LaCoca Falls, El Yunque

In my last post I discovered the historic town of Old San Juan and today I find myself visiting the tropical rainforest of El Yunque. Perched in the Luquillo Mountains, El Yunque stretches for 28,000 acres of lush tropical rainforest. The highest point is El Yunque Mountain standing at 3496ft. The rainforest is known for its beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, rivers and its amazing variety of trees and plants, in all 240 species of trees and 1000 varieties of plants thrive in the rainforest. The tropical rainforest is a welcome relief for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of San Juan and its surrounding cities.

Isamar Bakery

Getting to EL Yunque from San Juan is relatively straightforward. Take the number 3 highway heading towards Fajardo for about an hour and then take street 191, which will lead you to the forest. The sign for 191 is a bit misleading but when you see it take the first right and then the next right at the gas station. Stay on the road until you come to a green building (only 1 minute along the road) and make a left and then sit back and enjoy the drive. If you get stuck pull into the post office which is just up the road from the gas station. Here I found the friendliest post office worker ever and he was only too happy to help with directions and travel tips. You’ll spot him by his shaved head. In addition to the helpful postman there’s also another stop you can make before heading up the mountain and that’s the bakery which is located back on Highway 3. Instead of turning right onto 191 turn left and you’ll find it there. At Isamar Bakery you can purchase all your favorite pastries and coffee along with cooked breakfasts which I can vouch for!

La Mina Falls, El Yunque

Heading up 191 you’ll notice the landscape change as the forest gets thicker and more dramatic the higher you drive. Take care on the drive up as the road can get quite steep and windy. Where possible let the locals pass. The first stop on 191 is LaCoca Falls, which is located next to the roadside, there’s parking on either side of the falls. Only a couple minutes further up the road is Yokahu Tower. Climb the tower for amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains.  But the main attraction everyone comes to see in El Yunque is La Mina Falls.

Located another couple of minutes up the road from Yokahu Tower, La Mina Falls can be reached via two walking trails. The first trail you’ll come to when driving is the Big Tree Trail which is the more difficult of the two. The other trail is La Mina Trail which starts from Palo Colorado Visitors Center. I did the Big Tree Trail which is 0.8 miles long and took about 30 minutes but I was walking slowly and admiring the natural beauty. The La Mina Falls Trail is about the same distance but less strenuous. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits because you can bathe in the pool under the waterfall. Also you will see people painting their faces with a black rock which is suppose to make you younger.

If you have additional time pick-up a local tourist map from one of the three visitor information centers along 191 and explore the other parts of El Yunque. In tomorrow’s post I head to the Island of Vieques in search of one of the brightest glowing bays in the world!

As always I would love to hear from you please feel free to leave any comments.