19 Best El Yunque Tours (Picked By a Local)

Day Tour in El Yunque Rainforest with Transportation

Bathe in a mineral pool in the heart of El Yunque.

• ⌚ Length: 6 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, rope swinging, cliff diving, natural water slide 
• ✅ Includes: Life jackets, hotel pickup, local guide
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

There are many reasons why El Yunque is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico, and its river pools are one of them.

With this tour’s roundtrip transportation from San Juan is easy to get to some of the best bathing spots on the east side of the El Yunque National Forest.

You’ll hike 30 minutes through the rainforest before reaching Charco Frío, one of the beautiful natural swimming pools of El Yunque, and another 15 minutes more to Las Tinajas. This last destination houses one of the most visited waterfalls in Puerto Rico, and it’s frequent to see locals sliding down it.

For a bit more thrill, join the local crowds diving from the boulders or a rope swing.

As you walk, you’ll learn about El Yunque, its biodiversity, and why the only tropical rainforest in the United States forest system plays a vital role in Puerto Rico’s geography. 

El Yunque Rainforest & Waterfalls Half-Day Tour

Swing over swimming holes and slide through natural waterslides with this tour.

• ⌚ Length: 4 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: Luquillo
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, rope jumping, waterfalls, waterslides 
• ✅ Includes: Pictures, local guide, fruit refreshments, lifeguard
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

El Yunque National Forest is one of the top places to visit in Puerto Rico regardless of what type of traveler you are. 

But outdoor enthusiasts will specifically love this guided tour – it takes you through the heart of the rainforest and gives you in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna.

Plus, kids and thrill-seekers will enjoy sliding through the natural river water slides and bathing in the waterfalls.

During the break, you’ll admire the natural landscape while eating fresh local fruit and snacking on some refreshments provided by your tour guide.

👉 Pro Tip: For this tour, you need a rental car to reach the meeting point in Luquillo. You can use Discover Cars to find a rental car that fits your needs for a cheap fare.

El Yunque Natural Waterslide & Rainforest Hiking

Spend your day cliff jumping and swimming in the mountains of the rainforest.

• ⌚ Length: 7 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: Norte Shopping Center, San Juan
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, swimming, waterslides, waterfalls 
• ✅ Includes: Roundtrip transportation from San Juan, snacks, tour guide
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience outside PR-191, then this tour is a great choice.

Though you’ll be traveling in a comfortable van from San Juan, this tour takes you to the swimming pools on the east side of El Yunque.

Wear your swimsuit so you can cliff jump in the swimming waterhole, and bring hiking shoes to explore the muddy trails. The knowledgeable guide will explain everything about the rainforest while you adventure around.

After spending a few hours in El Yunque, you will visit a local restaurant to finish your day with a dish of Puerto Rican food.

El Yunque Rainforest Experience

See and explore the main highlights of El Yunque.

• ⌚ Length: 6 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: La Coca Waterfall, Yokahu Tower, El Portal Visitor’s Center
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, bottled water, entrance fee to El Portal Visitor’s Center
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

Most of the El Yunque tours visit sites in Naguabo or Luquillo, but this tour takes you to the popular highlights of the rainforest on its main route in Rio Grande.

You will go from San Juan to PR 191 in El Yunque, where nature enthusiasts can visit La Coca Waterfall and appreciate the four types of forests within El Yunque from the top of the Yokahú Tower.

A visit to El Portal Visitor’s Center lets you see the Puerto Rican parrot in person and enjoy interactive exhibitions about El Yunque’s biodiversity and history.

Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest

A 4-hour tour that’s perfect if you’re short on time, yet long enough to immerse yourself in the natural world of El Yunque.

• ⌚ Length: 4 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: Yagrumo Restobar, Fajardo
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, natural waterslides, hiking
• ✅ Includes: Guided tour, life jacket
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

If you’re short on time, you’ll love this 4-hour trip to El Yunque. You’ll enjoy natural waterslides, waterfalls, and natural pools in a single trip.  

