This itinerary will help you plan a weekend in and around the rainforest. You'll have plenty of opportunity to hike, swim, and relax beneath the lush canopy of El Yunque. But you'll also be visiting a lovely beach, a local culinary institution, and a historic site. Of course, you can easily extend this itinerary to a week, and many people who can't get enough of the vibrant, earthy magic of the rainforest do just that. For those of you with only three days to spare, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Rent a car - I cannot stress this enough. To get to the inns and small hotels in the rainforest, and to explore the surrounding area, a car is an absolute necessity. Don't rely on taxis.
- Pack hiking shoes - seems like a no-brainer, but many of the trails in El Yunque are quite challenging, and sneakers can easily lead to sprained ankles.
- Forget the five-star resort experience - People who come to El Yunque don't love it for its pampering attentions; rather they come to enjoy a rustic and natural retreat. So should you.
- Do your groceries - In the rainforest, there are no restaurants, and I wouldn't recommend foraging for berries. As such, you'll want to pack a picnic lunch or two while you're here. Groceries are a good idea.
