El Yunque Off the Beaten Path: Discover Hidden Waterfalls, Natural Pools and Wildlife
4.8
580 Ratings
Embark on an adventurous journey through El Yunque Rainforest, uncovering hidden waterfalls, natural pools, and wildlife. Hike, river trek, and rock climb in this guided tour.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Puerto Rico 971 - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY FOR ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THIS TOUR
    After arriving to Ceiba, your initial hike will start off as pure adventure. You will cross a river (sometimes water can reach to waist height), and an approximate 30-minute journey on a dirt/rock path, and muddy terrain.
    This trail is surrounded by bamboo trees, rain-forest flowers, and many other beautiful plants. After the hike you will enjoy mostly from the water activities. First visit a river and collecting pool that forms at the base of a waterfall. Take the time here and cool off on it’s refreshing waters.
    We will then proceed to do another hike and rock climb in order to visit more natural pools (more strenuous part). Here you will have the opportunity to cliff jump into the pools, swing from a rope or go down the natural water slides (these are optional, but once you climb the rock to jump you must complete the activity). We will then return hiking thru the same path we arrived.

After the tour ends we will stop at a local restaurant for a late lunch (food cost not included), before returning to San Juan or your initial meeting point. This stop tends to take 1 to 1.5 hours.

What's Included
  • Certified helmet
  • Park fees
  • USCG certified Lifejackets
  • Pick-up and drop-off (within touristic zone and selected San Juan areas only)
  • Bottled water and light snacks
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Pick up/ drop off in towns outside of San Juan (ex Rio Grande, Dorado). Meeting location available.
Additional Information

Feeling adventurous? Dare to go on a complete exploration of El Yunque Rainforest. Get to explore a different zone of the Forest, and enjoy in a safe and guided way, the different water activities this natural park has to offer.

Experience the beauty of El Yunque Rainforest while hiking, river trekking and rock climbing. Enjoy spotting its flora and fauna, scenic views and gorgeous hidden waterfalls, natural pools and slides.

This is a moderate to strenuous activity and may not be suitable for everyone. Please read entire description before booking in order to avoid any inconveniences.
For an educational, low impact tour please see our other version ‘El Yunque National Forest Half Day Tour’.

