5-Hour El Yunque National Forest Tour from San Juan with River Swim

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Marvel at the spectacular Coca Falls and its 85-foot drop
• 02 Climb Yokahu Tower for panoramic views of the coast and rainforest canopy
• 03 See the historic stone dam of Baño Oro, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps
• 04 Swim in the natural rainforest river at Puente Roto, one of the forest's most popular water play areas

Harmonize your senses with nature on a guided tour of El Yunque National Forest, one of the most visited places in Puerto Rico and the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Explore some of the forest's most spectacular features, including Coca Falls, Yokahu Tower, Baño Oro, and Puente Roto. Along the way, your expert guide shares live commentary and interpretations about the ecosystem in English or Spanish. The experience ends with the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural rainforest river at Puente Roto.

Harmonize your senses with nature on a guided tour of El Yunque National Forest, one of the most visited places in Puerto Rico and the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities San Juan, El Yunque National Forest

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

El Yunque National Forest Highlights and River Swim

• Meet and greet your tour guide at the agreed-upon location and begin the tour.
• Visit Coca Falls, the first spectacular feature of El Yunque National Forest. Its 85-foot (26-meter) drop welcomes you to the forest, and the impressive rock formation at the bottom of the falls offers a perfect photo opportunity.
• Continue to Yokahu Tower. More than 50 years old, Yokahu Tower offers everybody the chance to climb its 98 steps for a panoramic view of the coast and the rainforest above the canopy. Located at mid-elevation along Road 191, this stop is one of the visitors' favorites.
• Saunter to Baño Oro. This man-made stone dam, with an 18-foot (5.4-meter) deep pool, was built for recreation in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The stone and masonry dam, over which water cascades, has not been used for swimming since 1976.
• Head toward the Puente Roto river area, one of the most popular water play areas in the forest. Here, you'll have the opportunity to swim in a natural rainforest river. The road provides easy hiking access to the river corridor, even though no trails currently exist.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Round-trip transportation from the San Juan area

• Live commentary and interpretations about the ecosystem in English or Spanish

• English-speaking certified tour guide

What's Not Included

• Water poncho

• Waterproof cell phone pouches

• Gratuity

What to bring

• Come prepared to get wet; bring a change of clothes and a towel in case you want to swim. Lightweight, synthetic clothing or a swimsuit is recommended. Avoid wearing jeans or sweats.
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Wear rubber-soled hiking shoes or sneakers, not flip-flops; slippery and moist conditions exist on all forest paths and trails.
• A raincoat is appropriate, especially in El Yunque Rainforest.
• Bottled water to stay hydrated, and bring a snack, as hiking takes a lot of energy.
• Don't bring any valuables you don't want to get wet, lose, or damage.

Know before you go

• This Nature Walk tour operates even if it rains, except in the case of extreme weather events or any warnings by the local weather authorities or Rainforest Park Rangers.

• Anyone who is visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate and will still be charged.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tour start

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.