El Yunque Trail - worth it??

[schul296]

We are staying overnight pre-cruise in San Juan & are thinking of hiking El Yunque trail. We would rent a car, wake up early & head there...is it worth the extra cost of a car & the hassle of waking up super early? Is it a hike worth taking?

 

Views look nice but as of now, weather is not looking great so I don't really want to spend the added costs & be disappointed with the experience. We are active people, don't typically just lay on the beach but don't want to waste time/money either.

 

TIA!!

[Stinger-pr]

Hmm... This is somewhat of a subjective question. It might be worth it to someone but no to someone else. I guess you'll just have to take a leap of faith. Renting a car to visit El Yunque shouldn't confine you JUST to el Yunque. Make it a whole day trip and visit nearby Luquillo beach and relax by the water or sample some local fare on one of the many kiosks just outside the beach grounds. Heck, since you're in Luquillo, drive the extra 30 minutes to Las Croabas in Fajardo and book a nighttime kayak tour through the Bio (luminescent) Bay.

 

As far as el Yunque trail goes, it's one of the longest and you should allot around 90-120 minutes each way for your walk. Do some homework of the trail and interesting things to see on your way and try to look for them while you're doing the hike. La Mina and the Palo Colorao trails lead to the big La Mina Falls. The former is killer on the way up but shorter and the latter is longer but an easier walk. Personally, almost any trail in El Yunque is "worth it".

[pdc2013]

Once at that end of the island make sure to go to Luquillo as well.