Rank : 8.5 (average on 2 votes)Coordinates : 18.339373,-65.760046 (
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Subjects : El Yunque National Rain Forest, is the only Rain Forest in all the United States (Puerto Rico is a Colony of the United States), El Yunque was one of the semifinalist during the last selection of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. In EL Yunque you will be able to see a lots of waterfalls, rivers, bird watching, over 200 species of ferns and fungus. It is a paradise for the landscaper (forest) photographer and for the Macro Photographer.
Recommended equipment : You can spend the whole day at El Yunque walking the trails (they are very well documented) and the trails are in very good condition. You should carry with snacks, at least 32 oz. of water and energy bars. From the photographic point of view; A tripod for Macro and long shot to waterfalls is a MOST, you should made a decision of what will be your interest before pack your backpack, I suggest go light. At least one camera body and two 3 lenses; 24-105 or 17-40, 90mm Macro (If you want to bring your 180mm Macro) and a 70-300 or 300mm in case you had a bird opportunity.Because I live only 40 minutes from el Yunque I can always arrange for macro one day, then for water falls another day and finally for Birds another day. If you are going to shoot waterfalls a Solid ND Filter is a must at least 4 stops and/or a Graduated ND Filter at least 3 stops and finally a circular polarizer.Clothes: Go Light, shorts are great and very light polyester t-shirt. Mosquitoes are not a problem in El Yunque. But because is a Rain Forest you should always carry with something to protect your equipment. My backpack has a rain cover and I also carry with a BIG Plastic Glad in my backpack, a light rain poncho it is not a bad idea. But remember, try to go light you will probably walk long trails and walk up thousand of feet above see level. Shoes; good trekking shoes or boots with good tracking. PLEASE DON'T go with CROCKS or Sneakers, you are not going to the beach. Lastly a good cap.
Best months : All year is good. But my favorites are from November thru February, the temperature very early in the morning can go low in the 60's. In some places you will find fog but that's part of the fun. El Yunque opens its gate at 7:30 a.m. and close them at 6:00 p.m. Every time that I go I found the gate open before 7:00 a.m. and that's because the State Police enter to check everything. My suggestion is; no matter in what month of the year you decide to go, go as early as you can, it gets crowded from tourist (external and locals) just after 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. If you arrive at 7:00 a.m. you could spend 4 or 5 good hours there and the hit the road back.
How to get there : To get there from San Juan is less than an hour. San Juan Avenida Juan Ponce De León1. Head east on Avenida Juan Ponce De León toward Calle Reverendo Gerardo Dávila 2.0 km2. Take the ramp to Ave Fernandez Juncos 240 m3. Slight left onto Ave Fernandez Juncos 240 m4. Take the exit on the left onto Expreso Román Baldorioty de Castro 5.4 km5. Continue onto PR-26 9.7 km6. Continue onto Autopista Roberto Sánchez Vilella Partial toll road 12.8 km7. Continue onto PR-66 Toll road 6.8 km8. Take the exit onto Interstate PR3 Partial toll road 6.4 km9. Turn right onto Cll Triunfo 240 m10. Turn right onto Cll Principal/PR-955 11 m11. Take the 1st left onto PR-191 3.9 km El Yunque Portal and Visitor Area PR-191
Visits : To visit El Yunque Natioanl Rain Forest is totally free, if you decide to go the Portal Area Visitor Center there is a fee of $3.00 p/p. If you go, don't miss the Trail there, the first time I was there we saw a Puerto Rican Boa.
Notes : In Puerto Rico an in el Yunque we don't have wild animals or venous insects or reptiles, the only dangerous animal that lives in El Yunque is the Mongoose, if you see one (very rarely) just don't try to catch it or touch it they carry the rabies. If you walk all the way to the top then Only from El Yunque can you enjoy vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.El Yunque is very secure place, just stay on the trails, don't push your luck. If you are close to the water and it starts raining, pack your things and get out of that place, "Los Golpes de Agua" can be very strong and dangerous.
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