What to see and do at El Yunque (South side), Puerto Rico
The south side of EL Yunque in Puerto Rico offers scenic views of the Rio Blanco
On the south side of the EL Yunque National Forest is the town of Florida. Here, four rivers, the Rio Sabana, Rio Cubuy, Rio Icacos, and Rio Prieto, flow down out of El Yunque rainforest and form the Rio Blanco river. The Rio Sabana Recreation Area offers scenic views of the Rio Blanco watershed and the coastal areas of Naguabo and Humacao along with inspiring views of the mountains and the coast as well as access to rivers and water play opportunities.
On this trip, we wanted to tour the south side of El Yunque. So, we arranged a tour with Montana Explora Eco Tours . We chose the option to do the swing followed by a slide down a waterfall in the Rio Blanco river. Other groups did the river tour only. It was a strenuous climb up the mountain and the trail was slippery and muddy on the way down. The cool water of the river was refreshing.
The Río Sabana Recreation Area was opened in 2011 in the southern part of the El Yunque National Forest. It includes several picnic shelters along the Sabana river, a paved parking area, and restroom facilities. The Rio Sabana Recreation Area was the created through a partnership between the US Forest Service, the Naguabo Municipality, PRASA, and PREPA.
The most recent information indicates that the gate to the Río Sabana Recreation Area is closed but it is possible to park near the gate and walk the road up to the recreation area site.
Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in the El Yunque area. Click here for details.
View of the Rio Blanco watershed
The trail up the mountain.
Rope swing on the side of the mountain.
The Rio Blanco River
Sliding down the waterfall on the Rio Blanco River.
View towards the coast while it was raining.
Charco El Hippie (Hippie waterfall) on the Rio Blanco river.