The Main Welcoming Center Or Learning Center Is Currently
The main welcoming center, or learning center, is currently closed. If you drive passed that entrance though, up ahead a little ways is a left that says day use area I believe. It’s actually just a road, but you want to take it! Such pretty water falls and there is a bridge over the river, plus a trail head. This road loops back to the main road between fajardo and San juan. So perfect!
La Casa Del Mar Dive Center
inside El Conquistador Resort is open to non-guests and offers two-tank dives for $99 . Trips to Culebra start at $125 for two tanks, while the Discover Scuba programme for beginners is $139. They also run daily snorkelling trips to Lobos and Culebra , and offer a popular kids programme known as Bubblemakers call for details.
Be An El Yunque Junkie In North America’s Only Tropical Rainforest
According to Indian legend, El Yunque was a good spirit that protected the island of Puerto Rico. For a totally tropical vacation, head to the island’s northern reaches and the El Yunque rainforest. Perched on the windward side of the El Yunque mountains, the region is renowned for its amazing views and hardy hiking trails. Book an El Yunque National Forest vacation rental within easy reach of the rainforest and you’ll have access to some of Puerto Rico’s best walking spots. Don’t miss La Mina Falls and the Dwarf Forest, where if you’re lucky, you could spot the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
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Experience The Good Life Footsteps From The Beautiful El Yunque Rainforest
Tired of the grind? Ready for a trip that defies categorization? Been yearning for a taste of Puerto Rico away from the crowds? Here at El Yunque Inns, we’ve got you covered. With a premier selection of bed & breakfasts to choose from, make your next trip to Puerto Rico unlike anything that’s come before.
The El Yunque rainforest is recognized as the only tropical rainforest in the United States, and is home to dense plant-life of all kinds, prehistoric tree ferns, waterfalls, rivers, canyons, pre-Colombian Taino petroglyphs, and, of course, Puerto Ricos favorite amphibian, the coqui. Large hotels cant be built up here so El Yunque is freckled with small bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and owner-operated apartments worlds apart from what large resorts can offer. Here at El Yunque Inns, weve drawn together a few of our favorite spots run by some of our favorite people.
Barefoot Traveller’s Beach House& The Garden House
Be sure to add to your vacation by checking out the Puerto Rico Bed & Breakfast Association page for other amazing places to stay around the island, they are true boutique bed and breakfasts. Plan your out on the island road trip. To learn more about El Yunque go to Rainforest Inn’s youtube channel to see videos about the Coqui and our nearby hikes.
Years Of Welcoming Hospitality
- 1 Bedroom Villa | Sleeps 1-2 persons
- 2 Bedroom Villa | Sleeps 2-4 persons
- 3 Bedroom Villa | Sleeps 3-6 persons
Taking a site seeing tour from your cruise ship or Old San Juan hotel or visiting El Yunque? EXTEND your vacation! Come RELAX & truly enjoy your stay at a private villa in the heart of the El Yunque Rain Forest.
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Hotels In San Juan & Beyond
From luxury hotels to cozy and convenient hotels for the budget-savvy traveler, Puerto Rico offers accommodations to meet the needs of any traveler.
One of the great things about looking for a hotel on the island is you can always find something to work for your needs and budget, and youre sure to have a great vacation no matter what you choose.
With a variety of plans whether you want to pay just for a room or you want one or all meals included you can find the perfect accommodation for the trip of your dreams.
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The most captivating evidence of this turnaround is El Yunque National Forest, a protected reserve of mist-draped mountains and bubbling cascades. The forest receives over one million visitors each year, but you can escape the crowds by hiking one of its peaceful and well-maintained trails. Youll need at least two days to do it justice. Luquillo is the highlight of the northeast coast, a low-key resort town best known for its spectacular beach and legendary snack food, while Fajardo, the gateway to Vieques and Culebra, is all about boats. La Cordillera, just offshore, encapsulates most dreams about the Caribbean: uninhabited islands with sugary white sand, piles of multicoloured coral, fish and the odd turtle. Nearby, the Reserva Natural Cabezas de San Juan is another protected area of untrammelled mangrove swamp and dry forest, also containing Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Ricos spellbinding bioluminescent bays.
The east coast proper offers a real contrast, a blend of sleepy villages and a wilder, cliff-backed shoreline laced with secluded beaches. Playa Naguabo, noted for its seafood, is also the best embarkation point for Monkey Island, while the sprawling condo development of Palmas del Mar contains one of the best horse ranches on the island. Finally, highway PR-901snakes along the vertiginous southeast coastline, a twisting route lined with scenic viewpoints.
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How To Get From San Juan To El Yunque Rainforest
Getting to and from El Yunque is easy to do with a rental car. I highly recommend using the Waze app for navigation. Driving in Puerto Rico is not all that complicated but if you have no clue where youre going it makes for a frustrating start to the day. Waze put me right where I needed to be.
From your San Juan hotel, the ride should take about 45 minutes. Depending on when youre planning to drive over it could take a bit longer because of traffic.