  • Please dress appropriately: Wear hiking shoes (tennis with a good grip also works). Can also bring water shoes for when you go into the river . Please note: shoes will get wet and very muddy
  • Wear comfortable clothing, swimsuit underneath, bring a towel and change of clothes. Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
  • You must have a good breakfast before departing on this activity.
  • Pregnant women, persons with knee and/or back injuries or recent surgeries, those with walking disabilities or physical impairments, or other serious medical conditions cannot participate on this excursion.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult (not suitable for children under 7 years).
  • Due to safety reasons participants must be able to understand English or Spanish. Legally blind or deaf persons are not able to participate due to the same. A Private tour would be the most appropriate option on these cases.
  • Bus will wait only 5 minutes after your assigned pick up time. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
  • On Saturdays the hike is longer and more challenging since we depart from a different point.
  • Once you begin the excursion, you must finish it all the way up to the second stop and return back with the group.
  • Use of lifejacket and helmet is mandatory. $100 fee will apply for each piece of equipment if not returned.
  • Failure to provide hotel/lodging information upon booking may result in bus not being able to pick you at your location or close to it. No refunds will be issued if you miss your pick up.
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers MUST provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and/or re-boarding time.
  • Complimentary pick up in Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, Miramar and Calle Loiza areas (contact us for additional assistance).
  • Please travel light and only bring the necessary to the excursion. Leave behind electronic devices, any important documentation like passport, large sums of cash or credit cards. Cell phones require waterproof case and can be brought under your own risk..
  • Operates based on weather and river conditions, there is a possibility of cancellation if conditions are not found safe during rainy days.
  • Estimated excursion duration of 8 hours includes: 3.5 - 4hours at the forest, 1.5 hr driving each way, pick ups and lunch time. Subject to traffic conditions.
  • Published starting time is only an estimate. Exact pick up time will be provided the day prior to your excursion.
  • Bespoke LM Reserves the Right of Admission - If a person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following instructions, being disruptive or not dressed appropriately (due safety) the Guide has the right to Cancel their reservation at any moment, and No Refunds will be issued due to this.
  • While the excursion explores the El Yunque region, it does not visit the El Yunque National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service
  • Persons with the previously listed health restrictions cannot participate on the excursion. No refunds will be authorized if a person neglects to read complete description and does not meet the safety requirements and limitations on the day of the activity.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(580 Ratings)
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David_m
Apr 28, 2024
Hiking El Yunque - Had a great time doing this excursion, really was off the beaten path, but the waterfalls and the rivers where great to lounge in, for the adventures types who enjoy sliding down a waterfall or leaping off a cliff this is for you. Our guide, Andriana, was the best, cheerful and full of energy. She made sure you had a great time and all with love. 🫶
Review provided by Viator
Alison_f
Apr 15, 2024
Spectacular - We had such an amazing experience. Kids, adults all had so much fun. George went above and beyond in regards to safety, guidance (particular clear and direct) and even extra suggestions for the rest of our trip. He didn't need to do half of what he did and we are so grateful. Forever memories ❤️
Review provided by Viator
Dmkm53
Apr 12, 2024
Jumping off the cliffs and swinging out on the rope is worth the hike - Not sure where to start. All 10 of us agreed this was the favorite excursion ever. Our tour guide, Jason, was the best. We did the Off the Beaten Path and it was fantastic. It rained a little the day we went, but we knew we were in a rain forest so no one cared. We were surprised about the "muddy experience" in getting to the waterfall, but we embraced it and it turned out to be one of our favorite hikes. Jumping off the cliffs was such fun and even the outdoorsy 70 year olds in our group loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kourtney_h
Apr 5, 2024
A good time! - Adriana was amazing. Me and my husband were in a group of 11. We reached the 1st pool before the big crowds. She encouraged us to try the hike up to the slide, and I’m glad we did! If you have an issue climbing over large rocks and staying low…you might find it a little challenging. We enjoyed every minute as she guided us on where to step and how to stay safe. The jump off the cliffs and the swing rope were also fun. She gave us good instructions on how to do so safely. On the way back we stopped at a local restaurant and the food was really good. Overall the trip was a good time and Adriana was a great guide.
Review provided by Viator
Tamara_n
Apr 3, 2024
El Yunque - Hector and Anthony were amazing guides. They were helpful, funny, and accommodating. As someone who thought about going self guided, I really suggest doing this tour if it is your first time visiting the rainforest.
Review provided by Viator
John
Mar 28, 2024
Get on this trip ASAP - Aliana and Elias took us on a lovely journey up river to pools in the Yunque rainforest. Good humor and good energy from both of our guides. Well worth doing this on your trip to Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grace_f
Mar 10, 2024
Felix was AMAZING! His whole group was very funny and gave us an amazing experience trying new, fun activities - The water slide!! Swimming in the pools was a very fun time, but it was amazing to be able to go down a rock waterslide for the first time.
Review provided by Viator
Prickt2024
Mar 5, 2024
Something you MUST do if in Puerto Rico - This was possibly the best traveling experience I’ve ever had. The tour team (George, Luis, Tarzan, and Mitchell) was the best you could ask for. They kept the group safe, gave some amazing historical facts about the rainforest and the island, while still being very fun to hangout with the entire time. The sights were jaw dropping. The water and water activities were great! There was a natural made water slide, rope swing, and a few different spots to cliff dive off of. It was just an amazing experience all around. Can’t say it enough. Were we then taken to a local restaurant they recommended for food and cocktails. A great ending to this epic hike. BE ONE WITH THE MUD!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rausa_m
Mar 27, 2024
Fun adventure into nature! - It was fun hiking and getting into the water. We enjoyed the adventure. Would recommend a weekday since it was crowded on Sunday. Our guides were great and kept us safe!
Review provided by Viator
Christopheroy
Mar 12, 2024
Uneven - The scenery was beautiful, and all of the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. However, marketing this tour as “off the beaten path “borders on the ridiculous. There were probably 100 people on the path and three times that many at the waterfall. Lovely flora, but no fauna. We would have much preferred more hiking, way less downtime at the waterfall and guides who would explain what it is we were seeing. Maybe you should rename this “the overcrowded and exceptionally muddy tour.”
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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