Overview

Hype:

Explore, discover, and connect at El Portal de El 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, cafe, 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.

Time:

Fees: Admission

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Features:

Visitor Centers
Shopping
Forest
Picnic Tables
Gardens
Restrooms - Flush
Road Access is Paved
Access Road is 2WD Accessible
Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas
Wildflowers and Vegitation
Wildlife and Birding
Zoos and Aquariums

Links: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recarea/?recid=43379

Location

Closest City or Region: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

Coordinates: 18.339687, -65.762106

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March 29, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Madilyn Dye,

Story

We wandered around the visitor center on our way out. We watched the park film and looked at the exhibits. We didn't do the interpretive trail because we had already done enough walking that day.