Top 5 Hikes in El Yunque National Rainforest

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#5 - Angelito Trail

I ranked this trail at number 5 because it is one of the easiest trails that takes you to a natural swimming pool with a rope swing. The Angelito trail leads to the Las Damas pool in the Mameyes River. After turning onto PR 191 you will take a left right after the El Yunque Visitors Center to get to the trailhead. This is a short and easy trail with a high reward. It’s perfect for families with children or people who are not as adventurous or athletic but still want to be immersed in the rainforest. 

Distance: ~1/2 mile out & back

Time: 5-10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 360 - 492 ft / 110 - 150 m

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#4 - Juan Diego Falls

This is the only waterfall that you are able to hike to and swim in currently at El Yunque. La Mina falls is currently closed due to construction (hoping to reopen in 2025) and La Coca falls is just for viewing. I would have put La Mina on this list if it was open. The Juan Diego trail is a short 5–10-minute walk to the first falls where you can wade in the shallow water and shower under the waterfall. It is a beautiful small waterfall (picture below).  If you continue hiking for about 15-20 minutes, you will reach a waterfall that’s about 40 ft with a bigger swimming hole. The path to get to the bigger waterfall is not as defined and a little rocky. Follow this path until you meet a fork in the road and go left. You should see the waterfall ahead. There is a larger pool to swim in, but it's not very deep. I spoke with an elder local who said the water flows were way stronger when he was a child; I wonder why…. (cough cough climate change) Nonetheless, spend some time relaxing to the serenade of the waterfalls and wildlife around. 

Distance: ~1/2 mile out & back

Time: 20-30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy (1st portion) -moderate (2nd portion)

Elevation: 1585 ft / 483 m

#3 - El Toro Wilderness Trail

The El Toro Wilderness Trail leads to the tallest peak in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountain range. Unfortunately, I was short on time, so I chose to skip this hike because it is a SUPER muddy and challenging hike. However, I did a ton of research on it, and I believe it is one of the top hikes in El Yunque for my true hikers who love a challenge. The trail is outside the main entrance of the park, you turn off of road 3 and the trailhead is all the way down road 186 to the left. This trail seems to ALWAYS be extremely muddy so it’s necessary that you prepare with the proper gear before making this hike. This is a secluded primitive-like trail with no cell service so be prepared with an offline map. If I get the chance to come back to PR, I will definitely be accomplishing this hike! 

Distance: ~4.5 miles out & back

Time: 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Difficult 

Elevation: 2132 - 3533 ft / 650 - 1077 m

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#2 - La Roca/Pico del Yunque via El Yunque Forest Big Loop

The views at La Roca and El Yunque Peak easily make it the second-best hike in El Yunque Rainforest. There are multiple trails you can take to get to El Yunque peak however, I recommend doing the loop because it will take you to all the lookout spots, Mt. Britton, La Roca, Pico del Yunque, and Los Picachos. When I went in January the trail to the El Yunque peak was closed off. I tried to go past the wood blockage, but after about 5 minutes I had to turn around because it was so overground I was afraid I would get lost. I had to take the service road up to La Roca and Pico del Yunque, which was an extreme leg workout. I swear I was hiking at a 90 degree angle up this road. La Roca is before the peak, but the sign for it is a little hidden. It is right by a service building where construction workers may be working. You have to do a little rock climbing to get on top of La Roca, but it’s not too difficult. At the peak of El Yunque you will see an old shelter. I recommend doing this trail loop at the very beginning of the day so you can do a waterfall trail after and cool off in the pools. Also, if you go early enough you will beat the crowds of people. I went at 8 am and only saw two people, who were very cool and fun to talk with. 

Distance: 5.3 mi loop

Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation: 1,663 ft / 507 m

#1 - Naguabo Infinity Pool Hike

This was hands down my favorite hike during my entire trip to Puerto Rico. Honestly, this is one of my all-time favorite hikes EVER. There are four waterfalls, a swimming pool, and a natural infinity pool overlooking the mountain range within this trail. This trail is not in the main entrance to the park, but it is located in the South portion of El Yunque. The trailhead is within Sabana River Recreational Area where there is river swimming and picnic gazebos available for free. This area and trail are technically on closed private property, but there is permission for the community to use it. You must drive as far as you can until there are gates blocking the road. Park on the side of the road and walk about a mile up the road to the entrance of the trail. The trail head is marked by a yellow gate that says prohibited, but you can squeeze past the gate to get in. You will have to squeeze past another smaller yellow gate once you get past the first one. It sounds sketchy, but I promise people, even guides, do this every day. There is no marked trail, so you must follow your map meticulously. I used All Trails, and it was perfect. I would recommend buying the offline version just for your safety. There are multiple spots along the way where you must use the ropes tied up to climb down or up. The trail is pretty overgrown, but it is absolutely magical. Along most of the way there is a big metal pipe and railroad looking track that you can walk on. I’m still trying to research how it was used previously, but I have not found any reliable information. Once you reach a metal enclosed ladder you are almost there. Climb up the ladder and climb up the rocks to the left. The infinity pool will be right at the edge of the waterfall drop off. It is a small pool, but it is safe to get inside and float as long as you hold on. You can continue walking up the rocks until you reach the top waterfall. There is a wooden swing up there and a crystal-clear pool to swim in. There were 3 groups of people up there with me, but I saw no one on the trail itself. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life while solo traveling. HIGHLY RECOMMEND but be safe and aware always. This is a full day activity, so plan accordingly. 

Distance: 3.7 miles out & back

Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

Elevation: 1,187 - 1,450 ft / 362 - 442 m