Excursion El yunque rainforest walk tour at San Juan

El Yunque is the 3,500-foot peak within Puerto Rico’s Caribbean National Forest. Its name originates from the Indian word "Yuqui," meaning "white land," but was later changed by the Spanish to "Yunque," meaning "anvil." When viewed from the north, the mountain resembles an anvil—the iron block used for hammering metal—adding to its legendary shape.

Explore The Lush, Virgin Forest

Covering 28,000 acres, El Yunque holds 75% of Puerto Rico’s remaining virgin forests. As a designated bird sanctuary, it is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Thanks to over 100 billion gallons of rain annually, the forest sustains about 250 tree species, 50 types of ferns, and up to 20 varieties of wild orchids. It is also home to a rich array of Puerto Rican wildlife.

Wildlife & Endangered Species

El Yunque is famous for its unique wildlife, including the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona utata), an endangered species with vibrant red, blue, and green plumage—rarely seen in the wild. The Coquí, Puerto Rico’s national mascot, is a tiny frog known for its distinctive call that sounds like "Ko-kee," filling the forest with its song. Though loud and common, spotting the elusive Coquí can be challenging, but hearing its call is a true Puerto Rican experience.

Scenic Stops & Views

Your rainforest adventure includes a stop at El Portal Visitor’s Center, the official gateway to El Yunque National Forest, offering exhibits, and where guests will enjoy a leisure non strenuous trail; a photo stop at La Coca Falls—an iconic, cascading waterfall—and a visit to Yokahu Lookout Tower, offering panoramic views of the lush landscape and surrounding mountains.

Guided In-Depth Exploration

Led by an informative and knowledgeable tour guide, explore the rainforest’s diverse ecosystems and learn about its flora, fauna, and history. Gain insights into the environmental importance of this natural wonder.

Refresh & Conclude

At the end of your tour, enjoy a complimentary bottle of cool mineral water to refresh yourself before returning to your starting point, carrying unforgettable memories of Puerto Rico’s breathtaking rainforest.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: El Yunque Rainforest, El Portal Visitor’s Center, La Coca Falls,(photo op), Yokahu Lookout Tower, and a visit to a local Bakery.

Note

Please note: Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. There is walking over pathways at some of the stops and 96 stairs at the observation tower, although this climb is optional. We recommend wearing flat, comfortable walking shoes and bringing an umbrella and/or light raincoat. The drive to El Yunque is approximately 1 hour each way. The order sites are visited may vary. Trails utilized may vary as they are weather dependent.