About El Yunque National Forest

Humacao El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico Hiking Humacao El Portal Visitor Center

Established as the Luquillo Forest Reserve in 1903, El Yunque National Forest offers more than 28,000 acres that are home to 200 species of trees and plants, many of which grow nowhere else on the planet. The forest's tropical climate, year round rainfall, moderate temperatures, and mountain areas provide an ideal habitat for local wildlife and endangered indigenous animals, like the elusive Puerto Rican Parrot.

El Yunque receives around 240 inches of rain each year, which helps support the forest animals as well as the forest's four different forest areas. www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque/

Hiking at El Yunque National Forest -

Hiking trails are available for visitors of all ages and abilities. Trails range in difficulty and length, from short 30-minute strolls to challenging 4-hour hikes. The park offers six different trails and visitors can get trail maps and information at the l Portal Visitor Center.

Mount Britton Lookout -

Visitors can take a 45-minute hike (one-way) to the Mount Britton lookout tower for fabulous views of the rain forest. The trail takes visitors up past 3,000 feet and passes by several different forested areas. Covered rest stations are located along the trail for the comfort
of hikers.

El Portal Visitor Center -

Located below El Yunque's wet forest, the El Portal Visitor Center offers an introduction to the El Yunque National Forest, complete with a history of the forest and information on forest habitats, wildlife, plants, trees, and unique points of interest. Visitors can also get trail maps and information on forest tours. The visitor center also features a gift shop, a coffee shop, and an impressive mid-air walkway where visitors can walk through the tree canopy.

El Yunque Tours -

Visitors are not required to participate in a tour of the forest, however guided tours are available from the U.S. Forest Service each day. One-hour, ranger-led tours are offered daily between 10:30am-2:30pm, on a first come first served basis. Tickets range from $3-$5 per person, depending on age. Call (787) 888-1810 for more information about tours of the El Yunque National Forest.

Visit El Yunque National Forest -

El Yunque National Forest is open to the public year round. Entrance to the park is free, however a $3 donation per person is highly recommended. The park is open daily from 7:30am-6pm. www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque/