El Yunque
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved natural gems. El Yunque has a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including Puerto Rico’s famous coquí frog.

How far is the rainforest from San Juan?

It is only about a 40-minute drive from San Juan to the entrance of the park, so you can make it a day trip.

Can you visit El Yunque without a tour?

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a trip to El Yunque National Rainforest and let me start by saying first and foremost you DO NOT need a guided tour to enjoy El Yunque. Tours cost about $50-$100 per person including a guide and transportation from most popular hotels on the island.

Does Puerto Rico have a rainforest?

Located on the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico in the Greater Antilles group, El Yunque National Forest is the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. This Forest differs significantly from all the other U.S. National Forests because of its year-round tropical climate and immense biodiversity.

Can you walk into El Yunque?

Capacity is limited so visitors will need to use an online reservation system to reserve an entry ticket in advance of a visit. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app. If you want to come to El Yunque’ s main recreation area, you need to get a reservation in advanced.

Can you swim in El Yunque?

Swimming in El Yunque The U. S. Forest Service recommends two swimming holes in El Yunque. La Coca Falls drops 85 feet, spilling over a huge rock formation into a pool that is perfect for wading and swimming. The water temperature in El Yunque’s swimming holes is between 60 and 65 degrees F.

Can I just walk into El Yunque?

Normally, El Yunque is free to enter and you don’t need a permit. However, due to park regulations regarding COVID-19, you need to reserve your time slot online here ahead of time. It’s still technically free to enter, but there is a $2 service fee, which you pay by credit card online.

How much does it cost to visit El Yunque?

There is an entrance fee of $4 per adult, $2 for seniors (cost saving FYI–your National Park Service passes are valid here). Kids under 15 years old are free. It is an educational center with lots of exhibits on rain forests and conservation.

Are there sharks in Puerto Rico waters?

Puerto Rico is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. With over 300 miles of coastline, there are, of course, many sharks that live in the waters off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Are there crocodiles in El Yunque?

You will see a live display of caged snakes like the Puerto Rican Boa and a Python; Giant Monitor Lizards, native and exotic Ground Turtles, and even a small Caiman crocodile!

Are there alligators in Puerto Rico?

Laureano, explained that in a study was made of a period of ten years, a total of 965 caimans (of the alligator family) were spotted in different bodies of water in Puerto Rico, 118 of them in San Juan. …

What is the coldest month in Puerto Rico?

January
The coldest month is January with an average low of 70 °F (21 °C) and an average high of 83 °F (28 °C). Puerto Rico enjoys warm, sunny and humid days most of the year. There is no winter, spring or fall, only summertime.