Puerto Rico Tour Desk  Knowledge Base

El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour and El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour:

• Round-trip transportation with pickup in the San Juan tourist area (for locations outside San Juan, we arrange a meeting point). For private tours, alternative pickup locations can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Bottled water (ambient temperature).
• Air-conditioned vehicles.
• El Yunque entrance fee (included in the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour and El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour).

• Meals (We do not stop for a meal on the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour, as it is a shorter tour)
• Gratuities

For the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour (4 hours from pickup to return), pickups may sometimes take place at a location of our choosing, with drop-off at your accommodation or nearby.

For the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour (6 hours from pickup to return), pickups may sometimes take place at a location of our choosing, with drop-off at your accommodation or nearby.

For the Old San Juan Walking Tour (4 hours from pickup to return), pickups may sometimes take place at a location of our choosing, with drop-off at your accommodation or nearby.

Most of our tours start at 8:00 AM (we like to arrive before most other companies, tourists, and locals).

Exceptions include:

• The El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour: when the 8:00 AM slot fills up, we open a 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM tour.
• The “Best Hidden Waterfall” Half-Day Rainforest Tour runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is exclusively for private groups; contact us for pricing.

Our services typically last 4 hours, though some are 6 hours long. Depending on traffic or how much everyone is enjoying themselves, the tour might run a little over; however, if you have a strict schedule, please let the guide know so we can ensure we return at the originally booked time.

We usually like to ask if anyone needs to be back by a specific time; if the group is flexible, we can sometimes extend the duration a bit, though this is not guaranteed.

Pick-up at designated hotels in specific areas and near tourist zones in San Juan, such as: Old San Juan (Plaza Colón), the Convention District (near Miramar), Condado, Ocean Park (Kasalta Bakery), and Isla Verde, as well as designated locations near your booked destination.

Check our list of designated pickup locations—including hotels and spots near tourist areas in San Juan such as Old San Juan (Plaza Colón), the Convention District (near Miramar), Condado, Ocean Park (Kasalta Bakery), and Isla Verde—to find the one closest to your reservation.

Fortunately, there are many Airbnbs near these tourist zones; we hope this applies to your accommodation, but please contact us if you need help finding a better option.

If you are staying at the airport hotel (San Juan Airport Hotel), we can arrange a pickup, even though it is not on our standard list of pickup locations.

Unfortunately, we do not have room for luggage in our vehicles, as they are designed solely for passengers and the trunk lacks the space found in other types of vehicles.

Yes, we would direct you to a place where you can leave your vehicle near the destination you booked. For El Yunque, the meeting point is usually the Don Pepe restaurant in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico; to enter the forest, you would need to travel in our vehicle, which is authorized by the Forest Service.

Please note that a seat is being held to guarantee your spot; we regret that the full price applies. You are always welcome to arrive in San Juan and receive all the information we provide during the tour.

You can also take the opportunity—after the service—to explore Old San Juan and the nearby tourist area; our guides can offer plenty of recommendations on what to see, visit, eat, and buy.

For all our services, we recommend using the restroom before pickup. Our tours are short and typically do not include scheduled restroom stops, though stops can be made if necessary.

On the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour, we stop at restrooms before the hike begins, and facilities are also available during the lunch stop (lunch not included). Our Old San Juan Walking Tour also includes a restroom stop.

On our El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour, we visit an easy trail suitable for all ages, from young children to seniors. We spend time at the river (swimming is optional, not mandatory); we do not cross the river, but simply arrive and enjoy the area. We visit the Yokahu Observation Tower to take in the views and, finally, La Coca Waterfall, where we can take excellent photos (swimming is not permitted at the waterfall). The route order may be modified by our expert guide (depending on the weather and other factors that, based on experience, we determine are best for the group).

On our El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour, we visit the following: a swimming stop; a hike to the Mt. Britton Tower (approximately 1 mile long, ascending from 2,500 to 3,000 feet in elevation, with several stops for commentary along the way—the tower offers an excellent 365-degree view, though if cloud cover obscures the view, we visit the Yokahu Observation Tower instead); and a stop at La Coca Waterfall for great photos (swimming is not permitted at the waterfall). Afterward, we have lunch (meal not included) at a restaurant within the forest (usually La Muralla). Finally, we stop at a river (swimming is optional, not mandatory); we do not cross the river, but simply arrive and enjoy the riverside setting.

On the Old San Juan Walking Tour, we sometimes visit areas of “New San Juan,” such as the Santurce Marketplace (Plaza del Mercado), the Convention District, and more. We then tour the northern part of Old San Juan by vehicle, where we explain the significance of the Capitol Building and Castillo San Cristóbal, drive past La Perla, and stop for photos and an explanation of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Afterward, we park in the southern part of the city to begin our walking tour. We spend approximately 2 to 2.5 hours walking and seeing sites such as: Paseo de La Princesa, the city walls and the San Juan Gate, Plaza de la Rogativa, Hotel El Convento, San Juan Cathedral, La Fortaleza, Pigeon Park (Parque de las Palomas), La Casa Estrecha, Barrachina (to try a Piña Colada), and Plaza de Armas with City Hall. At the end of the tour, we ask if you would like to have lunch (not included)—we have several restaurant options—or if you would prefer time for shopping.

