Exploring El Yunque

In the north-east of Puerto Rico El Yunque Rainforest serves as an attraction for tourists and locals. The rainforest has over 200 species of plants and animals, many who only exist in the humid mountains. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. 

El Yunque crosses through the pueblos of  Canóvanas, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, and Rio Grande. Which means there are many different ways to explore the rainforest. I'll explain two different routes that I've taken. The first is the more traditional way and the second is an adventurous local secret. 

Las Minas Waterfalls Trail

If you're in San Juan you simply take route 66 and then PR-3 and follow the signs that say El Yunque. The exit is to the right of the Rio Mar Hyatt. Although this is the more traditional way to explore El Yunque, it doesn't make it any less special. 

When you start going up the mountain of El Yunque, you'll see a sign that says Trail to las Minas. Las Minas are beautiful waterfalls which are easy to get to through a trail. This trail is partly paved or covered with rocks, so it is fairly easy to hike. Notice the roots and leaves of the trees and hear the sounds of the rainforest as you go along. 

Photo by: Cristina Jayo

When you get to the waterfalls you'll see there will be people bathing under them. I usually take a picture and then take my guest higher up to ponds which don't have that many people. Be sure to bring your bathing suit!

Las Minas Waterfalls
Photo by: Kimmy Sylvester

A pond all to ourselves higher up
Photo by: Cristina Jayo

Charco Frio: Tinajas

Tinajas is a part of the rainforest located in Ceiba where there are natural water slides and deep waters where one can jump from rocks or ropes. This is for real adventurers in good physical condition because getting there is not an easy hike. 

There are two ways to get to Tinajas, one is two walk all the way up the river, which takes about 2 hours or paying $10 to the man who owns the land, park your car in his backyard and go through his trail. His trail is about 30 minutes and a lot easier than going through the river. 

Going up the river.
Photo by: Camille A. Padilla

The trail which was particularly muddy when we went
Photo by: Camille A. Padilla

My friends and I went up the river on our way to Tinajas because the man wasn't in his house and then  took his trail back. Going up the river is fun but there is a chance someone will end up with a rolled ankle. (One has to rock climb and go through the water.) If you go up the river you need to make sure everyone with you is physically and mentally up to it. 

For anyone interested in land around Tinajas, the man who lets you park and use his trail is selling properties. 

What's next?

My next adventure in El Yunque will be to explore el Bosque Enano (The Elf Forest) or El Bosque de las Nubes (The Cloud Forest). It is in the highest altitudes of EL Yunque where trees are smaller because they do not need to grow tall for sun or water. It won't happen until the summer because I will be in Philly for the next couple of months but I'll be sure to blog about it! 


Since I'm in the topic of El Yunque, I would like to share this song which I believe all Puerto Ricans should familiarize themselves with. Enjoy.

Reference: http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/yunque.shtml