El Yunque on PR-191
- Mountains
- Forest
The road into the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. The PR-191 climbs from Palmer through El Yunque past waterfalls by the road, lookout towers and the trailheads to the peaks. Short in kilometres, but worth a whole day with the stops.
Score by profile
Scenery
85
Coast
40
Relaxed
63
Adventure
85
Driving
40
Ratings
- Scenery5/5
- Stops5/5
- Coast and beaches1/5
- Easy driving3/5
- Driving fun2/5
- Local food2/5
Palmer to Palo Colorado12.2 km · ≈ 35 min at the wheel
- Narrow road, often one lane
- Avoid driving it at night
- El Portal
The visitor centre at the forest entrance, to get oriented.
- Cascada La Coca
The waterfall right by the road, at the gate.
- Torre de Yokahú
A stone tower with views over the forest to the coast.
- Cascadas de Juan Diego
A short walk to a series of small falls.
- Centro de Visitantes Palo Colorado
Trailheads, picnic areas and information at the top of the road.
- Baño Grande
The old stone swimming pool built in the 1930s.
- Torre Mount Britton
A climb through the cloud forest to a stone tower.
Also near the road
Places within 2 km of this stretch.
Take it with you
The whole route and its stops, for navigation apps and GPS units.
Tips
- The gate at La Coca Falls closes in the evening; leave the PR-191 corridor before then or you may be locked in.
- Car parks fill early, especially at weekends; arrive at opening time.
- Check the forest's alerts before going; some trails and areas, such as La Mina, can be closed.