El Portal de El Yunque: Visitor Center for El Yunque National Forest

Posted By: Julie Henning February 26, 2024

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.

Book Your Stay in San Jose

Looking for more ideas for your Puerto Rico vacation? We enjoyed a Bacardí rum tour and nighttime kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.

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About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.