On weekday mornings, expect to find some commuter traffic, especially around the San Juan area. Plus, theres plenty of road work going on either because of repairs from hurricane damage or general road maintenance.
A few words about using Uber to get to the National Forest. Dont do it.
Uber was readily available and affordable in and around the San Juan area. Its possible a driver will offer to drive you just outside of El Yunque, which will require an uphill walk into the park.
The bigger problem is the return journey, however. Cell phone signals are weaker in the forest and, technically, Uber drivers arent allowed to enter the park for pick-ups.
Reports online tell of travelers who were stuck or saw others in this predicament and offered to help them when they couldnt contact the driver who offered to pick them up.
Your Puerto Rico trip isnt complete without a day exploring Puerto Ricos only National Park, El Yunque! Youll be glad you took the time to explore this lush tropical corner of the island.
El Yunque Rain Forest Is A Must If You Come Around A
El Yunque Rain Forest is a must, if you come around a Bacalaito stand, stop. You can choose, they always have assorted fritters and great drinks to choose from. Try the local beer, Medalla. Don’t wander off the trails! Stay on them. It’s a wonderful place to explore, and maybe if you’re into it,bring a towel and get in the very cold streams. So cool!
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El Yunque And The East Coast Travel Guide
Eastern Puerto Rico is a microcosm of the whole island, at times brash, modern and touristy, but also rural, remote and achingly beautiful. Being so close to San Juan, the coastline is sprinkled with luxury resorts, condos and exclusive marinas, while in between youll find long stretches of primitive beach, festooned with nothing more than the flotsam blown up by the trade winds. Looming over the whole region, the densely forested hills of the Sierra de Luquillo were the last parts of Puerto Rico to be settled by the Spanish, thanks to indomitable Taíno resistance and the wet, hurricane-prone climate. In the nineteenth century the area did succumb to sugar and coffee plantations like the rest of the island, but they did not prosper, leaving nature to reclaim much of the land.
You Won’t Find Cheeky Monkeys In El Yunque
On the eastern flanks of Puerto Rico, the El Yunque National Forest is only a 40-minute drive from San Juan, the island’s capital city. Formed from an underground volcano, there is little natural wildlife on the island, so no chance of finding monkeys here. However, the forest is a natural birdwatchers paradise. Aside from the 17 indigenous birds, including hummingbirds and the Puerto Rican Pewee, there are 300 migratory birds who also call the island home. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Puerto Rican green parrot, that’s most likely to be spotted in the El Yunque National Forest.
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Rain Forest Fruit Farm
The cheapest and most adventurous place to stay is the Rain Forest Fruit Farm run by Robin Phillips. The farm has a cabin that is remote and private, accessible by a quarter-mile hike uphill from where you can park. It includes a double bed, two hammocks, foam sleeping mats, a barbecue grill outside , and an outdoor toilet under the porch that has a rainwater flush tank. You trade modern conveniences for picturesque views of Vieques Island, the Naguabo Valley, and one of the rain forests waterfalls. When the farm is in season, guests are welcome to sample from any of the more than 100 varieties of exotic fruit on the 12-acre grounds. Coconuts are available year-round. There is a restaurant a quarter-mile walk away. Groceries and other restaurants in Naguabo are 20 minutes away by car. All reservations must be made with Robin Phillips through the website. Return guests receive a discount off the already deeply discounted rate. Thanks to the coqui, a small tree frog, the cabin is mosquito-free.
Rain Forest Fruit Farm
rainforestfruitfarm.com
El Toro Wilderness Trail
Hike to the highest point of the rainforest along a challenging and steep trail. The 4.9-mile pathway known as El Toro is uneven and requires you to climb over rocks and fallen trees, which means you’ll get a full workout and somewhat muddy. During the hike, you’ll be able to enjoy the varied flora of the forest, changing from tabonuco to fern trees and sierra palms the higher up you get. El Toro is more secluded than the other trails in El Yunque, so it is recommended not to wander off the designated path in order to protect the natural environment and prevent accidentally getting lost.
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Mount Britton And El Yunque Peak
Once you reach the top, you’ll be surrounded by clouds! A 0.8-mile, out-and-back trail starts just off of Road 191 heading toward the Mount Britton lookout tower. The hike is around 45-minutes long, climbing up on paved pathways through the Sierra Palm and into the cloud forest. The narrow trail is labeled “challenging” by the US Forest System. While its not as difficult as the label might suggest, keep in mind that it is steep in some places, and the humidity and rain can make the trail slippery at times.
The path has three covered rest stations on the way up and connects to the El Yunque trail, which leads to the peak . The observation tower was built in the 1930s by the Conservation Corps and named after famous botanist Nathaniel Britton. It has an elevation of 2,493 feet and climbs 594 feet in less than a mile. The scenic views from the tower span across the forest all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Visit El Yunque National Forest
Plan a soul-refreshing escape to an enchanted rainforest park.
This natural treasure is an excellent destination if you want to be immersed in nature. You can visit for a hike on one of its many trails, bathe in natural pools beneath waterfalls, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and its name is a reference to Yuke, what the indigenous Taíno people defined as “white lands.”
