Puerto Rico is famous for its beaches and historic Old San Juan, but what many don’t realise is how many natural areas there are for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. The island’s 3,500 square miles are home to national and state forests, nature reserves, cave systems, and dozens of different ecosystems, including coastal valleys, karst regions, rainforests, and dry forests, as well as the only tropical rainforest in the United States.

If you want to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the island, here is a practical guide to help you find the perfect trail.

El Yunque National Forest

One of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico for locals and visitors alike is El Yunque National Forest. This is the only tropical forest in the United States Forest System and also one of the most biodiverse places on the island, thanks to the park’s 240 different plant species. Whether you’re looking to go bird watching, swim in natural pools under waterfalls, or test your endurance on a challenging hike, El Yunque has trails for all kinds of adventures. Some of the trails that are currently open include La Coca, Baño Grande, Angelito y Puente Roto, El Toro, Mt. Britton, and El Pico El Yunque. There are also a handful of options for tour companies that can organise half-day or full-day trips from San Juan to the park if you prefer to leave the planning and driving to the experts.

Guánica Dry Forest Reserve

On the south side of the island, you will find the opposite of the tropical forest of El Yunque: the Guánica Dry Forest. The south side of the island is more arid, with cacti and other plants that are better adapted to desert conditions, and you will often see red-tailed hawks and vultures circling peacefully in a perfectly blue sky. There are numerous trails in the reserve, and the ranger at the entrance can provide you with a map. Among the most popular are: Ballena, which goes down the mountain to the beach; La Cueva, which leads to limestone caves; and Fuerte Caprón, to a historic fort overlooking the coast.

Guajataca Forest

Located in the town of Isabela, the Bosque de Guajataca has 27 kilometres of trails, with the Sendero Interpretativo (Interpretive Trail) and the Sendero a la Cueva del Viento (Trail to the Cueva del Viento) being the two most frequented. You can easily do both routes on the same day, as well as explore the cave, which is full of otherworldly stalagmite and stalactite structures (as well as bats!). Follow the first trail to the cave and then take the interpretive trail back to the car park on the PR-446. There’s even a side trail to an observation tower as a bonus. The trail is easy to walk, but bring sturdy shoes with good traction and flashlights if you plan to explore the cave.

Toro Negro State Forest

The almost 7,000 hectares of Toro Negro State Forest are spread over six different municipalities and include four types of forest (tabonuco, palm, Micropholis buchenavia, and a cloud forest), the three highest peaks on the island (Cerro de Punta, Cerro Jayuya, and Cerro Rosa), a lake, two natural pools, nine rivers, and numerous waterfalls. To hike and camp there, visit the ranger station at Route 143 KM 32.4 in Villalba. Most of the trails are concentrated in this area, and the most popular (and currently open) are El Bolo, which leads to a stone tower on top of a mountain, and Charco La Confesora, which has a trail in the Toro Negro camping area.

Cambalache State Forest

Cambalache State Forest is the perfect setting for a leisurely nature walk (mountain bikes are also welcome), or for enjoying birdwatching and camping. The facilities are easily accessible and include parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and lookout points, and there is even a bird centre that is open on weekends. During your walk, you will be able to observe more than 150 types of trees and bushes, of which 15 are endemic and 10 are rare or in danger of extinction. Bird watching is also popular here, as 45 species of birds can be observed, including 12 of the 17 that are endemic to Puerto Rico.

The name of the mountain itself is Cerro de los Cielos, but the trail gets its name from the solitary mango tree at the top that is visible from the road.

Solitary Tree

Visible from the PR-52 road just past the Monumento al Jíbaro in Salinas, there is a solitary tree at the top of a high mountain called Cerro de los Cielos. Until 2016, walking to the Lonely Tree was very controversial because people would park their cars on the motorway’s emergency ramp and, as the trail was not properly signposted, many would get lost. Now, the start of the ‘official’ trail starts from the PR-1 and takes an hour to 90 minutes to complete via a steep and challenging trail. The view of the southern mountain range stretching all the way to the Caribbean Sea makes it all worthwhile. People have put swings in the tree and there are also flags near the top, making it a perfect spot for a photo shoot.

Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge

The Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 in southwestern Puerto Rico and is home to a diversity of flora and fauna that visitors can explore via the walking and cycling trails. Much of the refuge consists of subtropical dry forest, which means that conditions are hot and arid for most of the year. It is a very popular destination for bird watching, particularly in the park’s unique salt flats. The Wildlife Refuge is open Monday to Saturday, while the Salt Flats Interpretation Centre is open Thursday to Sunday. Bring water and sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes and a camera.

Other popular activities in Puerto Rico

Beyond hiking and nature trails, Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of experiences for every type of traveler. Water lovers can enjoy world-class surfing in Rincón, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Culebra, or kayaking through one of the island’s glowing bioluminescent bays, such as Mosquito Bay in Vieques or Laguna Grande in Fajardo. History buffs will find plenty to explore in Old San Juan, from colonial forts to cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. Foodies can indulge in culinary tours that showcase local dishes like mofongo and lechón, or visit coffee haciendas in the mountains to taste some of the best beans in the Caribbean. And for those interested in nightlife or trying their luck, Puerto Rico’s casinos offer an exciting way to wind down after a day of adventure. Some online platforms even offer incentives like a hidden jack casino bonus, which adds a fun digital twist to the island’s entertainment scene.

Conclusion

Puerto Rico is a great place for people who love the outdoors. There are lots of different hiking trails in the different types of landscapes. There are tropical forests like El Yunque and dry desert trails like the Guánica Dry Forest. The trails are great for people who like a relaxed walk or a challenging hike. You can enjoy nature at its best on these trails.

El Yunque National Forest is one of the most famous places, with amazing views, waterfalls, and natural pools. The forest is full of lush green plants and different types of plant life, so it’s a great place for nature lovers to visit. If you want to see something different, the Guánica Dry Forest is a stark contrast with its cacti, red-tailed hawks, and clear blue skies. It’s the perfect spot for a unique, desert-like adventure.

And for those who enjoy exploring caves, the Guajataca Forest offers a fascinating mix of trails and an otherworldly cave to explore. If you want to relax, the Cambalache State Forest is a nice place to walk and watch birds. Another popular place is the solitary tree on Cerro de los Cielos in Salinas, which is a great hike with a fantastic view of the Caribbean Sea.