No bikes are allowed in El Yunque National Forest.

El Yunque is filled with walking and hiking trails for visitors to explore on foot, walking around is one of the only ways to discover the hidden gems and beauty of this rainforest. There are over 18 miles of roads and 24 miles of recreational trails found throughout the forest, these are restricted to foot traffic, and no mountain bikes or motorcycles are allowed. Visitors can explore many sides of El Yunque whether they are looking for an easy walk or a serious hike, there are many opportunities to do this on foot.

Yunque National Forest is open every day except Christmas. It opens at 7:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm. The El Portal Visitors Center is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. 

Your day begins at the El Portal Visitor Center at the entrance to the forest. This is where you can grab a map of the area and then head up the main road for around 4 miles towards La Coca Falls on the right and Yokahu Tower on the left. 

The forest has no entrance fee, however, admission to some of the Optional attractions costs around $8 for adults (children 15 and under are free). Advanced reservations are now required to access the main recreation areas of the park, these can be booked up to 25 hours in advance at recreation.gov.

There are many hiking trails and opportunities in El Yunque from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest is a short 0.6-mile walk found just south of the Sierra Palm Visitors Center, it is ideal for those looking to enjoy a nice easy walk to explore some of the rainforest. There are a few picnic areas with tables found along the trail as well as barbecue pits surrounded by trees and wildflowers with streams flowing through. A more strenuous hike would be to the highest point of the rainforest along a 4.9-mile steep and challenging trail. The trail is known as El Toro it can be uneven and requires climbing over some rocks and fallen trees, it can also be somewhat muddy. Hikers can enjoy varied flora along the trail from fern trees to Sierra palms, this is a secluded hiking trail.

The Coqui is an an endemic amphibian or tree frog that frequents the forest at night with a peculiar song that sounds just like its name “co-kee”. The rainforest at El Yunque is the perfect environment for these tiny singing frogs (the sound is produced by the male frogs to attract females). There are approximately 17 endemic species of common coqui, with 13 of these species found in EL Yunque National Forest. The coqui is considered to be the loudest known amphibian with its call being recorded at peaks of a hundred decibels from 3 feet away.

Yes, renting a car when visiting El Yunque Rainforest and the surrounding area is one of the only ways to travel around. There is no public transportation in the area, and you can take your own vehicle into the forest to explore the activities and attractions if you don’t choose to take a guided tour where transportation is included. 

There are no taxis available in El Yunque National Forest in an effort to reduce vehicular traffic. The best way to enter the park is by rental car or a guided tour. There may be some taxis available in the towns surrounding the forest, check with your hotel or order one over the phone. 

El Yunque is filled with walking and hiking trails for visitors to explore on foot, walking around is one of the only ways to discover the hidden gems and beauty of this rainforest. There are over 18 miles of roads and 24 miles of recreational trails found throughout the forest, these are restricted to foot traffic, and no mountain bikes or motorcycles are allowed. Visitors can explore many sides of El Yunque whether they are looking for an easy walk or a serious hike, there are many opportunities to do this on foot. 

No bikes are allowed in El Yunque National Forest. 

El Yunque Rainforest is considered a very safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. 

The official languages spoken in the El Yunque Rainforest are Spanish and English. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Spanish guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

El Yunque National Forest has a tropical rainforest climate with a subtropical highland climate at its highest peak. The area can receive over 200 inches of annual rainfall, it is the rainiest of all US national forests. There is no distinct wet or dry season in El Yunque, it rains year-round. The average temperature in the summer is 80 F high and 68 F low, during the winter it is 72 F high and 58 F low, the temperatures can drop below 50 F on clear nights in the winter. 

The currency of El Yunque Rainforest is the US dollar. 

There are no restaurants located inside the National Forest, but there are several located nearby that are worth checking out. There are options for traditional Puerto Rican fare and unique local dishes, there are some food stands, and some great barbeque joints. The western side of the country is known for its fresh fish and seafood caught by the local fisherman on the coast with ample supplies of freshly caught lobster, snapper, mahi-mahi, and conch along with classic authentic dishes like mofongo, and empanadas. There are some fantastic restaurants in the region that offer breathtaking views of the central mountain range, the rainforest, or the coast. 

Food is a very important part of Puerto Rico’s culture blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taino cuisine into delicious dishes full of flavor. Some of the staple dishes to try on the island include mofongo; deep-fried green plantains, and tostones; double deep-fried plantain wheels, and lechon asado; a slow spit-roasted* pork dish with mouthwatering meat and crispy skin which has been declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy. Pinchos are a Puerto Rican version of kebabs either made with chicken, beef, or pork. 

There are a few nightlife options found near El Yunque National Forest including restaurants, bars, and casinos.  There are options for guided nature walks just before the sun goes down. Visitors can enter the forest about an hour before sunset and go on a guided nature walk to learn about the flora and fauna and enjoy the sights before twilight falls. Sixty percent of El Yunque’s Rainforests inhabitants are nocturnal so they are more likely to be seen at night. 

In case of an emergency dial 919 for an ambulance or fire, 911 for the police.

Hospital:

Rio Grande Hospital tel. 719-657-2510.