Rainforest in Puerto Rico

[Nadine]

We will be on Radiance of the Seas cruise beginning 11/25/06. First port is San Juan. We have been there before, but have never been to the Rainforest. The ship is offering an excursion. It is almost 5 hours long.

Has anyone been to the Rainforest recently? Is it worth seeing? We are debating between that or just going to El Moro fort.

Thank you!

[NancyN]

The El Yunque Rainforest is worth seeing indeed, but I am not sure I would choose to do it via a ship's motorcoach tour. Much of the 5 hours will be spent getting to and from the rainforest and since you will be traveling on a bus, you will miss the most interesting aspects of the rainforest. Renting a car, stopping at various portions of the rainforest and hiking into the interior is really the way to appreciate it.

[Nadine]

NancyN, thank you for the info. It is nice that we can, if we wish, get a refund on the excursion and tour on our own. We will definitely consider that!

Nadine

[kj_connections]

El Yunque is beautiful. I went to Puerto Rico this summer (not on a cruise) and there are many walking paths withing the rainforest, some taking 1.5 hours to complete. There is even a waterfall you can swim under. I suggest you go on your own if possible. Also, there is an El Yunque tourist information booth (if you are driving) - but you have to pay to get in there. You don't need to go there as there is another information center and plenty of maps once you are up in the forest.

[Chef Ken]

El Yunque is nice but drive there. Experience some of the culture on the way if you are up for it. Stop at a road-side stand for fresh fruit, sample local cuisine etc., otherwise it's just another forest.

When you stop, watch your vehicle and your belongings and watch for cars pulling out in front of you with very little notice. You may see their arm come out as a signal that they are going to cut in front of you. Don't get mad, its the way it is!