Getting There -- From San Juan, road signs direct you to Route 3, which you follow east to the intersection of Route 191, a two-lane highway that heads south into the forest. Take 191 for 3 miles (4.8km), going through the village of Palmer. As the road rises, you will have entered the Caribbean National Forest. You can stop in at the El Portal Tropical Forest Center to pick up information.
Visitor Information -- El Portal Tropical Forest Center, Route 191, Rio Grande (tel. 787/888-1880), an $18 million exhibition and information center, has 10,000 square feet (929 sq. m) of exhibition space. Three pavilions offer exhibits and bilingual displays. The actor Jimmy Smits narrates a documentary called "Understanding the Forest." The center is open daily from 9am to 5pm; it charges an admission of $3 for adults and $1.50 for children under 12.
El Yunque is the most popular spot in Puerto Rico for hiking. The Department of Natural Resources Forest Service (tel. 787/724-8774) administers some aspects of the park, although for the ordinary hiker, more useful information may be available at El Yunque Catalina Field Office, near the village of Palmer, beside the main highway at the forest's northern edge (tel. 787/888-1880). The staff can provide material about hiking routes, and, with 10 days' notice, help you plan overnight tours in the forest. If you reserve in advance, the staff will also arrange for you to take part in 2-hour group tours. These tours are conducted Saturday to Monday every hour on the hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm; they cost $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
