El Yunque National Rainforest

Hike the 25 miles of trails, swim in natural pools, and bathe under waterfalls in the US National Forest System's only tropical rainforest. El Yunque is a 29,000-acre lush mountainous terrain in the northeastern part of the island.

On an easy and enjoyable day hike, see what the area has to offer. Down to the Las Damas pool, take the Angelito Trail. You'll arrive at a deep pool of clear, cold water with a rope swing via a winding trail through dense vegetation. This well-known swimming hole is ideal for families who want to unwind in the pools.

Try the more intense 2.6-mile El Yunque Trail if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge. This trail ascends through sierra palms and the Cloud Forest, a unique zone with a nearly constant state of rain, from the trailhead to the highest points in the forest. The reward at the top is a panoramic view of the rainforest below.

Las Pailas is another great place to have some fun after a day of hiking. While not technically part of the park, it is located on private property near the park's edge and is well worth a visit. River waters rushing down from the rainforest have sculpted rocks into natural playgrounds and smoothed them into natural water slides with a variety of features.