How to Survive El Yunque Like a Boss

I Conquered El Yunque

El Yunque means a place of white and spiritual lands.

The origin is Spanish and describes the only tropical rainforest in the United States.

El Yunque has withstood many devastations from natural disasters. The most recent was Hurricane Maria.

I’m hopeful that it’s restoration never ceases and continues to be an outlet of divine encounters.

Everyone’s experience will differ. I can vouch for exhilaration and pride at the finish line.

What brought this city girl at heart to this natural wonder? Curiosity mixed with bravery!

I would see Facebook friends uploading their “I conquered El Yunque” pictures. Yet they never went into details about the journey.

I wanted to experience the rainforest purely for its beauty.

I’d never gone hiking so I thought it would be a nice change from the norm.

I did my usual due diligence and read blog loads of reviews. None prepared me for the strenuous reality.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

This blog will not make the same omission. If you haven’t visited, I want you to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Get ready to sweat and burn lots of calories!

The trail takes about an hour and a half to complete and that doesn’t include the 98 steps to the Yokahu Tower.

I couldn’t come that close and not see the views from above.

There’s even a cool rusty telescope that I’m posing with below.

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How Do I Get There?

Personally, I don’t like to drive on vacation. I’m also uncomfortable driving in a new place.

If you’re the adventurous/outdoorsy sort that’s a pro-level hiker, then you may want to drive and do your own tour.

San Juan to El Yunque is about 40 minutes.

I booked a guide through a company called Louie’s VIP Tours.

They came highly recommended through Trip Advisor. Their website has other tours to compliment your trip.

The cost is $60 per person and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

What Should I Wear?

Louie’s provides a “do’s and don’t” dress code and they strictly enforce their “no open toes” rule. It’s for your own safety, of course.

I would say to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. If you plan on getting in the water, you can wear a swimsuit/shorts.

TIP: Bring a towel

For shoes, also keep comfortability in mind because of the conditions. Sneakers will work just fine.

Remember that El Yunque is a rain forest which means water falls from the sky frequently and spontaneously! Bring a poncho, raincoat or umbrella.

No need to check with the weatherman on this one!

In the event you forget one of these important accessories, there is a gift shop.

Other recommended accessories are a hat, sunglasses and a small book bag to keep your hands free.

Prepare

I was sore for days after El Yunque.

Maybe a little stretching would have helped but again I didn’t know what to expect.

If you’re like me and don’t exercise often, try to change that at least a week before your visit. Walk or run to get those muscles ready!

Don’t forget your water because those downpours will not be able to quench your thirst!

El Yunque is truly a serene and spiritual land.

My mission in capturing its natural glory was accomplished even though the weather fogged up my lenses a lot.

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TIP: Don’t forget your phone or camera.

I left Puerto Rico aching but I had completed another pursuit outside of my comfort zone.

I think that’s what travel should be all about.

Find out what your fears and weaknesses are and then use travel as a means to overcome them!

As your travel list grows, you can add yourself to the expansion!

Have you been to El Yunque? If so, how was your experience?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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