Luquillo, a small town nestled in the heart of Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, offers a diverse array of hiking trails that showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty. From the refreshing natural pools of the Mameyes River to the panoramic views of the island’s east coast, these trails provide a unique opportunity to explore the Luquillo Mountains and the Tropical Rainforest.
What are the Best Hiking Trails in Luquillo From El Yunque National Forest?
The top hiking trails in Luquillo from El Yunque National Forest include:
- Angelito Trail
- Caimitillo Trail
- La Coca Trail
- Los Picachos Trail
Angelito Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.2 miles / 0.4 km (one way)
- Elevation: 492-360 feet / 150-110 meters
- Location: Road 988 km 3.6
- Unique Features: Ends at a refreshing natural pool at the Wild and Scenic Río Mameyes (Mameyes River), ideal for families with children, and offers a different type of vegetation than the upper side of the rainforest.
Caimitillo Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km (one way)
- Elevation: 2,067 to 2,427 feet / 630-740 meters
- Location: Road 191 km 12.1
- Unique Features: Short and easy hike with picnic spots, giant fern trees, beautiful wildflowers, and streams, suitable for those who want a quick nature trip and birdwatching.
La Coca Trail
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km (one way)
- Elevation: 820-1,476 feet / 250-450 meters
- Location: Road 191 km 8.5
- Unique Features: Offers a walk in the lower part of the tabonuco forest, includes steep slopes and river crossings, and ends at the Río Mameyes.
Los Picachos Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.2 miles / 0.3 km
- Elevation: 3,175 feet / 968 meters
- Location: Accessed through El Yunque Trail
- Unique Features: Offers panoramic views of the Island’s east coast, includes steep stairs and may be muddy and slippery.
How to Get to Luquillo From El Yunque National Forest?
There are two main ways to get to Luquillo from El Yunque National Forest:
By Car
From San Juan, drive 47 kilometers (29 mi) east to El Yunque via PR 6, then east on PR 66, and east on PR 3. From PR 3, turn south on PR 191, the main thoroughfare through the forest.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation options from El Yunque National Forest to Luquillo. You can take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the nearest town, Rio Grande.
Estimated Travel Times and Costs
- By Car: Approximately 45 minutes from San Juan to El Yunque National Forest, and then another 30 minutes to Luquillo.
- Public Transportation: Varies depending on the taxi or ride-hailing service used.
Reference
- Discover Puerto Rico – Best Hiking Trails in El Yunque National Forest
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https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/best-hiking-trails-el-yunque-national-forest
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AllTrails – Best trails in El Yunque National Forest
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https://www.alltrails.com/parks/puerto-rico/east-region/el-yunque-national-forest
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Moon Travel Guides – Hiking El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico
- https://www.moon.com/travel/outdoors/hiking-el-yunque-caribbean-national-forest-puerto-rico/