Puerto Rico has long served as America’s emerald gem in the Caribbean. As an official U.S. territory, Puerto Rico welcomes visitors year-round with warm beaches, cultural riches, and a distinctive blend of island life — without American citizens even needing a passport! While my previous travels to the island were mostly limited to San Juan’s historic sights like Old San Juan and iconic resorts like the Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico as a whole is so much more than its capital city.
I discovered this firsthand during a stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve resort. Though the trip was filled with memorable experiences, the highlight was a one-of-a-kind exploration of Puerto Rico’s unforgettable El Yunque National Forest — at night.
Though I had previously hiked El Yunque during the day, taking a night hike revealed a much richer tapestry of life. With expert local guides leading the way, I experienced an authentic immersion into the fragile but thriving biodiversity of America’s only tropical rainforest. Beyond my extraordinary nocturnal eco-tour, my trip was filled with vibrant cultural experiences, fine dining, and classic Caribbean beach recreation, all minutes from a pristine rainforest.
El Yunque Is The National Forest Service’s Secret Rainforest Paradise
El Yunque National Forest is located just 40 minutes east of San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. Spanning over 28,000 acres of rainforests and mountains, El Yunque boasts bright green summits interspersed with white clouds drifting in from the sea.
From a distance, El Yunque’s peaks seem somewhat akin to the green forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Look closer, however, and you’ll find striking canopies of palm trees and tropical plants unlike anything in the continental United States.
Top Hiking Trails in El Yunque National Forest
Remarkably, El Yunque is the only true tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Because of this, El Yunque offers unique opportunities for exploration. The park maintains several prominent trails offering up-close views of tropical flora and fauna. With peaks in the Luquillo Mountains rising more than 3,500 feet above sea level, El Yunque is an essential destination for any eco-tourist.
Though Beautiful During The Day, El Yunque’s True Magic Comes Out At Night
During previous visits, I explored popular routes like the Mount Britton Tower Trail and learned quickly why Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s top eco-tourism destinations. However, all of those hikes took place during the day under the bright Caribbean sun. I was unaware at the time of how much the actual night brings out the best in the rainforest.
I was thrilled to see a night hike through El Yunque on my itinerary. Thanks to our proximity at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, our press group met our guides from El Yunque Tours right after dinner at the resort’s Nori Fusion Japanese restaurant.
We arrived at the visitor center just as the sun set. What struck me immediately was the sound: nightfall brought a raucous symphony of chirps, screeches, and calls echoing from every tree. Even on a short loop trail near the visitor center, the experience highlighted the forest’s incredible nocturnal biodiversity.
Encountering Wildlife On The Nocturnal Eco-Tour
While Puerto Rico has few native land mammals, El Yunque’s smaller wildlife is more than enough to make a night hike memorable. The star of the night was Puerto Rico’s iconic coquí, a tiny tree frog native to the rainforest. Though recently getting a global spotlight via Bad Bunny, the coquí has long been a beloved local mascot. We quickly learned you tend to hear coquís long before you see them.
Their name comes from the recognizable “co-kee” chirping echoing through the forest.
Because the chorus was so loud, it was surprising to learn that adult coquís only measure about two inches long. Even more interesting, the distinctive “co-kee” call is only made by males. Our guide explained that the “co” warns rival males to back off, while the “kee” attracts females.
Along the trail, we also spotted large tree snails, giant millipedes, stick insects, and native bats fluttering above. Our guide also pointed out the distinct call of Puerto Rico’s only native owl species.
Right at the end of our hike, the cloud cover burst into a brief rainstorm. Prepared with ponchos, listening to rain drum against the palm trees above was the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable eco-tour.
El Yunque Eco-Tours Are Just A Short Drive From Top Puerto Rican Resorts
Engaging as my El Yunque eco-tour was, my trip was not limited to nocturnal hikes through national forests. A mere 20 minutes from El Yunque’s cloud-draped rainforests is Puerto Rico’s Hyatt Regency Grand Resort, my home for the four days we spent in Puerto Rico and a much-needed taste of opulent beachside Caribbean relaxation.
Hyatt Regency’s 72-acre property sits between El Yunque and the Puerto Rican coastline, with both authentic Caribbean beaches and swimming pools to cool off under the tropical sun. Much of the first day of our trip consisted of little more than relaxation at the resort’s poolside cabanas (though I did spend an hour kayaking offshore), which gave us plenty of reserve energy for our El Yunque hike that night.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Room Options
- Ocean View Rooms: 520 sq ft — Includes private balcony, mini fridge, freestanding tub, and climate control.
- Presidential Suites: 815 sq ft — Includes private plunge pool, outdoor dining area, and sleeper sofa.
- Premier Villas: 1,050 sq ft — Includes private balcony, kitchenette, and garden views.
El Yunque adventures are one of many Puerto Rican outdoor experiences that guests of the Hyatt Regency can book during their stay. And while I did not get to stop by the resort’s rainforest spa, adjacent golf course, or salsa classes, I was more than happy to enjoy my dual immersion in Puerto Rico’s coast and rainforest right from my room (with access to the property’s cafés and fine dining restaurants as a helpful chaser).
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