Today we are sharing with you fun and exiting things to do in El Yunque National Forest without a reservation. Our first stop is El Portal del Yunque Visitor Center. Here we learn about the amazing flora and fauna of El Yunque and also about the Puerto Rican Parrot! We even adopted one! Our second stop is Angelito Trail. Only 7 minutes from El Portal and filled with stunning nature and beauty.
El Portal del Yunque: El Portal is the major visitor center of El Yunque National Forest and opened in 1996. In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused structural damage to the building, resulting in the need for major building repairs and reconstruction. The facility reopened in January 2022 and offers visitor information, exhibits, a store, café, and theater. The sustainable and open architecture visually connects to the surrounding Forest and incorporates elements of artwork by local artists in the design. Wood from trees blown down during the hurricanes is incorporated into some exhibits. Ranger led interpretive and educational programs are offered. An interpretive trail provides the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, which was previously a farm and a nursery. A portion of the trail is accessible. The Center offers the opportunity to see the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot and learn more about the species recovery efforts. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recarea/?recid=43379
Angelito Trail: This short trail descends through Tabonuco trees in the lower montane forest to the federally designated “Wild and Scenic River,” the Río Mameyes. As you get closer, the roar of the rushing river pulls you onward to Las Damas Pool and other favorite swimming spots. This is a nice trail for families with younger children and school groups.
This trail received a lot of flooding and damage after Hurricane Maria. The replacement of the pedestrian bridge was partially funded by donations through the National Forest Foundation (NFF) working with the nearby Wyndham Rio Mar Grand Resort and their guests. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recarea/?recid=82974
CHAPTERS:
Channel Intro: 00:00 El Portal Intro: 00:15 Starting the Adventure: 00:29 Visitor's Center 01:44 Adopting a Cotorra! 02:50 El Portal Rainforest Cafe: 03:30 Angelito Trailhead: 04:13
El Yunque is one of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico and for good reason.
Join us today as we explore two destinations you can visit without making a reservation.
The Portal Visitor Center and Angelito Trail.
Hi everybody and welcome to Road Tales.
This morning we're going to be visiting El Portal del Yunque,
the newly renovated visitor center at El Yunque National Park.
We're really excited to see this beautiful visitor center and adopt a parrot.
Our adventure today starts with a 40-minute drive to El Portal del Yunque.
El Portal del Yunque Visitor Center is located inside of the El Yunque National Forest.
In 2017 it was decimated by Hurricane Maria,
but it has been rebuilt and it just reopened in January 2022.
The visitor center includes interactive educational exhibits,
a gift shop, a cafe, and a theater.
There are also two beautiful short trails filled with bright green plants,
exotic birds, and the relaxing sounds of the rainforest.
This is one of the beautiful trails at the visitor center
and it's a wonderful place to do bird watching.
I actually just saw my first ever Puerto Rican birdie.
It's a lovely place to just soak in the sounds of the tropical birds and the breeze of the rainforest.
Although this trail is relatively short, it's a lovely and tranquil place to connect with nature.
Nearby there's also a small paved trail that is accessible by wheelchair.
The visitor center is really adorable.
There are so many beautiful interactive exhibits to see with your kids.
Right now we're going to look at some bugs.
I don't think I'd want that spider as a pet.
Let's look at the stick bug.
They're really cool.
Can you see?
Can you see it?
Inside the visitor center there are incredible exhibits for kids to explore
and learn all about the unique flora and fauna of El Junque.
The center even offers the opportunity to see the endangered Puerto Rican parrot
and learn more about the species recovery efforts.
These are some of the bioluminescent things that you can find in El Junque.
It's a really magical place.
There are glowing mushrooms and these bugs.
I think they're called cucubanos, right?
The visitor center is the perfect place to have fun
while learning interesting new things about the rainforest.
Now let's go adopt a parrot.
The Puerto Rican parrot, or cotorra,
is a critically endangered bright green bird that only lives in Puerto Rico.
In total there are only about 200 left due to habitat loss from deforestation.
El Junque has an aviary dedicated to the repopulation of the cotorra puertorriquena.
Now we're going to adopt the Puerto Rican parrot.
When you buy one of these stuffed animals,
all the proceeds go towards protecting the Puerto Rican parrot.
Now we're the proud parents of the Puerto Rican cotorra.
Now we're going to check out El Portal Rainforest Cafe.
We're here at...
We're going to have a nice brunch at El Portal Rainforest Cafe.
Something cool about this cafe is they don't sell anything in plastic.
So if you want water, you can buy a $5 reusable cute, super cute bottle that you can refill.
With great service, an egoconscious vibe, and delicious food,
this cafe is a great place to have a nice brunch or lunch while visiting El Junque.
Just seven minutes down the road from the visitor center,
you can find Angelito Trailhead in El Junque National Forest.
This is Angelito Trail in El Junque.
And this is a great trail to do if you can't get a park pass for the day
because you don't need a pass to do this trail.
Angelito Trail is one of the prettiest trails in El Junque to do without a reservation.
This is a gorgeous walk full of spectacular tropical plants, birds, and lizards.
You could spend a perfectly enchanting half day exploring both El Portal and Angelito Trail.
Angelito Trail is an easy one and in very good condition.
There's beauty all around and at the end,
you will find a breathtaking river full of sparkling fish.
The rocks form a lovely natural pool where you can jump in and enjoy the refreshing cool water.
Thank you so much for watching.
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The world is a wonderful place.
Go out, live, explore, and create amazing new memories.
And see you on our next adventure.
