The major visitor center of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Portal de El Yunque should be your first stop on your Puerto Rico road trip.
Visiting El Portal de El Yunque: What to Expect
Main building at El Portal de El Yunque.
At $8 per/person admission, visitors to El Portal de El Yunque learn about the parks great biodiversity with interpretive and interactive exhibits, a gift shop, cafe, and theater. Park rangers are available to answer questions about visiting the park, from popular hikes to waterfalls and other points of interest.
Exhibits at El Portal de El Yunque
On display is an endangered Puerto Rican parrot and information about the species recovery efforts. Available for purchase in the gift shop for $2.95 are park maps (we highly recommend this purchase as once you enter the park, you’ll need to remember to take map photos at the trailhead).
A short interpretive trail leads visitors through the rainforest, with stunning overlooks high above the coastline (an excellent spot for souvenir photos). Read more about our adventure exploring the park and hiking El Yunque in this story.
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Looking for more ideas for your Puerto Rico vacation? We enjoyed a Bacardí rum tour and nighttime kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.