Nature Adventures at El Toro Negro Rainforest in Puerto Rico

Lush green vegetation, steep hillsides and cascading waterfalls were the perfect contrast to the sandy beaches and cozy accommodations back at the San Juan Marriott.

A 7am departure wasn’t an ideal match for the all-night Puerto Rican dance parties, but the fresh rainforest air quickly trumped the urge to retreat back into my plush king bed.

El Toro Negro is the highest rainforest in Puerto Rico and is much less visited than the large el Yunque Rainforest to the east.

Hiking up El Toro Negro Rainforest in Puerto Rico
Hiking up El Toro Negro Rainforest in Puerto Rico

The adventure takes place at a private land inside one of the segments of the National Forest where our tour guides, Acampa, is the only authorized company that operates.

We hiked down through a coffee plantation into the Canyon of Toro Negro River where we made our way along a pristine rainforest creek and through a series of waterfalls, rock climbs and refreshing pools.

Admiring the pristine waterfalls of El Toro Negro Rainforest
Admiring the pristine waterfalls of El Toro Negro Rainforest

From the riverbeds, we hiked up the mountain to the rainforest canopy at 3,000ft above sea level and reached the highest point of Puerto Rico.

Along the journey our guides impressed us with their knowledge of the area and foliage, and I almost convinced them to let me stay and camp out for a few nights.

Rappelling down a waterfall in El Toro Negro Rainforest in Puerto Rico
Rappelling down a waterfall in El Toro Negro Rainforest

Once everyone caught there breathes from the hike (and amazing views) we strapped on the zip-line gear and soared above the jungle below along five incredible zip-lines.

Zip-lining high above the treetops of El Toro Negro Rainforest
Zip-lining high above the treetops of El Toro Negro Rainforest

Cap off the day with a traditional Puerto Rican feast of rice and beans, barbeque chicken and mofongo and you got yourself a great day of nature adventure in Puerto Rico!

El Toro Negro Rainforest - Puerto Rico
Our awesome tour group takes a dance break during the hike to film “A Puerto Rican Dance Party”

Make sure to check out Acampa on your next trip to PR.

 

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!

2 Comments

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge
©2024 Touris2Townie | Travel Deeper