El Yunque National Forest is the gem of Puerto Rico. This 28,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest that is listed in the US National Forest system.
The lush forest is filled with hiking trails, 25 waterfalls, and diverse wildlife and native plants. It was even a finalist for one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico as well as photos to inspire your trip!
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7 Things to do in El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico (With Photos)
Table of Contents
El Yunque National Forest Ticket Reservation Information
- Visitors must reserve a timed entry ticket. Tickets are released 30 days in advance with a 4-day reservation window. Additional tickets are released 24 hours in advance.
- Tickets are released at 8 am local time.
- There is a $2 reservation fee and you will only need to purchase one ticket per vehicle.
- You will need to present a digital or printed version of the reservation ticket at the gate, along with a government-issued ID matching the name on the reservation. Cell service is limited in El Yunque so it is recommended that you print it out or take a screen shot.
- The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, but they stop letting visitors through the gate at 3 pm.
- Check the Alerts & Notices page for updated trail closures and information.
- El Yunque National Forest is located about 50 minutes from San Juan. If you do not plan to rent a car, there are tour options available with transportation from San Juan.
Best Things to do in El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico
1. Stop at La Coca Falls
La Coca Falls is located just past the main entrance gate. This 85-foot-tall waterfall streams down the face of the cliff and can be seen right off the main road.
A parking lot is located nearby if you would like to get out and snap a few pictures. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider hiking the La Coca Trail.
The trailhead can be found about 700 feet past the waterfall.
It is a challenging yet rewarding trail that leads through the rainforest down to the Mameyes River.
The trail is absolutely beautiful, but use caution as it is muddy and steep with several river crossings along the way.
Also, be aware that the La Coca Trail is not well-marked and it is easy to get lost.
There is very limited cell service in the park, so I would highly recommend upgrading to AllTrails Pro so that you can download the map and use it offline.
2. See the views from Yokahú Tower
About a half-mile after La Coca Falls, you’ll come to a parking lot for Yokahú Tower.
This tower was built in the 1960s and has a spiral staircase leading to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park.
The tower sits high above the palm and cloud forest at an elevation of 1,575 feet.
From the top, you’ll have unobstructed panoramic views across the canopy of trees and all the way to the ocean. It’s one of the best places to take photos in El Yunque National Forest.
The tower is free to visit and is open from 9 am to 4 pm. There is no elevator access.
3. Swim in a waterfall at Juan Diego Creek
Juan Diego Creek is our favorite spot inside El Yunque National Forest for photos.
The serene creek runs through the moss-covered forest with a series of picturesque waterfalls along the way.
The first waterfall you will come to is about 20 feet tall with a nice pool to swim in. On the weekends, you’ll find plenty of families enjoying a picnic and afternoon swim.
If you would like to escape the crowds and find even more photo-worthy waterfalls, then follow the trail to the right of the waterfall.
The trail becomes a little more steep and muddy as you make your way up the creek.
You’ll soon come to an impressive waterfall fringed with palms and surrounded by sheer mossy cliffs.
The pool here is shallow, but you can still stand under the waterfall for a refreshing shower.
The trail continues to the left of the waterfall where you can reach even more remote falls. It is a short trail up, but it is quite muddy and steep.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find the third waterfall. This waterfall isn’t as tall, but the setting is idyllic. And chances are you’ll have this little slice of paradise all to yourself.
You’ll find a nice pool where you can take a cold plunge.
There is also a beautiful lookout point above the second waterfall.
The water gingerly cascades down the rock face. You can attempt to hike up the side to reach the top of these falls, but the rocks are quite slippery so I wouldn’t recommend it.
There is not a designated parking lot for Juan Diego Creek, but parking is available on the side of the road near km 10.
It’s such a beautiful drive through El Yunque, it reminded us of the Road to Hana.
4. Take the Angelito Trail to a swimming hole
The Angelito Trail is located in the El Mina Recreation Area which is just outside of the permit area.
If you aren’t able to get a permit to visit El Yunque, this is a great option to still enjoy the park. The trail is 0.7 miles roundtrip and leads down through the forest to the banks of the Mameyes River.
This river has been federally designated as a Wild & Scenic River, and as you reach the bank you’ll see why.
The Mameyes River is hidden in the heart of the rainforest. The crystal clear water is ladened with boulders and shaded by Sierra Palms and Tabonuco trees.
The oversized boulders act as a dam, creating the Las Damas Pool and other little swimming holes.
There is even a rope swing hanging from one of the trees.
It’s the perfect spot to have a picnic and cool off on a hot day. This is a very popular spot among locals and tourists, but there is still plenty of room to spread out all along the river.
There is no designated parking lot, but parking is available along the road.
5. Slide down a natural waterslide at the Las Paylas River
The Las Paylas natural waterslide and swimming hole is located just outside of El Yunque National Forest and can’t be missed!
It is actually located in the backyard of a local resident who is so kind and generous to allow public access.
The navigation app on your phone might not bring you to the exact location, so just enter in these GPS coordinates: 18°20’16.3″N 65°43’51.8″W.
Parking is $5 cash and you can park in his front yard. There is another small lot located just down the road if it is full.
Once you get to his house and park, walk down the steps where you’ll find refreshments for sale. This is also where you’ll find the owner and can pay him.
There is a short trail that leads to the natural waterslide where you will have a blast going down over and over again!
The water shoots you right down the rock slide and it looks like it would hurt, but it really doesn’t.
Just try to sit up straight and keep your arms out for balance.
Once you are done on the slide, head a little further down the river and you’ll find a smaller natural waterslide and a large swimming hole.
There are also rope swings and cliffs to jump from. Just use caution and check the water depth and underwater rocks before jumping.
* Related Post: If you would like more recommendations for your time in Puerto Rico, check out our Ambitious 7-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary!
6. Go on an adventure at Carabali Rainforest Park
Carabali Rainforest Park is a 600-acre family-owned adventure park nestled in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest.
They offer ATV tours that take you on a beautiful trail through the rainforest.
There are a few stops on the tour where you can cool off with a dip in the Mameyes River and drink a piña colada out of a coconut at an open-air cafe.
Horseback rides are also available at the park. You can choose between a forest trail or riding along the beach.
Once you’re back from your outdoor adventure, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Carabali Bar & Grill!
For more details about Carabali Rainforest and what to expect on the tour, see our guide to Visiting Carabali Rainforest Park.
7. Zipline through the rainforest
The Rainforest Zipline Park is located just outside of El Yunque National Forest. There are 8 different lines, one of which is 2,300 feet long!
The first 6 lines are right over the parking area, which was a little disappointing.
It is still fun and there is a great view of the rainforest from the top of the tower at line 5, but I wish the lines themselves were more scenic.
You’ll take a short truck ride up to the last two lines and those ones are awesome! They are longer and much more scenic. One of the lines is even a double so you can race.
Another option is JungleQui Zipline Park that is located nearby.
For an even greater adrenaline rush, try the Monster Zipline at Toro Verde Adventure Park. Jimmy Fallon even tackled this 1.57-mile-long zipline that reaches speeds of 95 mph!
Toro Verde is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from El Yunque, but it’s worth looking into if you’re planning to road trip around Puerto Rico.
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I hope this guide will help you discover the best things to do in El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico!
And if you’re planning to visit Old San Juan while in Puerto Rico, see our guide for 12 Things to do in Old San Juan in One Day!
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