If you’re looking for a fun day of adventure while visiting Puerto Rico, then be sure to plan a day at Carabalí Rainforest Park in Luquillo. They offer some of the best ATV trail rides and horseback riding on the island!
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What to Expect When Visiting Carabalí Rainforest Park
Table of Contents
- Where is Carabalí Rainforest Park located?
- History of Carabalí Rainforest Park
- Activities available at Carabalí Rainforest Park
Where is Carabalí Rainforest Park located?
Carabalí Rainforest Park is nestled in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest. It is located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico just outside the town of Luquillo.
It is about 20 miles east of San Juan and takes approximately 35-45 minutes to arrive by car.
History of Carabalí Rainforest Park
Carabalí Rainforest Park is a local family-owned ranch and adventure park. It sits on 600 pristine acres of rainforest and farmland.
This ranch land has been in the Díaz family since 1977. It first started out as a successful dairy farm that continued through the 90s.
In addition to milk production, the family also began renting out horses to tourists as early as 1979.
Horseback riding tours along the beach and through rainforest trails are still some of the most popular activities at Carabalí today.
Over the years, they have also continued to expand operations to include a variety of other adventures and tours.
Activities available at Carabalí Rainforest Park
Visitors can choose one or more adventures that are offered at Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park. These include ATV and UTV tours, horseback rides, go-karts, and a hayride.
ATV and UTV Tours
The large fleet of ATVs and UTVs includes 1-2 seater quads, and side-by-sides that can seat up to four people.
Drivers must be at least 16 years old and present a valid driver’s license.
Guests can book either a 1 or 2-hour tour. We booked the 2-hour UTV tour and it was the perfect family adventure!
Plan to arrive early for your tour where you’ll receive a safety briefing before getting fitted for helmets and climbing aboard your vehicle.
The trails lead through the thick rainforest where you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds echoing through the branches of the trees.
The first stop will be at a lookout point where you can savor the panoramic views over the El Yunque National Forest.
Your tour guide will give you a brief history of the area and its native plants. My boys especially got a kick out of the history of the “pee-pee tree” that was brought over by Christopher Columbus.
The next stop will be at the Mameyes River where the crystal clear water flows directly from the rainforest.
It is the perfect place to take a quick swim and cool off on a hot day. Plan to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and water shoes if you would like to swim in the river.
Even if you choose not to swim, it’s still a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the beauty.
Your tour guide will also take the opportunity to share a little history of Puerto Rico’s early beginnings and its beautiful culture.
The final stop on the tour will be at an open-air rainforest cafe where food and drinks are available for purchase.
Be sure to order a piña colada served inside of a coconut!
Once you are finished drinking from the coconut, you can ask them to cut it open so that you can eat the flesh.
After the last stop, you’ll make your way back along the beautiful sun-dappled trail to the ranch.
Depending on the recent rainfall, the earthy trails can either be muddy or dry and dusty. Be sure to wear sunglasses (I would recommend these inexpensive riding goggles), closed-toe shoes, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
You’ll also want to wear a bandana over your nose and mouth if it is dusty.
Be sure to also bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and cash to tip your tour guide.
Horseback Riding Tours
Carabalí is home to a herd of 85 well-loved horses. These Paso Fino horses are a Peruvian breed that have a reputation for being the smoothest trail riding horses.
The horses have been raised at the farm where they are well cared for and known by name. They are gentle and perfect for beginner riders.
In addition to the trail horses, other horses are boarded privately in the stables at Carabalí if you want to stop by and say hi.
Two different horseback riding tours are available at Carabalí Rainforest Park.
Visitors can take a trail ride in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest to experience the flora and fauna of the area. This tour also includes a stop at the Mameyes River to take a dip.
They offer 1 and 2-hour tours that are great for all ages and abilities. The minimum age for this tour is 3 years old.
The second option is a beach horseback riding tour. The 2.5-hour tour will take you along the Mameyes River and off the beaten path until you reach the shores of Luquillo Beach.
It truly is a memorable experience to ride horses along the shores of this beautiful Caribbean beach.
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years old.
And while you’re near El Yunque, be sure to check out our guide for 7 of the Best Things to do in El Yunque National Forest for ideas of things to do after your tour.
El Yunque Hay Ride
If you are looking for something fun to do with younger kids, check out the El Yunque Hay Ride.
This relaxing open-air tractor ride is perfect for large groups and visitors of all ages.
It follows along the same forest trails as the ATVs and horseback rides and even stops for a swim at the river as well.
Go-kart Track
After your ATV tour or horseback riding adventure, be sure to take a few laps around the go-kart track!
The scenic track is surrounded by palm trees and mountain views.
And it is guaranteed fun for the whole family as you race each other around the course! Each ticket will get you 5 minutes on the track, which is about 10 laps around.
Drivers must be 54 inches tall and passengers must be 3 years or older.
*Related post: If you would like more recommendations for your time in Puerto Rico, check out our Ambitious 7-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary!
Dine at Carabalí Bar & Grill
After a full day of adventure, indulge in a hearty meal at Carabalí Bar & Grill.
The robust menu includes traditional Puerto Rican cuisine served in an enchanting setting.
Enjoy your meal under thatched umbrellas or on the upper level of the treehouse.
At night, the dining area is illuminated with string lights and a live band even plays on the weekends.
After eating at a lot of different restaurants during our time in Puerto Rico, we can honestly say that Carabalí Bar & Grill ranked in our top 3 favorite restaurants.
The dishes are prepared using high-quality locally sourced ingredients. Everything that we tried was fresh and flavorful.
Our recommendations include the Local Fried Cheese with Guava Sauce or Fried Sweet Plantains as an appetizer.
For the main dish, try the Chicken Mofongo with lemon sauce and capers, Angus Skirt Steak, Half Rack Ribs, or the Rancho Skirt Steak Quesadillas.
The Skirt Steak is marinated for three days and is grilled to mouthwatering perfection. And if you have room for dessert, order the Tres Leches.
It is the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day in Puerto Rico!
And if you’re planning to visit Old San Juan while in Puerto Rico, check out our guide for 12 Things to do in Old San Juan.
I hope this guide will help you discover all that Carabalí Rainforest Park has to offer, enjoy your visit!
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