On both the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour and the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour, we visit the federally protected area.

Puerto Rico Tour Desk holds a permit (YNF-4019) to operate in El Yunque, and we will pass by the sign that reads “El Yunque National Forest – U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

Stop times are always approximate.

Example: For the El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour, the drive to the forest takes about 40 minutes. Trail time is approximately 30–40 minutes; river time is approximately 30–40 minutes; Yokahu Observation Tower is approximately 15–20 minutes; and La Coca Waterfall is approximately 15–20 minutes. We do not stop for a meal on this tour (please have breakfast beforehand for the AM tour or lunch beforehand for the PM tour).

For the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour, the drive to the forest takes about 40 minutes. The restroom stop is approximately 10 minutes. Trail time is approximately 90 minutes; La Coca Waterfall is approximately 15–20 minutes; lunch time is approximately 1 hour; and river time is approximately 30–40 minutes.

For the Old San Juan Walking Tour, we drive through “New San Juan” (Convention District, Plaza del Mercado in Santurce) for about 20–25 minutes. We drive along the northern side of Old San Juan, where we view the Capitol, Fort San Cristóbal, and La Perla, and stop at Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”).

These stops—including commentary from the vehicle and the photo stop at “El Morro”—take approximately 30–40 minutes. After parking, the walking tour begins, lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. During the final hour, there is time for lunch or shopping.

On our El Yunque excursions, the “free” time is spent at the river. On the Old San Juan Walking Tour, you have the option to use the last hour for shopping or lunch.

Our guides are always happy to take photos of you, your family, and your friends. We know how important vacation memories are. We have designated photo spots, but you can always count on us.

Our guides speak English and Spanish.

We combine both in all our services; we want you to learn a little about the destination, and the recreational aspect is, above all, when we have the most fun.

We prefer working with small groups—limited to the 14 people the vehicle can accommodate—so the experience can be a bit more personalized. We only handle larger groups for private tours. We also like to start our tours early, before other tour companies, locals, and independent travelers arrive.

Our vehicles hold up to 14 passengers.

On our El Yunque Half-Day Rainforest Tour, we walk approximately ¼ of a mile (about 20–30 minutes), making frequent stops for commentary.

On our El Yunque Hiking Rainforest Tour, we walk approximately 1 mile (90 minutes), making frequent stops for commentary.

On our Old San Juan Walking Tour, we walk approximately 2 miles (about 2 to 2½ hours), making frequent stops for commentary.

The tour that requires a bit more physical fitness is our hiking tour, due to the steepness of the trail leading to the Mt. Britton Tower.

Older adults can participate in our El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour.

Our El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour ranges from moderate to moderately high in difficulty. Please keep in mind that this is a hiking tour, and you know your own limitations.

Our Old San Juan Walking Tour involves a fair amount of walking, but we make frequent stops and always look for shade.

Children can participate in all our services; for the hiking tour, we recommend ages 6 and up.

We do not have a minimum age for our services, with the exception of our hiking tour, for which we recommend a minimum age of 6.

We look for a spot where you can rest; depending on the service, we can either pick you up or wait for you to rest and then finish the walk at your own pace.

Very few—nothing to worry about.

Visiting the river is not mandatory on any of our tours; while we always offer the option to swim, we never actually cross the river itself. We walk to the riverbank, leave our belongings there, and then allow about 30 to 40 minutes for swimming.

There are many shallow areas, but if you wish to go into the deeper sections, it is recommended that you know how to swim. We do have life vests available in our vehicles (unfortunately, we do not have enough for everyone, but they can be shared among the group members).

The depth ranges from approximately 3 to 10 feet (the deep sections are limited to specific areas; for the most part, it is shallow). It depends on the tour you book, as we visit several different spots along the Mameyes River.

We have life jackets in all our vehicles.

Unfortunately, we don’t have enough for everyone, but we can swap them with others in the group.

Our team is very familiar with the weather conditions, and we always check them before heading out. If the river is running high, we offer the group various alternatives—such as taking a longer hike, visiting the beach, strolling along the coast, or exploring another attraction, perhaps in San Juan. We make this decision as a group, ensuring that the majority is in agreement.

We always provide options, and safety is paramount to us; that is why we have never had an accident or incident during our tours.

The river is definitely just one part of the tour. That’s a great time to ask the guide to take some photos of you. Usually, our guide spends a little extra time getting to know the people who decide not to go in. However, dipping your feet in to cool off is always a nice way to enjoy the forest.

