Rainforest

[frofro]

This summer will be my 3rd time in San Juan. I have visited the forts, strolled thru OSJ, and visited Isla Verde. I was planning on going to the rainforest this summer, but I have heard here and there that it's not worth it. I would like some opinions if it is worth the time to see it. I am also planning on going to Luquillo Beach. Should I just go to Luquillo, or see the rainforest first? Thanks...

[RayInPR]

Everybody's idea of "worth it" is different. What's yours?

 

What would make a day in a forest "worth it"? Would it be ...

 

* hiking to the peak of El Yunque or El Toro (the highest peak in the forest) for some great views

* swimming in a waterfall (I can think of 3 different trails that take you to great waterfalls ... and La Mina is NOT the best of the bunch)

* a 1/2 mile hike

* a 8 mile hike

* swimming in a forest river with a rope swing

* a picnic beside a forest stream or waterfall

* a forest "educational" center (El Portal)

 

We have lived here for almost 6 years and have been to El Yunque countless times. Just this past weekend we hiked 4 miles on a trail we had never been on (and is not heavily traveled) and "discovered" a number of wonderful waterfalls.

 

If the "nature thing" is not "worth it" to you, how about adventure?

 

Though not all in the vicinity of El Yunque, there are a bunch of adventure things you can do in a forest, including ...

 

* ziplines

* rappelling

* waterfall climbing

* river trekking

* rock climbing

* horseback riding

* ATV rides

 

To me, a visit to El Yunque (or another of our forests) is "worth it".

[Beachgirl 2]

Hi Ray in PR- We are coming off a cruise ship for the 5 or 6th time, and really want to do the Rainforest Tour. The cruise ship offers a "hike" and a "tour". My older son said that since I have some minor knee problem, I could not do all the walking on the "hike." He did it himself with his girlfriend, and they said it was beautiful. Do you have any info on that? I can walk up to 2-3 miles on regular terrain. Any info you have would be great.

[RayInPR]

Hi Ray in PR- We are coming off a cruise ship for the 5 or 6th time, and really want to do the Rainforest Tour. The cruise ship offers a "hike" and a "tour". My older son said that since I have some minor knee problem, I could not do all the walking on the "hike." He did it himself with his girlfriend, and they said it was beautiful. Do you have any info on that? I can walk up to 2-3 miles on regular terrain. Any info you have would be great.

 

I honestly can't say. Your son probably knows your "ability" better than I do. I would listen to him.

 

If I had to guess, I'd say that the "hike" goes to La Mina Falls (via La Mina Trail or Big Tree Trail) while the "walk" probably goes on Bano de Oro or Caimitillo Trail. But that could differ by cruiseline and/or tour operator.

[CarolRick]

I honestly can't say. Your son probably knows your "ability" better than I do. I would listen to him.

 

If I had to guess, I'd say that the "hike" goes to La Mina Falls (via La Mina Trail or Big Tree Trail) while the "walk" probably goes on Bano de Oro or Caimitillo Trail. But that could differ by cruiseline and/or tour operator.

 

Ray,

 

I agree that the Rain Forest is worth the trip. We have been there twice, post cruise and will do it again this July. We have done La Mina and the lookout. What is the best falls to visit?

[RayInPR]

Personally, I like the falls along the Juan Diego stream. There are many of them (6 or more) in a row. The higher you climb the better they get. The first one is only about 5 minutes from the road. Oh ... and hardly anyone ever goes there!

 

You can probably find some info if you do a Google search for "juan diego falls el yunque".

[carolinajane]

We just returned from pre and post-cruise fun in PR. Rented a car from Charlie's (very reasonable and helpful) and drove to El Yunque and Loquillo. It's a great trip and worth at least a half day if you have that long. We are not hikers, so stayed close to the stops along the main road. We found the park and El Portal (welcome center) one of the bests. I think 3-4 hours gets you seeing the park, and Loquillo is very close. We were back in San Juan by early afternoon.