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A c t i v i t i e s

For an unforgettable vacation in Puerto Rico, the rainforest home's unique location is ideal for the discerning traveler. It is located on 5 acres of the foothills of the northern part of El Yunque, a beautiful and ancient Caribbean rainforest. The lush landscape provides the serene setting for your private dream loft with which you can fully enjoy all that the island has to offer.

While in the house, you will enjoy the peaceful surroundings of lush vegetation, siestas in the hammock on the back porch, great back-yard barbeques, occasional visits by curious lizards, unexpected rain followed by radiant sun and blue skies, marvelous morning walks along the private road, and the unique sounds of the forest. The song of the coqui, especially will welcome you to the rainforest; they are the tiny tree frogs that, singing in unison, greet the rain.

The surrounding area is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking and deep sea fishing. All this is at a short distance of the house while you enjoy sleeping in the tranquility of the cool night breezes of the rainforest.

This location, within the municipal boundary of the town of Rio Grande, makes it an easy drive to the airport, old San Juan, the nightlife of El Condado and Isla Verde, fantastic beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, impressive underwater reefs and small cays.

There is a great wealth of activities and places to see while you stay at the Rainforest Home. Besides the spiritual tranquility of the rainforest setting, there are some of the best beaches nearby, the exciting beauty of San Juan, and escapes and adventures for every taste.

Beaches

The beaches in Puerto Rico, with a few exceptions, are sand beaches. The government run beaches (known as balnearios), are open Tuesdays through Sundays from sunup to sundown. These well maintained balnearios feature changing rooms, showers and food kioskos. There is a nominal admission fee.

  • Luquillo Beach: Just minutes down the road from the house is El Balneario de Luquillo (Luquillo Beach). This is one of the most stunning beaches in all Puerto Rico. It is a mile long stretch of sculpted sand set against a backdrop of massive palm trees. Coming down on Rt 186, turn right on Rt 3. A couple of miles up Rt 3, the entrance is clearly marked.
  • Playa Azul and Costa Azul in Luquillo: Playa Azul is located on Rt 193 Km 1.1(Past Luquillo Beach entrance on Rt.3). Playa Azul is known for its good snorkeling
  • Playa La Pared in Luquillo: Also located past Luquillo Beach entering through Rt 3.
  • Coco Beach: A stunning beach on the north coast of Rio Grande. Take Rt 3 to Rt 955 (Ramal), then north to end.
  • Playa Aviones: Located in Loiza, Rt. 187. Known for good surfing
  • Playa Vacia Talega: Also located on Rt 187 in Loiza
  • Seven Seas Beach: Located in Fajardo about 35 minutes from the house. This is an excellent beach next to the Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan . Take Rt. 3 toward Fajardo. Exit at 987 ( El Conquistador Blvd). Stay on 987. The beach is on km 4.6.
  • Escambron Beach: If you turn left onto Rt 3 when you drive down Rt 186 from the house, you will also find many beeches along the north coast. El Escambron beach is located in Old San Juan, just west of the Parque del Tercer Milenio. Rt 25 at Pda 8.
  • Condado to Isla Verde Beaches: The major beaches adjacent to the accommodations from Condado to Isla Verde.

Sailing, Snorkeling and Diving

The house is about 30 minutes from Fajardo, known as “La Metropolis del Este” (Metropolis of the East). Fajardo is the eastern hub for Puerto Rican water sports activities. It has easy access to the archipelago of Vieques, Culebra and the nearby day-sailing Cays of Icacos, Ratones, Lobos, Palomino and Palominitos (small islands bounded by calm, clear waters where visibility reaches 100 feet). Fajardo is well known for its excellent day sailing, snorkeling and diving. The day sailing trips normally take you to one of the nearby cays for a day of snorkeling, sun bathing and feasting( food and soft drinks are part of the deal). For the divers, clear water all around the cays, provides plenty to explore.

Diving

Sailing and Snorkeling

  • Caribbean School of Aquatics..............787.728.6606
  • La Casa del Mar Dive Center............... .787.860.3483
  • Scuba Centro.......................................787.781.8086
  • Sea Ventures Pro Dive Center...............800.739.3483
  • Ascent Charters...................................787.647.5795
  • Caribbean School of Aquatics..............787.728.6606
  • Castillo Tours and Water Sports...........787.791.6195
  • Chamonix Catamaran...........................787.885.1880
  • East Wind Catamaran...........................877.937.4386
  • Erin Go Bragh Charters.........................787.860.4401
  • Fajardo Tours.......................................787.863.2821

Fajardo Ferry Dock and Marinas

There are daily scheduled departures from Fajardo to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. There is plenty of parking at the dock for days trips or longer. Both islands are well known for beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, coral kingdoms and astounding variety of sea creatures, including endangered sea turtles.

El Yunque

The rainforest of El Yunque is a primordial forest spanning 28,000 acres and home to over 240 species of plant and animal life. El Yunque is the largest rain forest protected by the US Forest service, and the gorgeous vegetation looks much the same as it did 500 years ago, when Columbus visited the island. The Rainforest Home rests on the edge of the actual rainforest, and it is a quick drive up the road to visit the main tourist attractions and beautiful trails of El Yunque. There is an extensive forest trail system, camping, picnic areas, shelters and many exhibits open to the public throughout the forest. The main entrance is on Rt 191 from Rt 3. Coming on Rt 191, you first encounter El Portal Rain Forest Center. This is a dramatic open-air structure featuring three pavilions with detail in the ecology, environment and history of El Yunque. 

Here is a link to more information about El Yunque tropical Rainforest

Hiking

Deep in El Yunque, among the crags, waterfalls, ferns and wildflowers, are many marked trails to enjoy on foot. You will find a number of well maintained and informative facilities throughout the forest including Sierra Palma Visitor Center and Palo Colorado Visitor Center in addition to El Portal. Behind the Palo Colorado is the trail to La Mina Falls, an easy 20 minutes hike to the waterfall. The Mount Britton Mirador is another story. This is a great hike, but you have to be in shape. All in all, El Yunque offers a vast array of hiking and walking experiences. In addition to those mentioned above, there are long rugged trails (such as El Toro and Trade winds) for those who want to rough it.

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