El Yunque Rainforest Visitor Center (El Portal Rain Forest Center) is the official visitor center for the El Yunque Rainforest and is located at Km. 4.3 on PR 191. The building is an impressive structure hidden amongst the trees of El Yunque and is accessed from the car park by an elevated walkway.
The elevated walkway provides you with a view of El Yunque from tree top level before reaching the entrance to El Portal. Once you are across the walkway you will find the information desk, that is staffed with very knowledgeable people who will provide you with some great information about where to go and what to see in El Yunque.
Don’t forget to pick up an El Yunque Trail Map for later.
Past the information desk, there are several informational displays about the rainforest and several artisan stalls selling locally made products (check the El Yunque Calendar Events for Artisan dates). At the end of the first floor, you will find a short movie about El Yunque that lasts around 15 minutes (alternating between English and Spanish)
The second floor houses some more informational displays / rooms, highlighting the conservation, ecology and wildlife of the area, There is also Yuquiyu Delights Cafe serving typical Puerto Rican snacks and burgers. I have heard good things about the burgers and Yuquiyu sauce and can say that the alcupularias con carne (meat) were delicious…
Tip: On occasions the El Yunque Visitor Center also runs special events, hosting seminars and live displays of local wildlife etc. so check the USDA El Yunque site for up to date information on these events
Back outside the El Portal Rain Forest Center, you will find the start of the El Portal Trail. This is a short (0.4 miles) trail that loops through the forest from the car park. The path is a packed gravel trail that is easy to walk with bilingual informational signs about the floar and fauna along the trail. The trail is a good introduction to the rainforest and a good trail to take; especially if you have smaller children.
Cost:
El Yunque Rainforest access is FREE, but if you want to visit the El Yunque Visitor Center, then it is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and free for children under 12
What: El Yunque Visitor Center: El Portal Rain Forest Center
Where: PR 191, Km X, El Yunque Rainforest
When: open 9am to 5:00pm, 7 days/week. Closed Christmas Day
