EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST: A MUST-VISIT IN PUERTO RICO
Is it your first time in Puerto Rico and you want to enjoy a day in nature? You can’t miss a special tour to El Yunque National Forest where you can swim, hike through the lush vegetation, and savor Puerto Rican culinary delights.
A highly engaging visit in direct contact with nature, offering incredible landscapes and a pleasant atmosphere. El Yunque National Forest has become a must-see for first-time visitors to Puerto Rico. It’s a rainforest with lush tropical vegetation, orchids, waterfalls, and beautiful trails. Every corner is a marvel of greenery.
El Yunque’s National Forest flora and fauna
Although El Yunque National Forest is the smallest of the National Forest System, it is the most diverse. It contains over 240 species of native trees, of which 23 are found only in El Yunque (endemic), and 47 are introduced. Additionally, there are 88 species of trees considered rare, 50 species of native orchids, and 150 species of ferns.
The rivers and streams of El Yunque National Forest provide aquatic habitats for organisms that are important elements of the forest’s biological diversity, including: seven species of fish, nine species of freshwater shrimp, and one species of freshwater crab.
River and stream invertebrates are indispensable consumers year-round, processing forest leaf litter and operating as miniature water treatment plants.
All these species can commonly be found in any of the forest’s rivers or streams, but they are particularly easy to spot in the Mameyes River (Angelito Trail, Broken Bridge, and La Coca Trail). The Mameyes River is the only river on the island that flows uninterrupted from its source to the sea. Therefore, the Mameyes system boasts greater natural aquatic diversity and species richness than any other forest basin.
Explore the wonders of El Yunque and be inspired by the resilience and beauty of this remarkable ecosystem. Each species, from the towering endemic trees to the tiny freshwater shrimp, is a testament to the incredible richness and resilience of our natural world.
Practice kayaking in Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bay
Island Journeys offers Puerto Rico’s Ultimate Rainforest and Bioluminescent Bay Adventure tour, a full-day experience combining the beauty of El Yunque National Forest with the magic of kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.
Morning Pick-Up and Scenic Beginnings:
Start your day with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation. As you travel through Puerto Rico’s picturesque landscapes, a stop at Luquillo’s vibrant fruit stand offers a taste of local flavors.
El Yunque National Forest Exploration:
Dive into the heart of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Embark on an interpretive hike, revealing the rainforest’s secrets and showcasing its unique flora and fauna.
Rainforest Retreats:
Discover natural pools where you can swim, slide, swing, or jump off cliffs into crystalline waters. Our guides will enrich your journey with insights into this lush paradise.
Culinary Delights Post-Hike:
After your rainforest adventure, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
Evening Kayak under the Stars:
The adventure continues with a twilight kayak expedition in Bio Bay. Witness the mesmerizing bioluminescence as dinoflagellates in Laguna Grande light up with each stroke of your paddle.
Mangrove Mystique:
Glide through serene red mangroves in Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, setting the stage for the evening’s spectacle. Experience the magic of bioluminescence, with the water glowing beneath you and the stars twinkling above.
This 12-hour tour is meticulously planned to provide an unforgettable experience, combining nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Island Journeys welcomes you to discover Puerto Rico’s Rainforest!
Island Journeys invites you to explore the natural wonders of Puerto Rico’s lush rainforest. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Perfect for families, our tours offer exciting hikes, refreshing swims in natural pools, and fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna.
Ready to embark on your family adventure in Puerto Rico?
Contact Island Journeys today to book your unforgettable tour! Call us at 787-978-8080 or email us at info@islandjourneys.com. Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime!
490+ 5-star reviews
Loved the tour! Jamilex and Cathy were great!! Nice that there were 3 different heights available for cliff jumping. Natural water slide and rope swing were fun too. The cold beer after the hot hike was a great touch! Thanks for a fabulous day!. Mary Anne Simmering
Nina and Jamie were such lovely tour guides! So compassionate and had a great sense of humor. For the water slide, they made sure those who can’t swim were comfortable and we’re right there when they jumped !. Kaycee Ikeonu
Truly amazing g experience. Guides couldn’t be better. The guides took pictures all along the hike and enable us have the memories we would’ve wanted to have taken the pictures ourselves. So much fun!!!!. Elliott Talle