Tag: Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria

  • Exploring El Yunque National Rainforest Without A Guide

    Exploring El Yunque National Rainforest Without A Guide

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    Have you ever heard Tarzan’s jungle call?? Well, if you have, just imagine my husband making that noise as he swung through the air, holding onto one of the vines descending from the rainforest canopy. If you didn’t know better, you would think we were exploring the Amazonian jungle or India’s Satpura National Park, but we were actually in the United States’ only tropical rainforest, El Yunque.

    El Yunque is one of the reasons many tourists visit Puerto Rico.

    At nearly 29,000 acres, our single day of exploring didn’t allow us to see much of the forest, but we were able to check out many of the terrific waterfalls that grace this beautiful piece of earth.

    Parts of El Yunque recently reopened after the impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria, and I figured it was about time I gave you a straightforward one-day itinerary to explore it! Below, you’ll find how to beat the crowds, which waterfalls are worth the effort, and where to swing from jungle vines Tarzan-style!

    As I mentioned, parts of the rainforest are now open since the hurricanes, but many are not. Be sure to check the USDA website for updates on which areas are available to visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recarea/?recid=43397.

    Currently, the trail to La Mina Falls is closed to the public. 

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    La Mina Falls

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    Your day will start early!

    El Yunque opens at 7:30 AM, and you want to be there exactly at 7:30. El Yunque is a huge tourist spot, and there are hundreds of tour buses that make the trip up the two-lane road winding through the forest. If you don’t start early, you can get stuck coming and going from the forest behind these buses. It is well worth the effort to wake up early for this one.

    You will start your adventure at the El Portal Visitor Center at the entrance to the forest. This is a great place to stop and grab a map if you didn’t print one out beforehand. From there, you’ll drive up the main road for about 6 to 7 kilometers. You should pass La Coca Falls on the right side of the road and Yokahu Tower on the left side. You are looking for La Mina Trail.

    La Mina Falls is the most popular set of waterfalls in the park. It’s a short and well-maintained hike to these beautiful falls with a nice swimming pool at the bottom of them. This means they get packed with tourists, so you need to see them first!

    Tip: Since it is a rainforest, the ground is often wet from rain or dew, so the risk of slipping is high. Prevent this by wearing shoes with a grip! I would recommend real hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes. 

    The hike from the road, where you can park easily, to the falls is beautiful. Having grown up and lived in Arizona, I’ve never experienced this level of green in my life. Everywhere you look, the vegetation is bountiful and vibrant. It reminded me of something out of a dinosaur movie (Land Before Time, where you at)!

    The falls aren’t disappointing either. The exquisite waterfall drops 35 feet! Be careful making your way to the pool, though; the rocks are quite slippery.

    Going to La Mina Falls early in the morning will guarantee you a great day! You will have the opportunity to explore these beautiful falls in relative tranquility and isolation. The hike back will only rejuvenate you as you head towards our next stop, Mt. Britton Tower!

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    Mt. Britton Tower

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    There are a few different ways to get to the Mt. Britton Lookout Tower, but I can only speak to the one we took: the Bano De Oro Trail. Throughout this hike, you get to see how humans have tried to change the natural ways of the forest… unsuccessfully.

    Across the street, where you park for La Mina Falls, Palo Colorado Visitors Center, about 50 yards up is the Bano De Oro trailhead. An uphill paved path leads you to the “Baño de Oro” pool. It is currently abandoned and no longer used as a swimming pool. However, it has a tranquil aura as you gaze into one of mankind’s attempts to change nature. As you continue to hike uphill on some gravel-paved switchbacks, you come across an old fish hatchery tank built of stone, now overgrown on the right side of the trail. These tanks represent a failed attempt to introduce trout, an exotic cold-water fish, to the tropical forest waters. It is almost laughable that someone would think of putting a fish hatchery or swimming pool in the middle of a rainforest, but that’s just how we operate, I guess.

    After the fish hatchery, you can continue to meet up with the Mt. Britton Trail. This is the longest trail in the forest, so come prepared with water! The trail crosses two rushing mountain streams and then intersects with Forest Service Road 10 (only official vehicles can use it as a road, hence why you don’t just drive to the tower). Turn right on the road and continue for approximately 500 feet, where it intersects with the remaining portion of the trail. The final leg of the trail leads upward through the Cloud Forest until it reaches Mount Britton peak and the Mount Britton Tower.

    The stone tower was built in the 1930s. On a clear day, you get a panoramic view of the surrounding forest, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.

    This hike was a blast! You’ll feel like a true explorer hiking through the rainforest. Along the path, keep your eyes out for large vines to swing from! Of course, be sure to test them with your weight before you start swinging. The tower itself was amazing. One of the rare places you can see both sides of the island.

    The hike takes about an hour, so you want to get to the trailhead around 9 at the latest to beat the hordes of tourists.

