Puerto Rico: An Outdoor Oz - Part 1
the Palm Forest canopy, and ascends through the Cloud Forest to the 3,500 foot peak. Hikers pass the Bano Grande Pool bath complex and ascend to the observation deck for a spectacular view of the forest and ocean. Mt. Britton Spur Trail and Los Picachos can also be accessed via El Yunque.
Mt. Britton - With a continuous uphill ascent, Mt. Britton offers the best of the Cloud Forest. It culminates in the Mt. Britton Tower, complete with circular stairs, an observation deck, and another spectacular land/sea view. Also accessible from this one-mile route are the Mt. Britton Spur Trail and El Yunque.
Bano de Oro - This half-mile jaunt is perfect for beginners. Giant palms, orchids, and numerous streams line the trail leading past old fish hatcheries and connecting with the lower section of El Yunque.
Caimitillo - This 25-minute trek is a short, easy loop through the lush palm forest. Passing the Caimitillo Picnic Area, it connects with El Yunque and then loops back to its starting point.
Big Tree - This one-mile trail is one of the park's most popular. Traversing the Tabonuco Forest, it offers visitors the best glimpse of a true tropical rainforest. This lush, dense environment also supports much of the forest's wildlife with an abundance of lizards, tree frogs, and bats.
Los Picachos - Starting in the Palo Colorado Forest, this 3.5-mile trek is the longest route to the peak. This difficult hike offers an extended route with several switchbacks. However, after the final climb up the stone steps to the peak, hikers are rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime view.
El Toro - Traversing all four forest types, El Toro is the longest and most difficult El Yunque trail. Starting in the Tabonuco Forest, El Toro covers 12 miles and winds its way to El Yunque's highest peak.
NOTE: Part two of this series, featuring caving, kayaking, and sea turtle and whale watching, will be published in October. Stay tuned!
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