San Juan: El Yunque Rainforest and Waterslides Day Trip

If you’re looking for a fun and refreshing outdoor activity, then a day trip to the El Yunque Rainforest in San Juan is exactly what you need! This incredible pocket of nature, located only 25 miles outside of San Juan, offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. From the awe-inspiring hiking trails, to the dreamy limpid lakes infamous for its waterslides, a leisurely day journey to El Yunque will guarantee an unforgettable and unique experience.

Overview of the Rainforest

For anyone as yet unfamiliar with El Yunque, it is the only tropical rainforest protected in the United States National Forest System. The park encompasses over 28,000 acres of protected land and is renowned as a biodiverse hotspot. There are up to 240 species of trees alone, as well as 105 different kinds of ferns, more than a hundred varieties of orchid, and many species of wild animals. Stunning waterfalls, puddles and rivers further adorn the beautiful setting, making El Yunque may just be one of the most captivating natural paradises in Puerto Rico.

Best Things to Do in El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque boasts both adrenaline-pumping activities and quieter sites –all guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a look at the best things to do here:

Hiking:

For anyone looking to explore El Yunque’s natural beauty, then the well-trodden hiking trails are the go-to option. As mentioned before, the rainforest is filled with thousands of different species of animals, trees, flowers and various other vegetation that you won’t get to discover anywhere else. The hikes range from short and easy routes, like La Coca Trail (1.7km) La Mina Trail (2.2km), El Portal Trail(1.5km), to longer and more difficult routes such as Mt Britton (10.2km/5hours) and Los Tabonuco (5.5km/3 hours). Hikers should note that shortly after the entrance fee at El Portal ($5 or equivalent in local currency), most of the trails do not cost any additional money.

Kayaking:

The El Yunque National Forest boasts many stunning open bodies of water that can be enjoyed by renting kayak or canoe. Paddling allows you to take advantage of the calmer waters and explore areas that you couldn’t otherwise with walking. To enjoy kayaking at El Yunque, you need to get in touch with local companies that offer these trips; such as LaEsperillaKayak Rafting Tours (Phone number:787-224-1566). As is generally normal with these kinds of companies, they will provide all the necessary equipment to comfortably enjoy your kayaking experience safely.

Mount Icaro Trail:

The Mount Icaro Trail is an adventure for sure! The 3.2 km-long route leads and climbs to the peak of Mount Icaro at an altitude of 1,393 feet above sea level –offering some delicious panoramic views of the island. You must note though that this trail is considered difficult with several steep elevations and steep descents, so is best suited to experienced hikers or anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

Waterslide Fun:

The El Yunque National Forest also offers visitors an interesting mix of calm waters, surrounded by nature and some exciting waterslides. The Rainbow Waterslide Park is actually one of the most popular attractions in the whole area. Every day hundreds of people all come here to have an amazing time gliding down its various multiple slides into pools filled with crystal clear water.

How To Make The Most Out Of El Yunque Rainforest:

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or going on your first outing to El Yunque, here are a few tips and useful suggestions that will help you make the most out of your rainforest experience:

• Bring comfortable shoes and a backpack: Walking around the immense El Yunque can take a lot out of travelers, so it is important to ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes and have all your belongings stored within an ergonomic backpack.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen: Bear in mind that chemicals used on commercial sunscreens are often incredibly damaging to nature, so always pick a brand that promises biodegradable features.
• Carry ample snacks and water: As with most outdoor activities, you will want to make sure you have enough snacks and water with you throughout the day. When visiting El Yunque there are some restaurants dotted around so don’t worry too much but it’s always best to be prepared.
• Choose as many eco-friendly activities as possible: Be conscious about where one’s money goes once heading into El Yunque. There are plenty of eco-friendly activities offered by local businesses that won’t hurt the environment.
• Stay up late at night: If you luck out with an evening free from cloud cover then it’s definitely worth staying up late at night (just make sure to bring a torch!). Here you can observe just how clear Puerto Rican nights really are by lying back and seeing what stars you can spot.

Overall Experience

Visiting El Yunque National Forest is sure to be an enjoyable experience for all ages. With miles upon miles of diverse vegetation and wildlife to explore, kayaking trips set against some natural backdrops, and top it off with some aquatic fun — anyone who sets foot into this part of San Juan will be leaving with many unforgettable memories.

Looking for a convenient way to get everything sorted for your day trip? Check out GetYourGuide’s day trip package , where each visit includes transport from San Juan, entry fees, and even lunch!