Your tour guides will explain the natural wonders of El Yunque National Forest during an interpretive hike to the waterfalls. You’ll learn about the beautiful flora and fauna in the rainforest while experiencing them firsthand. 

👉 Pro Tip: Wear shoes with a grip as you’ll be walking on muddy trails and climbing over boulders to get to the main attractions. A basic physical fitness level is also recommended.

Multi-Stop San Juan and El Yunque Tours

Visit Puerto Rico’s main attractions including El Morro, Piñones, and El Yunque.

• ⌚ Length: 6-7 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: San Juan, El Morro, Piñones, El Yunque National Forest
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, local guide, transportation between attractions
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

For families looking to explore multiple Puerto Rico landmarks at once, including El Yunque National Forest, then this tour is a must-do.

This multi-stop San Juan and El Yunque Rainforest tour is a complete day trip that starts out in El Morro, continues in Piñones, and heads out to El Yunque.

Once in El Yunque, you’ll visit the Tocahú Tower, to admire the rainforest and the coast from its top. Before you leave, you’ll snap social media-worthy pictures of La Coca Waterfall.

El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Combo Tour

This 2-in-1 tour takes you to the top highlights of the east coast – El Yunque and a bioluminescent lagoon.

• ⌚ Length: 12 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Laguna Grande Bio Bay, swimming, hiking 
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, snacks, rainforest entry fee
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

If you’re an adventurer who loves pretty sites, then you will love this El Yunque tour combined with a bio bay tour.

You’ll start your day at El Yunque National Forest, hiking through its trails and bathing in its rivers. If you’re feeling adventurous, use the on-site rope swing to dive into the water.

If diving isn’t your thing, choose to relax while admiring the scenery as your tour guides explain the wonders of El Yunque. 

At night, you’ll head to Laguna Grande in Fajardo for a bio bay tour in one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. Kids will enjoy kayaking through the red mangrove forest before reaching the lagoon where the glowing water will amaze everyone in the family.

👉 Local Tip: Before heading out on day trips to El Yunque National Forest, have a solid and good breakfast. Hiking in the tropical rainforest is physically demanding so it’s best to carry snacks with you.

El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslide, Beach, Dine, and Shop

Scratch a few of Puerto Rico’s popular activities off your list on this day trip.

• ⌚ Length: 6-8 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Las Paylas, Luquillo Beach, Food kiosks 
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, transportation, local guide
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

This tour is a great way to save time and see a bunch of sites if you’re on a short trip. Not only will you get to visit El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, but you’ll also stop at other popular attractions in the nearby cities.

As an adventure lover, I totally recommend sliding down the natural waterslides in Las Paylas in Luquillo, a breathtaking segment of the forest, and this tour’s first stop. Just follow your guide’s directions and you’ll be safe.

After enjoying nature, you’ll head to the famous Luquillo food kiosks, where you’ll enjoy some of the best Puerto Rico drinks and fritters. After eating, hop between the local shops and buy crafts and souvenirs.

You will also visit Luquillo Beach, known for its turquoise waters, golden sand, and watersports opportunities. Best of all, the tour provider offers transportation from all major hotels in San Juan.

El Yunque Rainforest ATV Ride Experience

Live the thrill of riding an ATV in the foothills of a rainforest.

• ⌚ Length: 1-2 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, ATV, rainforest, river 
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, safety equipment, local guide
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

If hiking is too boring for you, then explore the only tropical rainforest in the United States on an ATV.

This tour takes you to Hacienda Carabali, one of the most popular things to do in Rio Grande. Choose between 1 or 2-hour tours through the foothills of the mountains while crossing muddy paths, rivers, and green fields.

Groups are small, so through this excursion, you will make friends with an entire group of adventurers like yourself.

If you’re interested in a slower-paced adventure, try their horseback riding tour instead, which takes you off the beaten path to the rainforest.

Rainforest Zipline, Luquillo Beach & Natural Springs

Fly over El Yunque trees and slide down its natural waterslides.

