What is El Yunque National Park?
In January of 2022, myself and 5 friends spent 2 days exploring El Yunque National Park. Located in Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Park is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. The majority of the land is made up of the Luquillo Mountains, 3,533 feet above sea level, with the highest elevation receiving over 200 inches of rainfall per year. The forest is lush with tropical vegetation, including 150 fern and 240 tree species. The park is filled with scenic views, observation towers, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
where we stayed
We stayed in a condominium complex “Aquatika” in Loíza, about 30 minutes from the La Mina park entrance. The complex was essentially a gated community with refreshing pools and ocean access. With a group as large as ours this was a great option. The apartment we stayed in had 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a nice living space with a large TV and outdoor balcony porch. It was very safe; I went for a run in the complex one morning alone with no concerns. Just outside of the complex in the town there were small grocery stores/bodegas where we were able to purchase food and supplies. It was not a town you’d want to hang out in as a large group of obvious tourists but it was perfect for our needs. The only downfall was some rolling power outages, but since we were in the area primarily to go to the park, it wasn’t a big issue! We booked our apartment through Airbnb, Aquatika offers multiple condos available from different owners.
Before You Visit the Park
Reservations are required! These can be made 1 month ahead of time, and more spots open up 24 hours prior to entry for more last minute trips (or in case you forgot to get them ahead of time like we did!). The cost per vehicle was $2. Click here to make a reservation! Other important things to note are gate closing times. We entered and left through La Mina recreation area via road 191. The gate closed at 6 PM and no traffic was allowed into the park after 4:30PM. A helpful map of the park can be found here.
IN The Park
Our group is varied in hiking and national park appreciation and experience. While I’m happy to hike for miles and miles and tend to move fast in order to cover as much ground as possible, some of our friends prefer lower mileage and more time to smell the roses. El Yunque offers both long and short hikes with beautiful views, as well as awesome just off the road attractions. Before starting any hike, keep in mind that the afternoon often sees rain (it is a rainforest after all) so earlier starts are beneficial. Don’t forget your bathing suit, there are many waterfalls and water holes throughout the park!
Longer hikes:
Mount Britton Tower and Los Piachos via Mt Britton to Mt Britton spur trail to el yunque trail
On day one, we hiked what ended up being the better of our two trails. The trek to Mount Britton Tower was relatively quick, the hike being just over 1 mile one way to the tower. Notably, the trail does lead onto a brief segment of highway 10, a road in the park which is closed to through traffic. In order to get to the tower, there is a short out and back offshoot of the main trail. With it’s medieval appearance and spiral staircase leading to an open roof with expansive views, the tower was a perfect lookout point over the park. While admiring the view from the tower, we were advised by other hikers that we would be remiss not to check out Los Piachos, so we headed back outward the Mount Britton trail and continued onward to the Mount Britton Spur trail, which leads to the El Yunque trail taking you to Los Piachos. The last stretch of the Los Piachos hike involved hiking up steep stairs to a enclosed by a low concrete wall, a great place to stop and have a snack and take in the views. We did get caught in a light rain but what do you expect in the rainforest!
El Yunque Peak and El Yunque Rock via Camitillo and El Yunque Trail
On day 2, we set out with a plan to reach El Yunque Peak and Rock. We started at Camitillo trail head then headed all the way up El Yunque trail. We did end up doubling over a brief stretch of our hike from the day before. Along the later part of El Yunque trail there were many great view points which we made sure to take advantage of on the way up! El Yunque trail ends at highway 10, follow this to the left and you reach El Yunque peak. El Yunque peak had a lookout tower with a great view; the only negative was the many telephone wires which somewhat took away from the nature of it all. Following highway 10 back down and past the entrance to the trail leads to a small lookout spot, El Yunque Rock. To get to the viewpoint there was a short segment of rock climbing/scrambling with a rope for assistance. Unfortunately we were late getting to this spot and the rock was engulfed in a raincloud. Based on location I have to assume the views would have been great, but regardless climbing up to the rock was a great time!
Quick attractions in the the park:
La Coco Falls- This waterfall is located just off the road as you enter via the La Mina recreation area, pull over to take a look!
Yokahu Tower- This is a tower just off the road which you can climb up for a great view. Unfortunately when we stopped the tower was “closed for lunch” so we never actually climbed it. The view from the base of the tower was great!
Juan Diego Creek – This is a very cool series of waterfalls and pools just off the road. There is a nice trail to the first pool and waterfall, then more primitive climbing trails to get to bigger more secluded falls. Very worth it! Wear your bathing suit and rinse off under the falls!
Bano Grande- In complete honesty, we were not impressed. This is a historic pool that’s overgrown. If you are short on time, don’t stress about this one. Interesting historically but looking at a picture would suffice.
Nearby Attractions
Las Paylas (waterslides!) – After our second day at the national park, we made a pit stop to check out some natural water slides – we were not disappointed! This hidden gem is located in Luquillo, just under 20 minutes from the national park. Local homeowners have turned their lawns and driveways into parking for tourists and while it can be a little vague figuring out where to park and how much to pay, I felt that everyone was actually very helpful and friendly. After parking you hike down a hill behind the houses to a river with what felt like a huge natural slide. Although intimidating at first, a local gave us tips and tricks and we all got up the courage to take the slide! We spent a few hours exploring the river, finding a few smaller slides down river as well as a calm pool with rope swings. Definitely a can’t miss opportunity! Click here for more information!
El Yunque Food Truck Park – We discovered this place completely by chance! Located just off the highway on our way home from Las Paylas, this was a perfect spot for quick dinner. As a group of 6 it’s often hard to find a dinner everyone is interested in. At this food truck park everyone was able to get what they wanted: tacos and nachos, asian style, american pulled pork, traditional puerto rican, and wood fire pizza! Click here for their Facebook page and here for Instagram!
Bryan’s Pizza – Night one in Luiza we asked the locals for their dinner recommendations and were directed to Bryan’s Pizza. Great food, bit of a wait but worth it! Click here for more information!
Highlights
- Mount Britton Tower and Los Piachos hike
- Juan Diego Creek
- Las Paylas
- El Yunque Food Trucks
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