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    Juan Diego Falls

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    Once you get back to your car, it is time to head back down to Juan Diego Falls.

    Juan Diego Falls are just off the road at Kilometer 10. Keep your eyes out, the sign was removed when we were there. The trail is short and easy to follow once you’ve found the start.

    There are a few sets of waterfalls that make up Juan Diego Falls. You’ll get to a couple of little waterfalls first, but as you continue, you’ll find larger and larger falls. The “end” of the trail has a nice picnic area with around a 20-foot waterfall behind it, but this isn’t the end! On the right-hand side, you’ll see a muddy bank speckled with trees. Go up it.

    You’ll be able to see a larger and, usually, less crowded waterfall. The hike up this muddy bank is somewhat sketchy, but the reward is well worth it. Once you get to the top of this little hill, you will head to your left to access the 40-foot waterfall and pool. Only the private local guides take people to this spot, so you should have it all by yourself!

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    El Yunque blew our expectations away. From the beautiful foliage to the breathtaking waterfalls, you won’t be able to get through this park without seeing something new!

    The drive home was a slow one; we spent a bit too long at Juan Diego and got stuck behind some tour buses heading out of the park, but we weren’t bothered at all. Completely renewed by nature, we were delighted to have had the opportunity to explore this remarkable piece of the world.

    For more adventures in Puerto Rico, check out my other blog posts: “A Guide To Visiting San Juan“, “Icacos & Palomino Islands“, and “Day Trip To Vieques“. 

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    If you are ever in Puerto Rico and itching for a good hike, you must explore El Yunque! What are some of your favorite waterfalls?

    Cheers! 

    Angie xoxo

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  • A Guide To Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico | Things To Do & Where To Stay

    A Guide To Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico | Things To Do & Where To Stay

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    Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a rich history, gorgeous beaches, lush mountains, rushing waterfalls and the El Yunque rainforest. Since it’s a U.S. territory, there are a lot of advantages if you are a U.S. citizen.

    • You don’t need a passport to visit
    • You can use your cell phone without additional fees
    • The US dollar is the official currency
    • There are inexpensive flights from many U.S. cities

    With so many advantages, why not book your flights to the Caribbean’s ‘Enchanted Island’ right now???

    If you do end up visiting, I definitely recommend flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico, and making it your home base. San Juan is the capital and largest city, with a little something for everyone. For those seeking a typical beach-vacation vibe, check out the Isla Verde area. It is known for its hotel strips, casinos, beach bars, and shops. Most visitors stay here and take Uber (yes, they have Uber!) to Old San Juan. This part of the city is home to the San Juan Historic Site, featuring beautiful buildings dating from the 16th century, two Spanish fortresses, old city walls, the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, cobblestoned streets, and pastel colored houses. There is so much history, culture, and life in this neighborhood!

    This guide to visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, is filled with information about the best sites to see, places to stay, where to eat, and things to do during your trip. 

    For more adventures in Puerto Rico, be sure to also check out my blog posts on “Day Trip To Vieques Island”,  “Exploring El Yunque National Park“, and “Icacos & Palomino Islands“.

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    What to Do and See

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    • Wander the pastel streets of Old San Juan. Founded in 1508 by Ponce de Leon, this city is rich with history, culture, food, and colonial architecture. It is easily the prettiest part of San Juan, so don’t forget your camera!
    • Visit Save A Gato. Save A Gato (gato is Spanish for “cat”) is a volunteer organization that cares for and feeds the colony cats of Old San Juan. If you’ve dreamed of being surrounded by dozens of cats at one time, then you can’t miss this hidden gem. Say hello to these furry friends by walking along the Paseo del Morro Recreation Trail (north of the San Juan Gate).
    • Explore the Spanish fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal. Learn about the unique designs of each fort and how Spain kept Puerto Rico under its control for nearly 400 years! I promise it’s definitely worth paying the small $7 fee (valid for both fortresses).
    • Take a day trip to a neighboring island. Go on a catamaran tour with East Island Excursions to Culebra, ferry over to Vieques, or take a water taxi to Icacos and Palomino. Every island has incredible beaches and clear waters, so whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong.
    • Tour the El Yunque rainforest. While the hurricane damaged the rainforest, it is quickly recovering! In fact, the lower section of the main road has opened, so you can now explore certain areas – some even include waterfalls! For more information on what to see in the El Yunque rainforest, check out my blog “A Guide To Exploring El Yunque National Rainforest | Waterfall Edition“.
    • Head West with a private guide. Exploring the whole island is accessible from San Juan, and I highly recommend visiting the Cueva de Indio (Cave of the Indian) in Arecibo, the black-sand beaches at Playa Boca in Barcelonetta, and the San Sebastian Waterfalls. For all private tours, contact Mario at 787-547-6941 on WhatsApp. Mario was recommended to us by the AC Hotel San Juan Condado and is seriously impressive! He created a killer itinerary and is very friendly,  knowledgeable about the island, and a safe driver. If you’re looking to experience more than just the city, I suggest going on a private tour with Mario.
     

