The Sole Tropical Rainforest In The US National Forest System Has Lush Trails, Waterfalls & Biodiversity

If your travel goals include hiking through lush tropical jungles, swimming in beautiful rivers, admiring ocean views from the tops of mountains, and chasing waterfalls, then it's time to visit El Yunque National Forest.

The United States has about 193 million acres of land preserved within 155 different national forests, but El Yunque National Forest is the only one with a tropical rainforest to explore. In order to get there you'll have to leave the mainland United States and journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the vibrant island of Puerto Rico, which is one of the best budget-friendly beach destinations in the Caribbean. Since Puerto Rico is a United States territory, you won't even need a passport to experience an ecosystem that feels worlds away from anything you'll find in the lower 48.

Although El Yunque is one of the smallest national forests, its 29,000 acres are jam-packed with biodiversity and things to do. Visitors can enjoy epic hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic landmarks. A large visitor center has educational programs, guided walks, and tons of art created by locals. There's even a cafe where you can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican food. El Yunque National Forest is an ideal day trip or overnight excursion from San Juan for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Puerto Rico and enjoy some of the island's gorgeous natural scenery.

El Yunque's importance was realized long before Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. It's one of the oldest forest preserves in the Americas. The Indigenous Taino people were the first to call the region home, and the land held deep spiritual significance for them. They believed a benevolent spiritual being called Yuquiyu or Yúcahu lived in the mountains. The tallest mountain in the national forest was believed to be called Yuké by the Taino people, which translates to "white lands," named for the clouds that swirl around it. The name of the park is believed to have been derived from the Taino word, although the Spanish word yunque means anvil.

The park itself was first preserved by the King of Spain, Alfonso XII in 1876. Less than 20 years later, in 1898, the United States claimed Puerto Rico as a territory following the Spanish-American war. The preserve was renamed the Luquillo Forest Reserve in 1903, then changed to the Caribbean National Forest in 1935. In 2007 it was renamed El Yunque National Forest.

El Yunque National Forest is located to the east of San Juan, Puerto Rico's largest city, and getting there takes under an hour. Renting a car in San Juan is the easiest way to reach the park, and a car rental is one of the top travel hacks for travel in Puerto Rico. You can also book guided tours that include transportation. The roads in Puerto Rico are easy to navigate and well-maintained, so most tourists feel comfortable driving themselves. Car rentals cost around $40-$50 per day on average.

El Yunque is free to visit and is open every day from 7:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. There is a fee of $8.00 per person to visit El Portal Visitor Center. The original visitor center from 1996 was damaged by hurricanes, and the facility reopened in 2022 after an extensive rebuild. The large open-air building is beautiful and sustainably designed with gorgeous landscaping and water elements. Creations by local artists are on display around the premises. Educational exhibits and a theater inform visitors about the forest. Walking paths wind through the flora and fauna surrounding the building, some of which are wheelchair accessible. You can grab a bite to eat at the Rainforest Cafe and browse the gift shop before or after you explore the national forest and even visit with a few endangered Puerto Rican parrots. The visitor center opens at 9:00 a.m.

As you head into the national forest, you'll quickly be immersed in nature. La Coca Falls is located right by the road just a few minutes into the drive. The waterfall tumbles 85 feet to the rocks below, and there's a small overlook where you can take photos and enjoy the view. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb amongst the rocks up to the falls, just be careful as they can be quite slick. Make sure to stop by the historic sites constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Baño Grande and Baño Oro are large stone pools that were once used by the public for swimming. Stone House was originally used as a ranger station, and large observation towers provide beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.

There are 24 miles of hiking trails within the national forest. Unfortunately, at the time of writing many of El Yunque's best hiking routes are still closed due to damage from the back-to-back hurricanes that occurred in 2017. The Forest Service is working hard on repairing damaged portions of the trails. Since there aren't as many options, it's reasonable to expect some congestion on the trails that remain open, especially during peak tourist season. Be a considerate tourist in Puerto Rico, and stay on the designated paths.

If you're looking for a short but challenging hike, head to Mount Britton. The trailhead is located at the top of the one-way loop road through the national forest, right before it starts descending back down the mountain. Parking is limited, so try to get there early. The 1.7-mile out-and-back hike takes you along a steep path surrounded by lush forests. Your heart will definitely be pounding after the 646-foot elevation gain. At the top, you'll find the historic Britton Tower. Climb the staircase to the top deck where you can enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the entire island. Due to the 3,000-foot elevation, the view is often obstructed by swirling clouds, but on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. 

If you're looking to cool off after a strenuous hike, head to the easy Angelito Trail which takes you to a swimming hole called Las Damas in the Mameyes River.  While you won't find directions to this spot on any maps, it's a local favorite with coordinates to the trailhead on AllTrails.

You can totally visit El Yunque National Forest as a day trip from San Juan, but if you want to spend a bit longer enjoying the rainforest vibes, or explore some of the beautiful beaches nearby, it's worth staying a night or two in the Rio Grande area.

The little town of Palmer makes for an excellent home base and there are some cute affordable Airbnbs in town for around $100 per night. Bungalu Rest and Bar is a fun rooftop spot to grab lunch, dinner, and drinks in town. The ambiance is lovely and the mahi mahi tacos are mouthwatering. For breakfast head to Degree 18 Juice Bar which has fresh fruit smoothies and loaded acai bowls.

If you're looking for a luxurious stay, head to the Rainforest Inn. Surrounded by jungle scenery, it's a perfect romantic retreat for couples. The spacious suites have amenities like private terraces with outdoor bathtubs. There is also a saltwater swimming pool and a delicious breakfast is served each morning. Prices start at around $300 per night.

Luquillo is a great choice for travelers who prefer to stay near gorgeous beaches, and it's only 15 minutes from the entrance to El Yunque National Forest. There are plenty of hotel and Airbnb options starting around $100 a night. Make sure to stop by the famous Luquillo Kiosks for a bite to eat. With more than 60 family-owned vendors to choose from, there's something for everyone, and it's right by the beach so some spots have ocean views.