Unfortunately, we do not have a place to change, so we always recommend that you wear your swimsuit and bring your own towels. You can also change in your vehicle once everyone has exited, but we prefer that you arrive with your swimsuit already on so as not to waste the other group members’ time.

Since our El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Tour is relatively short (only 4 hours), we recommend using the restroom before pickup. However, if a restroom stop is necessary, we can make a detour. On the Old San Juan Walking Tour and the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour, we do make stops for restroom breaks.

The spots we visit on the river are safe for both children and older adults.

We are visiting a tropical forest, so the water is considered refreshing. It might feel a bit cold at first (for about 30 seconds) because body temperature is around 97°F, and upon entering the river, the water temperature is drastically lower—about 20 to 30 degrees below our body temperature. However, many people find the water temperature very pleasant and refreshing.

Please keep in mind that we are visiting a rainforest. The tour always goes ahead; sometimes it may be raining in your tourist area, even though the rain actually fell in the forest over an hour ago.

In Puerto Rico, the trade winds blow from east to west, moving the clouds very quickly. If it starts to rain while we are on the trail, we are fortunate that the tree canopy provides significant cover, so we barely get wet. You are welcome to bring a raincoat or poncho if you have one. Occasionally, there is also an opportunity to purchase ponchos at the forest site.

Please keep in mind that we are visiting a rainforest. The tour always departs; however, if the rain is so heavy upon arrival that we cannot get out of the vehicle, the tour guide will decide to return to the hotel (safety first), and we will refund your money. This decision is made by our tour guide upon arrival at the forest, as they are the only one with the experience to cancel the excursion.

In the worst-case scenario, you will have visited and viewed the forest from the vehicle at no cost. In all our years of experience, this has happened only once.

We have life jackets in all our vehicles.

Thunderstorms are not common in Puerto Rico, but should one occur, the guide makes the call; we will always try to reach the forest to assess the situation. Our tour guide makes this decision upon arrival at the forest, as they are the only one with the experience to cancel the excursion. In the worst-case scenario, you will have visited and viewed the forest from the vehicle at no cost.

Our team is trained to assess river and rainfall conditions using specialized websites. We never take risks that could lead to an incident on the river. There are various ways to predict how the river might behave, and we will not take the risk of any accident occurring. Always follow our tour guide’s instructions; they are the one with the experience.

Surprisingly, it is not typical for it to be constantly raining in the forest. Although it is a tropical rainforest, much of the water comes from cloud condensation in the higher elevations. Rain showers usually last only 5 to 15 minutes, as the trade winds move the clouds along quite quickly. Keep in mind that if it starts to rain while we are on the trail, the tree canopy provides significant cover, so we barely get wet. You are welcome to bring a raincoat or poncho if you have one; occasionally, ponchos are also available for purchase at the forest site.

Wear comfortable clothing and a swimsuit; bring a towel, and either sneakers or water shoes (sandals or Crocs are suitable only for the river section and are not recommended for the trail). For our hiking tour, footwear with good tread/grip is recommended.

If you have a medical condition, bring your medication; also bring sunscreen, a hat or cap (especially for the river section), and a water bottle (we provide water at room temperature).

Comfortable sneakers—not white ones, as they can get dirty.

They are highly recommended, especially for the rocky section of the river, and are very convenient.

If you plan to swim in the river (which is optional, not mandatory), you should wear one, as swimming is one of the most fun parts of the excursion.

Unfortunately, this is not permitted; we ask that you prepare and eat something before our service begins (please be mindful of food odors and the presence of other passengers in the vehicle)—perhaps a granola bar or some fruit.

Additionally, eating inside the vehicle can attract unwanted insects while we are in the forest.

Yes, at room temperature. You are always welcome to bring your own if you consider it necessary.

Unfortunately, we do not provide snacks (many people have allergies and dietary restrictions these days, and we want to avoid any issues); please ensure participants have already had breakfast or lunch, depending on the service.

For several tours, such as the El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Tour and the Old San Juan Walking Tour, we stop for lunch, but it is not included in the price. Our guides can help you order if you wish.

You might be surprised to learn that we don’t usually have many mosquitoes in the forest (we explain why during the tour). You should bring your own repellent if you wish, though we sometimes have some in the vehicles—left behind by previous visitors or donated for others to use.

Sometimes people leave it behind or donate it for other visitors, but we do not provide it ourselves.

You should bring towels from your accommodation—whether it is a hotel, an Airbnb, or the home of a friend or relative.

We have three life jackets per vehicle for those who cannot swim or wish to feel safer in the river. If there are many non-swimmers, we can rotate their use so everyone can enjoy the experience. For the most part, the water in the river is less than four feet deep.

We carry several in our vehicles; if we notice people having difficulty walking during our services, we offer them. We provide them as part of our El Yunque Rainforest hiking tour.

All our vehicles are equipped with a first aid kit. Our team knows how to use them for minor accidents, such as small cuts.

We are very familiar with the tropical climate, and all our vehicles have air conditioning.