• ⌚ Length: 8 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: Zipline, Luquillo Beach, waterslides, natural pool 
• ✅ Includes: Hotel pickup, zipline equipment, local guide
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

Another unique way to see El Yunque National Forest is from above. Zipline tours in Puerto Rico are a popular activity, and this is a unique one.

This combo tour allows adventure fans to fly over the green scenery of El Yunque with a bird’s point of view of the forest.

You’ll also get to visit Las Paylas, a waterfall of El Yunque, and one of the top Luquillo attractions.

While this is overall a family-friendly tour, it’s physically demanding, so it’s best to opt-out if you don’t usually have an active lifestyle. The tour operator also establishes a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds.

Full-Day Rainforest Mega Tour

This Piñones and El Yunque Tour covers many Puerto Rico highlights in one day.

• ⌚ Length: 8 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: Piñones, El Yunque, Luquillo Beach
• ✅ Includes: Transportation, entrance to attractions, snorkeling gear
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

This Full Day Mega Tour from ProfeNat Tours fits some of the best Puerto Rico attractions in a day. 

Group tours will start their day in Piñones, the fritter capital of Puerto Rico. Besides tasting the best of Puerto Rico’s food, you’ll visit Piñones’ beaches and attractions before heading to El Yunque National Forest. 

At El Yunque, you can experience swimming in the river’s cold waters and sliding through a natural slide.

Your tour will end at the infamous Luquillo Beach, known for its turquoise waters and golden sand. Don’t forget to grab a bite at the Luquillo food kiosks

Best Hidden Waterfalls Tour

Swim at one of El Yunque’s least frequented waterfalls. 

• ⌚ Length: 4 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, waterfalls, cliff jumping
• ✅ Includes: Transportation, life jackets
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

El Yunque has numerous waterfalls, and many of them are hidden gems known only by locals. This Puerto Rico Desk Tour excursion takes you to one of El Yunque’s waterfalls out of the crowded PR 191.  

A 10-minute easy trail will get you to this natural attraction where you’ll spend a few hours swimming and soaking in nature. Thrill-seekers can try cliff-jumping into the river.

With this tour, you’ll get to slow down at El Yunque’s least crowded side. Since the trail and activities are easy, the tour is ideal for the whole family.

El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour

Hike in one of El Yunque’s challenging trails to reach Mt. Britton Tower.

• ⌚ Length: 6 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Mt. Britton Tower, Mameyes River
• ✅ Includes: Transportation
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

This El Yunque tour takes you hiking to Mt. Britton, one of Puerto Rico’s landmarks. 

Hiking enthusiasts will love conquering this moderately difficult hike through the rainforest. They will get to appreciate the changes in flora and fauna as the altitude changes too. 

At the top, Mt. Britton offers an amazing view of the rainforest and the coast. You’ll stand 3,087 feet above sea level.

The Puerto Rico Desk Tour guides also take you to other El Yunque highlights like La Coca Falls, and Mameyes River. The tour also includes a stop at a local restaurant where you can grab a bite of local delicacies.

Private 6 HR Old San Juan Tour and El Yunque National Forest

Explore both Old San Juan and El Yunque in a single-day tour.

• ⌚ Length: 6 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Old San Juan, El Morro, Paseo de la Princesa
• ✅ Includes: Transportation
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

The private 6-hour tour takes you both to Old San Juan and El Yunque National Forest, attractions that are on the must-see list of every visitor to Puerto Rico.

A regular day in San Juan can be hot! So, one of the things I love about this tour is that you get to tour Old San Juan in a van and stop at the most iconic Old San Juan landmarks to take pictures. 

Your tour guide will give you all the insights into the city’s rich history for two hours before heading to El Yunque. 

At the rainforest, you’ll hike through Angelito’s trail soaking in nature. Then you’ll finish your day swimming in the Mameyes River before returning to your pick-up spot. The tour is completely private and ideal for couples and families.