With an average rainfall of 120 inches a year, El Yunque has a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including the Island’s famous coquí frog.
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved natural gems. El Yunque has a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including Puerto Rico’s famous coquí frog.
There’s no better way to recharge than playing under a waterfall.
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Does The Resort Have Restaurants
Do we ever! Though schedules vary seasonally, Executive Chef Ramón Carrillo offers as many as nine unique restaurants and bars that will satisfy your cravings. Choose from seafood & premium cuts at Palio Seafood & Steakhouse, sophisticated bites and cocktails at the Caicu Bar, island fare with token frozen drinks at Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, burgers and beers at 5 o’Clock Somewhere, contemporary American and Puerto Rican food accented by ocean views in Marbella, and eat like a local at Iguanas Cocina Puertorriqueña. Learn more on our Dining page.
What Is El Yunque Rainforest
Located in northeastern Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the largest Puerto Rico rainforest, as well as the only rainforest in the United States National Forest system.
It was formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest until its name was changed to El Yunque, after one of the islands Native spirits, in 2007.
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El Yunque Rainforest Inn
Set on its own five-acre estate at the end of a private, unmarked road one mile into the rain forest, the Rainforest Inn offers three different villas with free Wi-Fi and views of the rain forest and the Caribbean Sea below. A freshly made piña colada awaits arriving guests. Each morning at 9, a hot, gourmet breakfast is served on the private porch of both The Chalet and The Villa residences. The larger Margarita, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, does not include breakfast and is located farther into the rain forest at the end of its own private drive. All villas have an orchid or arrangement of flowers in each room, with a lending library of books and DVDs. The villas were built in 2003 and feature antique furniture, a fireplace and a claw-foot bathtub. Local and toll-free calls are free. The Rainforest Inn is family-owned and operated. The owners live on site.
El Yunque Rainforest Inn
Driving Through The Rainforest
All individuals can enjoy a visit to El Yunque, including those that may have physical limitations. The best way to experience that rainforest is by foot if youre not able to walk or youre short on time, you can drive along and see a few waterfalls along the way and enjoy the sights. If you have a sunroof, open it the whole way and look up at the giant ferns gently moving to the cool breeze of the rainforest. There is a lookout tower with an open observation patio at the top with breathtaking views that extend all the way to the east coast shores on a clear day.
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Luquillo And The Northeast Coast
Perched on the balmy Atlantic coast in the shadow of El Yunque, 45km east of San Juan, LUQUILLO combines three of Puerto Ricos most appealing pastimes: lounging on palm-fringed beaches, world-class surfing and gorging on celebrated cocina en kiosco. While it can get insufferably busy on weekends, its well worth a pit stop during the week and a couple of attractive hotels mean you can stay the night . Getting here involves a straightforward 45-minute drive from San Juan along PR-3, or a shorter twenty-minute hop from El Yunque. Taxis from San Juans Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín will charge $70.
Ro Grande Puerto Rico
| Río Grande | |
|---|---|
| Trees in Mameyes II, Río Grande | |
| Flag | |
| “La Ciudad de El Yunque“ | |
| Anthem: “Entre las ondas que juguetean“ | |
| Map of Puerto Rico highlighting Río Grande Municipality | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Hon. Angel “Bori” González | |
| Senatorial dist. | |
| 89.6 sq mi | |
| Land | 60.7 sq mi |
| Water | 28.9 sq mi |
| Elevation |
Río Grande is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located on the eastern edge of the Northern Coastal Valley, north of Las Piedras, Naguabo and Ceiba east of Loíza and Canóvanas and west of Luquillo. Río Grande is spread over eight barrios and Río Grande Pueblo . It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. A big portion of El Yunque National Forest, including El Yunque‘s peak, is located within the municipality.
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Los Caballos De Paso Fino: The Horses With The Fine Walk
Puerto Ricans are among the most passionate horseriders in the world, immensely proud of their unique, island-bred Paso Finos. Despite rapid modernization, youll come across locals steering their horses along busy roads in towns and villages all over the island, families joining cabalgatas organized on weekends in mountain towns and serious international competitions held here every year.
Horses were introduced to Puerto Rico by the Spanish, the Paso Fino evolving as a cross-breed of the Andalusian, North African Barb and Spanish Jennet. Although the horse also emerged in Colombia, only the Puerto Rican Paso Fino has the tantalizing four-phase gait that makes it so valuable: other show horses have to be taught the walk, but Paso Finos are born with it. Bred all over the world today, Paso Finos are fast learners and extremely responsive, making them a pleasure to ride.
Unless you have local horse-loving friends, the best way to experience the smooth, fine walk of a Paso Fino is to visit a ranch such as Rancho Buena Vista, where experienced guides take groups out on well-trained horses. You can also check out 4 Tiempos , the worlds largest Paso Fino magazine, for the latest reviews of horses, shows, and events from around the world, and including whats going on in Puerto Rico.