El Yunque Rainforest Hike: What to Bring and What to Avoid

Traveling to Puerto Rico and want to visit El Yunque Rainforest? The following is a short list of items to consider bringing and I will also share with you what to avoid bringing that will slow you down, turn into litter or just make you look bad. Show up early to your hikes avoid bigger crowds later on. I need to make sure you know that if you are going into the National Park El Yunque Rainforest, know that it's a trash free zone. Meaning you have to take your trash with you there will be no where to drop them into within the park. Take back what you brought in. Ok here we go:

1. Hiking Boots, Water Shoes or Tennis Shoes

First things first, if you do not have the appropriate foot ware you will probably have a bad time.

Most of you don't pack your hiking boots on you luggage because of how bulky they are and you not thinking you will need them. Don't worry if you did not pack expensive bulky hiking boots you can still get some cheap water shoes which you can purchase at the local Walgreens or Walmart. If all else fails you can use a normal common pair of tennis shoes that you have packed already. As long as you are willing and able to get them wet or muddy and they still have some grip underneath them.

2. A Towel and Change of Clothes

Extra clothing is highly recommended to bring along and leave in your vehicle before starting the hike. You will be engaging with large bodies of water, waterfalls, muddy hills and more obstacles.

A Towel is suggested for all but make sure you don't lug it around for no good reason and have it ready, dry and waiting for you in the car. Also if you already know there will be water its best if you show up with your swimwear on you and not have to change before the hike taking away valuable hiking time before others show up.

3. Water & Snack

Bring water, however much you think you will need for the few hours you will be at the Rainforest. At least 16oz (normal water bottle size) but if you take your own refillable container that would be even better. Odds are if you are "researcher traveler" you will end up realizing you need to book a guide to show you around the Rainforest, in which case you wont need an emergency supply of water because you wont accidentally get lost for and extended period of time like other unprepared and unlucky travelers.

Bring a snack, protein bar, crackers a banana a muffin whatever you prefer, all are excellent choices. All you need is a little something to get you by during your time there. Just make sure whatever you choose its not to inconvenient to bring or eat and that it produces 0 trash. If you are doing it right you should end up near a local restaurant sooner rather than later and its the best way to reward yourselves for the hard work of hiking through the rainforest.

4. A Fanny Pac Or Light Back Pack

We encourage you to take a little as possible when on a hike to El Yunque as traveling light pays off at the end. That being said the limited amount of items you bring will have to go somewhere since you will need your hands free while you traverse the terrain. A small backpack, fanny pack or a bag you can hold on to comfortably are a good to use to store your belongings and you can also be like me, where i like to take any trash i see back with me to discard in the appropriate location. Also its great place to keep your phone or anything else of value.

5. Your Phone

Yes you can and should bring your phone with you but depending on the situation might need to be stowed away in your bag or some where dry and safe. There are moments where you may stop and take it all in or snap a few pictures of the amazing natural beauty that surrounds you. How will you have evidence of you taking that plunge into the fresh water rivers or rope swinging into a natural pool. Keep in mind you wont have any reception so you wont be bale to connect to the internet or make calls.

As long as you have a safe spot to stow away your phone when necessary it is permitted to bring your phone with you. A lot of you ask about waterproof phone cases, yes they help keep you phone dry but not if you submerge it to deep or worse, accidentally drop it. Even the best waterproof ratings wont save you if you get to clumsy and overconfident so keep that in mind when in the water.

5. Positive Attitude

Respect and enjoy what the El Yunque Rainforest has to offer us all. Don't litter, take everything you brought in and never attempt anything without consulting with your tour guide. Be safe! Avoid rainy days for possible flash flood situations.

And if you found this information help full please share it with your friends and family who might be traveling to El Yunque Rainforest.

To book a private or group tour of up to 4 people to the rainforest you can visit:

https://www.safutours.com/booking-calendar/rainforest