James and I had a wonderful cruise on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas. We had wonderful weather, met some great people and not only enjoyed the amazing Caribbean islands but also the beautiful El Yunque National Forest.
When we returned back to San Juan Puerto Rico from our cruise. James and I definitely didn’t want the fun to end. Since our flight wasn’t until later in the day, we decided to book an excursion for the day we departed the cruise ship.
El Yunque National Forest Excursion
James and I decided on the El Yunque National Forest excursion. El Yunque National Forest is a magnificent setting. It is 28,000 acres of woodland preserve and is the only tropical rainforest that belongs to the United States.
The peak of El Yunque is nearly always covered in a thin mist due to the high humidity. Plus they receive 200 inches of rain every year! James and I also had the opportunity to walk along the rainforests floral and fauna, visit the Yohaku observation tower for sweeping views and then the beautiful La Coca Waterfall.
The Yohaku observation tower was opened in 1963. There are 98 step to the spiral staircase in this 65 foot tower. Amazing views await you at the top, with beautiful lush rainforest views all the way to the ocean.
At Yohaku Tower there is free parking, a small gift shop, porta potties and even a food truck.
La Coca Waterfall
The La Coca waterfall is one of the first amazing place to see at El Yunque National Forest. The waterfall was once believed to be the fountain of youth. This is a great place to stop a snap a few pictures. The water from the falls drops 85 feet into a rock crevice at the bottom and then travels under the street and further down the rainforest.
There is a trail to hike up the side of the falls if you are super adventurous, but due to the rainforest enviroment it can be dangerously slick. They advised against it and all who were with us took their advice.
San Juan Excursions
Here are a few things that are offered on San Juan for excursions:
- Marine park snorkeling
- Old and New San Juan
- Old San Juan walking tour
- San Juan by land and sea
- San Juan city and beaches by bike
- The fortresses of San Juan
- Toro Verde Adventure Park
- Bioluminescent Bay kayak adventure
- Campo Rico ATV adventures
- Campo Rico horseback ride
- Zipline tours
- Bacardi Distillery tours
With so many opportunities to explore, we may just need to go back to beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico!! We hope you get a chance to visit the wonderful El Yunque National Forest. Like us, you will make memories for a lifetime.
Happy Travels!!
For another interesting San Juan Puerto Rico blog, visit the following link: https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/12/10/amazing-places-to-visit-in-beautiful-old-san-juan/
For more information on the El Yunque National Forest, visit their website @ http://fs.usda.gov
Here are some of the beautiful floral and fauna that we captured.James and I were able to utilize more time in San Juan by arriving the day before and leaving much later in the day at the end of our trip. Â As a result we found San Juan to be a very interesting place with lots to do.
It’s so pretty!!
We were amazed with the San Juan rainforest beauty as well. If you visit the San Juan Puerto Rico, you should take a trip to the El Yunque National Forest. I would suggest taking a rental car so you can take your time enjoying the beautiful nature. Thanks for commenting and Happy Travels!!