El Yunque National Forest
National forest · Río Grande
Puerto Rico
Highlights
Tropical rainforest with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic vistas
Tropical rainforest with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic vistas
"The only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System, crisscrossed by hiking trails and threaded with rivers and hidden waterfalls; highlights include natural swimming holes like Charco El Hippie and the Yokahú Tower, which affords panoramic canopy vistas from an elevation of more than 1,500 feet. The surrounding area also supports a farm-to-table dining scene, exemplified by Bacoa Finca + Fogón." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, a sprawling ~29,000-acre protected area featuring waterfalls that spill into natural pools, countless hiking trails, and abundant biodiversity—presented as the island's lush heart and a major outdoor day-trip from the city." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, located less than an hour from San Juan and promoted for hiking to waterfalls and enjoying picnic lunches amid lush surroundings — a natural, low‑cost excursion for couples." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The only tropical rainforest in the US National Park System, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and a diverse ecosystem."
"A vibrant destination for the holidays, celebrated from Thanksgiving to January, known for perfect weather and festive atmosphere."