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    (The red dress in the photo above is from Black Coral)

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    Where to Stay

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    The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

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    Located next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center and only a 5-minute drive to the Condado beach or a 10-minute drive to historic Old San Juan, the Sheraton Puerto Rico is the ideal home base for those visiting Puerto Rico for both business and pleasure. What makes this hotel unique is that guests will find every sort of comfort and entertainment on the property. The Sheraton has a large casino with 400 slot machines and 18 game tables, the Zen Spa Retreat, the District Lounge & Sushi Bar, a club lounge, and an infinity pool. It’s tempting to stay on the property while enjoying all the amenities simply. You can read more about my stay at The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino here.

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    AC Hotel San Juan Condado

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    In the heart of the vibrant Condado District, you will find a hotel so wonderful, you may never leave. That would be the AC Hotel San Juan by Marriott. This modern hotel is perfect for those looking for luxury accommodation and a central location. Enjoy the most incredible city views from the AC Hotel’s rooftop pool, discover Caribbean flavors at local restaurants, relax at the beautiful Condado beach, or drive 5 minutes to Old San Juan. You really can’t go wrong when you stay at the AC Hotel. Read more about my stay at the AC Hotel San Juan Condado here.

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    San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

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    Also located in the Condado District is the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. I promise that if you stay here, you will have the time of your life. Try your luck at the Stellaris Casino, relax by the pool, experience the incredible nightlife in Condado, or walk the streets of Old San Juan (only a 5-minute drive away). There is something for everyone. What primarily makes the San Juan Marriott special is the beach! Only 20 feet away from the pool is soft sand, turquoise water, and unlimited fun. For those of you wanting to be close to all the action in the city while also enjoying the beautiful Condado beach, the San Juan Marriott is the perfect place for you!

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    Where to Eat

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    Crush Juice Bar – If you love acai bowls and you want to taste the most delicious peanut butter acai bowl in the world, then go to Crush. They also have a fantastic selection of smoothies and juices! I went here every day during my trip, and to this day, it’s still my favorite juice bar! Crush is conveniently located across the street from the AC Hotel San Juan Condado, so it’s easy to grab something on your way out to the beach or to Old San Juan.

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    La Bombonera – La Bombonera is the oldest restaurant in Old San Juan. Known for its coffee and “Mallorca” pastries, it’s the hottest breakfast spot in town. So popular in fact, that you will need to make a reservation most days to get a seat. Once you get inside, you’ll notice something remarkable. Little glimpses of La Bombonera’s past can be seen in several vintage photographs hanging on the restaurant’s walls. It’s wonderful not only to taste the incredible food whose recipes have been passed down for generations but also to experience history.

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    El Jibarito – If you visit Old San Juan, you must eat lunch at El Jibarito!!!! After asking many people where we could find the best local food, they all said EL Jibarito. Of course, they were right. The food was authentic and delicious! Plus, it was all very reasonably priced. I highly recommend trying white rice and red beans, chicken empanadas, and mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantains. Seriously, if you want to try real Puerto Rico food, just head to El Jibarito.

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    Santaella – Enjoy a modern Puerto Rican dining experience presented by Chef Jose Santaella. The menu features authentic dishes and local ingredients, showcasing the flavors and vibrant energy of Puerto Rico. The restaurant is the perfect place for many different occasions. Take a seat at the bar and socialize while sipping on cocktails, listen to music and chat with friends over an excellent meal, or sneak to a corner table to enjoy a romantic evening with your loved one. For an evening to remember, make your reservations at Santaella.

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    How to Get Around

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    If you plan on staying in the San Juan area, I highly recommend using Uber. Everything in San Juan is about a 10-minute car ride away, and sometimes parking can be a nightmare, so save yourself some time, money, and stress and grab an Uber. For those who prefer Lyft over Uber, unfortunately, Lyft is not available in Puerto Rico. If you’re wondering about Taxi services, they are available. However, it is possible to have a taxi driver who takes you to your destination and tries to charge you a fee that is unfair. To avoid this situation, I always choose Uber.

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    If you are up for renting a car, it gives you more flexibility! You can easily take a quick road trip outside the city or get a better feel for San Juan as you explore the streets behind the wheel yourself. Rental cars tend to be low-cost and pretty easy to use. All you need is a driver’s license and a credit card. The easiest place to get a rental car is at the airport, but there are a few other locations around town where you can get one as well.

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    FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF MY ADVENTURES AROUND SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO,  CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:  

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    This post is written in partnership with Marriott Hotels. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Sheraton Puerto Rico for the private tour of Old San Juan, to AC Hotel San Juan Condado for booking the Bacardi mixology tour, and to San Juan Marriott for the catamaran tour with East Island Excursions. 

    Angie xoxo 

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