point that shows a panoramic view of the east coast of Puerto Rico. But beware this trail almost always is very muddy and slippery but super worth it.
Before You Go
Before you go ready for your next hiking adventure you must make a reservation. Bookings can be made up to a month before your visit. Tickets for your car are free, but the booking engine charges a small fee.
Come Stay With US
Villa Lomasol is a one of a kind villa located in Rio Grande and it’s just a short 10 minute drive away from El Yunque. Limassol comes equipped with two king sized bedrooms, two queen sized bedrooms and a “childrens” room equipped with a twin size bunk bed. It also has a dining room, extended balcony, BBQ area, and living room but the best part of the whole villa is the pool area that has one of the best views I have seen of the ocean and the northeastern part of the island. You can stay in this beautiful villa by visiting the link below:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12022735?source_impression_id=p3_1653584734_OFcMymc8uR10Qiuc