We hiked to La Mina falls on the Big Tree trail on a weekday in February. We started out our hike around 7:30 am, and didn't see another soul until we went to the visitor's centre around 11am. The hike was fairly short (20-25 mins each way) and easy. There are a few stairs, but nothing overly strenuous. We had... more

Just got back from PR on March 20. Hiked to La Mina Falls via Big Tree Trail on March 19, 2009. It took us about 30 minutes to hike there. Hiking to the trail was harder than hiking back. Based on what I've seen the Big Tree Trail is easier. I am 38 and not in shape. The couple that... more

Disappointed in the rainforest and the falls. We have a better waterfall here in MN. The rainforest had no wildlife (oh I did see a cat, though) and there were so many tourists. Busloads of them. I did not feel like I was somewhere special more

El Yunque is a cool place to visit, its pretty rare to have such an accessible rainforest available to visit. A lot of people hike up Big Tree trail to see La Mina Falls, its a pretty good hike 25-30min, but very doable for most people. One big tip, don't take the tour your hotel offers, if you have a... more

First, yes you can do this drive and "hike" by yourself! No need to pay anyone to take you there! Its a easy (for someone who is a in good shape) 20-30 min walk to the falls. I believe this trail is so popular because it is fairly easy for most people, including children (we had an 11 year-old with... more

My wife and I, both 40-ish, just returned from PR. We had never experienced a rain forest before, so we spent one half day in El Yunque, mainly hiking the La Mina Falls trail. The upside: The rainforest is truly beautiful and a great experience. The waterfall is nice, not spectacular, but wading at it's base is a worthy experience.... more

The entire experience was surreal. Be ready to walk A LOT. The bamboo trees are gigantic. My only disappointment was the lack of wildlife. Make sure to take a few essentials: Bathing Suit. Water Shoes/ slippers, and prepare to get wet it is a rainforest after all. For food you should find street vendors selling frituras in front of their... more

My husband and I visited El Yunque during our trip to PR on Aug 28,2008. We were driving to Fajardo to catch a flight to Culebra and decided to visit El Yunque on the way. We stopped at the visitor center to get the map of the trail and we watched a movie there. They charge $3 to visit the... more

FIrst, rent a car and drive through the rainforest yourself!!!! This is cheaper and you are on you own time! We took the Big Tree trail to the falls and teh La Mina trail back. We had no problems with the trails, but saw several people out of breathe and needing to rest. I am not in great shape, but... more