El Yunque National Forest & Luquillo Kiosks Combo

Connect with nature in the rainforest in this nature walk guided tour.

• ⌚ Length: 6 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Luquillo Food Kiosks, nature walk, swimming
• ✅ Includes: Water poncho, mosquito repellent, cellphone pouches
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

While you can visit El Yunque National Forest on your own, there is no denying that a guided walking tour will make you see its nature and ecosystem with different eyes. 

And that is precisely why I recommend taking this El Yunque nature walk tour, through which you can learn about the multiple ecosystems and species that make El Yunque special. 

Your guided tour includes stops at some of El Yunque’s most mesmerizing sites such as La Coca Waterfall and the Mameyes River, where you’ll take a dip into the water. 

As a heads up, prepare yourself for getting rained on and dirty, so come with comfortable shoes and clothing.

Zipline Tour

Challenge yourself through an adventure circuit in El Yunque.

• ⌚ Length: 2 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: Luquillo
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: Zipline, El Yunque, hanging bridges
• ✅ Includes: Safety gear, helmets, harnesses
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

Besides walking tours, you’ll find plenty of zipline tours in El Yunque, and each offers its own unique adventure in the rainforest. 

So, what makes this zipline tour by Corcovado Adventures worth a try is its adventure circuit that includes five ziplines and two hanging bridges. 

Corcovado Adventure Zipline Park’s staff is also exceptionally welcoming, patient, and fun, making the experience particularly memorable for beginners. 

El Yunque Waterfall Tour and Sunset Salsa Beach Class

Explore El Yunque in the morning and dance some salsa in the afternoon during this fun and unique tour.

• ⌚ Length: 10.5 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick-up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, salsa class, hiking, cliff diving
• ✅ Includes: Life jackets, roundtrip transportation, dance instructor
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

A hiking tour and a salsa class in one day? Yes, it’s definitely possible in Puerto Rico! This unique El Yunque tour combines two of Puerto Rico’s most renowned attractions, salsa and the rainforest.

During the first half of your day, you’ll be hiking your way through the rainforest, diving into swimming holes, and enjoying local fresh fruits with amazing green scenery before you.

After a quick lunch at a local eaterie, you’ll be back in San Juan in time for a sunset salsa class on the beach. I personally couldn’t think of a better way to finish a day in Puerto Rico!

El Yunque Waterfall, Waterslide, and Hiking Tour

Embark on an 8-hour journey into the rainforest.

• ⌚ Length: 8.5 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: San Juan with pick up
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, hiking, rope swing, waterslide
• ✅ Includes: Life jackets, roundtrip transportation
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

El Yunque National Forest is much bigger than you may realize, and that is why a whole day trip from San Juan is necessary to explore the best of it. Even then, you’re guaranteed to want to return, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.

This full-day tour offers a smooth trip from San Juan that will be packed with lots of views and information on the way.

Expect to hike surrounded by lush scenery until arriving at one of the most popular natural waterslides in El Yunque. And yes, you can literally slide in it!

After a full day of fun in the outdoors, you’ll be hungry for sure, which is why your group will stop for a meal at a local restaurant.

El Yunque Twilight Rainforest Tour

See the rainforest come to life as the sun sets behind the horizon.

• ⌚ Length: 2 Hours
• 📍 Departs from: Palo Colorado Information Center, El Yunque
• 🌟 Guest Reviews: 4.5/5 Stars
• 🗺️ Highlights: El Yunque, Baño Grande, Baño de Oro, bioluminescence, wildlife
• ✅ Includes: Guided tour
• 👉 Check prices & availability here

El Yunque National Forest is completely different at night, and this tour is a great way to witness how the rainforest comes alive after the sunset.

From the traditional coqui to bats, El Yunque is home to hundreds of nocturnal species you’ll see and hear during this tour. Your guide will help you identify the species through multiple beginner-friendly trails around Baño Grande and Baño de Oro.

You’ll spot snails, bioluminescent fungi, coquis, and all kinds of insects.