Scenic

Yokahu Tower – El Yunque

Yokahu Tower – El Yunque

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There is no doubt that Yokahu Tower is one of the top two or three spots in all of El Yunque National Forest. Yokahu Tower is one of two observation towers that you can climb to the top for outstanding views.

Yokahu Tower is the more consistent of the two towers when it comes to weather. The other tower is Mount Britton Tower, which is located at a much higher elevation and usually has cloud cover that interferes with the views. The other major benefit to Yokahu Tower is the ease of access. The tower is maybe thirty feet away from the parking lot with no elevation change until you start to climb the tower. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mt. Britton Tower requires a good amount of exertion to hike a trail which ascends rapidly through the forest before reaching the tower.

In addition to the wonderful views and ease of access that Yokahu Tower affords you, there are also many informational signs around the tower. We have included a few of those signs in the pictures below.

IF THE WEATHER IS CLEAR WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU HEAD STRAIGHT TO YOKAHU TOWER!!! Taking advantage of the clear weather will set you up with views of the entire northeast coast and mountains.

*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.

GPS Coordinates : 18.312414, -65.770196
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Las Cabezas Observation Point – El Yunque

Las Cabezas Observation Point – El Yunque

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Las Cabezas Observation Point is the very first point of interest you will come across after the El Portal Tropical Forest Center. It is located on the east, left side of PR 191 in a right hand turn as you ascend the mountain. It is just a hop skip and a jump before La Coca Waterfall and Parking Area.

The parking area for Las Cabezas Observation Point is limited to a handful of cars. You could pass this point and come back to it on your way back down PR 191, but you may regret that decision. The reason is that it offers you the first point to get some great scenic pictures and if the weather is clear TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. The weather in El Yunque National Forest can change quickly so don’t hesitate on a good opportunity for pictures.

*A note from the National Forest Website is that you should close windows, lock doors, and place valuables in your trunk.

GPS Coordinates : 18.319673, -65.76924

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Hippie’s Waterfall – El Yunque

Hippie’s Waterfall – El Yunque

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If you are hunting for a great waterfall in the El Yunque National Forest then Hippie’s Waterfall, or Salto del Hippie, should be on your short list. The rocks are amazingly smooth and make for a more relaxing afternoon than some of the other local waterfalls. Hippie’s Waterfall makes for a great picnic area or just a fun day at the waterfalls. The one warning or caution is that you should pay attention to the rate of water flow. There are times of the year that it can be quite slow and easy going, but it can also become a beast roaring to life with some heavy rain, even rain that fell days prior.

Finding: Please feel free to use our map located below. We have also marked the route / road you take, it is not marked as a road on google maps, but it is there. Do not be fooled by the fact it appears to be a driveway. There is a parking area at the end of the road.

Access: You can drive all the way up to Hippie’s Waterfall parking area, then take a very minor hike down to the waterfall from the parking area.

The following images and video came from a time of the year where rain was really heavy.



 

Hippie’s Waterfall / Salto del Hippie GPS Coordinates:
18.247612, -65.78639

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El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest

GoSeePR

El Yunque National Forest is one of the, or maybe even THE most popular destinations in Puerto Rico. El Yunque is a Tropical Rainforest and actually the only one in the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
 
There are many things to do and see in El Yunque, including waterfalls, trails, scenic views, towers, park services, hiking, climbing, etc etc. If you are anywhere close by, make sure you go, just pay attention to the weather. This is a Rainforest and will catch you by surprise. I personally got caught in a flash flood one of the times I was there.
 
We will add some additional posts on El Yunque to break down the different activities. The waterfalls are by far the most popular attraction of the rainforest but we will also cover some of the other options.
 
UPDATE: Our El Yunque Map link will connect you to each rain forest activity discussed in detail.
goseepr.com/goseepr-map-of-puerto-rico/el-yunque-map/
 
If you want to go directly to a specific activity use these links:
La Mina Waterfall and Big Tree Trail
Caimitillo Trail
El Portal Tropical Forest Center
Juan Diego Waterfall
La Coca Waterfall
La Coca Trail
Las Cabezas Observation Point
Mount Britton Trail and Tower
Sierra Palm Picnic Area
Yokahu Tower
Bano de Oro Trail
Bano Grande Pool
La Mina Trail
Palo Colorado Recreation Area
 
There is a National Parks building just as you enter El Yunque National Forest. It never hurts to stop in, but there is a fee to access the park. However, the waterfalls, trails, towers and such are actually accessible through free public parking further up the mountain.
 
!!!MOST VALUABLE INFORMATION!!!
Detailed Directions to El Yunque National Forest:
We have the GPS Coordinates of the Park listed below. You can enter those coordinates into a GPS, or make a copy of our mapped route. Trust me, finding things in Puerto Rico can be hard and for some odd reason nobody had good information and directions on finding El Yunque my first time I was heading out there.
 


 
El Yunque National Forest GPS Coordinates:
18.339403, -65.759922

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