El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour
The El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in northeastern Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Furthermore, it offers an array of hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests.
Difficulty Level:
As for the difficulty level, the hiking trail in the El Yunque Rainforest is rated moderately challenging, with a difficulty level of 4 out of 5. You will hike up to 500 feet at a 40-degree incline, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Upon reaching the Mt. Britton observation tower, 3,087 feet above sea level, you will be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, the metropolitan area, and the Caribbean Sea. With some luck, you might even catch a glimpse of Puerto Rico's islands of Culebra and Vieques!
La Coca Falls:
After enjoying the scenic view from the observation tower, we'll make our way to the well-known La Coca Falls. This 85-foot (26 meters) tall waterfall cascades down a massive rock formation, making it a perfect backdrop for photos commemorating your time at El Yunque. Additionally, we will take a break to visit a family-owned restaurant that offers a variety of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, including rice & beans, chicken, pork chops, and cold coconuts. Make sure to try their "empanadas," which are a local favorite. You can also order piña coladas, the national drink of Puerto Rico! While you're there, you can also support local businesses by purchasing souvenirs.
Local Food and Souvenirs:
We will take a break to visit a family-owned restaurant that offers a variety of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, including rice & beans, chicken, pork chops, and cold coconuts. Make sure to try their "empanadas," which are a local favorite. You can also order piña coladas, the national drink of Puerto Rico! While you're there, you can also support local businesses by purchasing souvenirs.
Swimming at Río Mameyes:
Once you've rejuvenated, we'll make one more stop to allow you to swim in the crystal-clear waters of El Yunque's Río Mameyes. This river has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River, protecting it from overuse, instream developments, and other impacts that could affect its scenic and recreational value. Consequently, this will be the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax after a day of activity in El Yunque.
El Yunque Rainforest Operation:
- Will operate rain or shine.
- We reserve the right to alter tour activity as required for everyone's safety.
- Pick-up will typically be 15 minutes before the tour starts, depending on where you stay.
- Please be considerate of everyone's time, so do not be late.
- Gratuities are not included in the tour price but are highly appreciated.
- As a US Territory, Puerto Rico follows the tipping etiquette of the US, so Puerto Ricans rely on tips.
Tips for Hikers
Before embarking on a hiking tour in El Yunque, being well-prepared is essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good traction and ankle support.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as no food or drink vendors are inside the park.
- Wear sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out and prepare for sudden temperature and humidity changes.
- Finally, stay on the designated trails and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
Conclusion
The El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of the rainforest ecosystem. With its stunning scenery and challenging trails, it's no wonder why El Yunque is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
- Attire:
Active clothes and shoes that will quickly dry and be easily cleaned in case you get mud or water on them.
Swimsuits under your clothes so you can jump right into the river (no changing stations)
- Shoes:
Wear water shoes so that you'll be more comfortable when walking on rocks as you enter the river
Bring flip-flops to let your feet breathe and keep dry after rainforest activities
- Extras:
Towels, not just to dry yourself but to keep your seat dry as a courtesy for people touring later in the day or the next day
Eat a good breakfast before pick-up – there's nothing worse than a grumbling stomach while you're on tour!
Bring cash in case you see something you'd like to buy on the way.
What does the El Yunque tour consist of?
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Tour duration and return times are approximate and may vary slightly due to weather, traffic conditions, and circumstances beyond the tour operator's control.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made 48 hours before the scheduled tour date and local time via EMAIL ONLY. A sales representative will respond with the validation of the requested cancellation. The designated tour operator will fully charge those who intend to cancel within the 48-hour time frame. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS under any circumstance to waive any fees.
After submission of the requested tour, you agree to our 48-hour cancellation policy and acknowledge that any cancellations made within the given time frame are considered a FINAL SALE. There will be No Rescheduling, and NO REFUNDS will be provided.
Please note some tours depend on weather conditions to function and may be affected. Unfortunately, mother nature is out of our control; any changes required will be notified to you immediately. For safety concerns, if a tour operator cancels the scheduled tour, the option of rescheduling will be given, or a refund will be provided.