Who’s ready for a trip to the rainforest? I figured with today being Earth Day, it was an apt time to recap the second leg of our Puerto Rico Adventure! After spending two fun nights in Old San Juan, a quaint town filled with color, character and Colonial architecture (recap post here), we packed up and headed to the hills for a day in El Yunque National Rainforest (formally known as Luquillo National Forest).
We rented a car and made the easy, 45-minute drive to the mountains. The roads and signs to the park are all clearly marked, and since we’d researched the trail options online, we skipped the line at the Welcome Center, and headed straight in. Our first stop was a roadside stand, just inside the park, that sold ice cold coconuts for $3 each. You chose your fruit, and they hacked a hole in the top with a machete.
These green coconuts actually contain sweet water, instead of milk. It took each of us a few sips, but then the taste grew on us.
Ample rainfall (over 200 inches a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting of lush foliage, crags, waterfalls and rivers. Pictures can’t begin to capture the scale and size of the plants, or the peaceful feeling the park gives. Bamboo over a foot in diameter, 20-foot palm fronds, and tree roots larger than humans were everywhere…it’s a bit like Alice in Wonderland.
The park is part of the United States Forest System, and is very well-maintained, with trails and paths that were easy to navigate.
We hiked the Big Tree Trail to La Mina Falls.
I’ve watched my fair share of the Bachelor…and there always seems to be some romantic waterfall frolicking. Let me tell you, this water was ice cold, and the falls were so powerful they pulled you back and under. Not to mention the rushing water was so loud you couldn’t hear anything else…so I’m not really sure how people have romantic times in one of these?! I’m pretty sure Mr. SP wasn’t having romantic thoughts watching me scream and sputter.
After hiking back, we stopped at the Yokahu Tower for these pretty views of the mountains, and the ocean beyond. There are many more trails and overlooks to explore, each with different skill-levels, but we were on a time schedule since our flight to the island was later in the day.
It was the perfect day of adventure and relaxing. El Yunque is an easy day-trip from San Juan, so I’d definitely build it into your itinerary. Check out the first leg of our trip here, and stay tuned for our favorite stop!
Looks amazing! You guys are so cute!
What an amazing trip! You guys are the cutest family ever 🙂
I don't know…I've seen your adorable family! 😉 xo
The pictures are amazing and it's a place I'd love to add to my bucket list, but before I do, I've got to ask about snakes. Did you see any?
It was a very civilized rain forest…I didn't see anything but birds and frogs! 🙂
This is a vacation that actually looks like it was fun for the whole family. That's a tall order in my book. Great pics, and I'm loving the redesign of your blog!
We really did all have a great time…and it was such a good mix of city and nature and relaxation!
wow what a beautiful place to visit! we usually go to large metro cities to travel but i'd love to switch it up and be surrounded by nature. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
That was the cool thing about this trip…a little bit of everything!
Looks amazing..and so does your blog! Love the clean look and the logo looks great!
thanks, girlie!!! It feels like a good Spring cleaning!
Your pictures are beautiful!! Love the new look of the blog too!
Okay, quick flight, no passport and this?! This little travelogue makes me want to grab our fun travel group and head straight down there! So glad your posts have shown how easy this is, how beautiful it is and where we need to go. Thanks!!
When I was in college I participated in an Alternative Spring Break! Our mission for the week was cleaning up parts of El Yunque National Rainforest. It is so beautiful there, I am glad that you and your family had a great time!
Your waterfall photos have ruined my Bachelor girl fantasies 😉 Looks like a fantastic family trip and so easy too. Love the blog design!!
You waterfall pics totally cracked me up!!!!!!!! Your vacation was soooooo beautiful and your family is just the cutest thing EVER.
Wow! So fun to see more beautiful pictures!!! I also love the new look of your blog, so crisp and artistic. And the waterfall pics are hilarious!
Wow! These photos are just gorgeous! Looks like an absolutely amazing time!