Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AdvenTours
RAINFOREST
( 787-530-8311;
www.adventourspr.com
)
An ecosensitive guiding company offering
bird-watching tours and night hikes (for nocturnal animals and bioluminescent fungi) in El
Yunque National Forest.
Sleeping
Several beautiful inns, B&Bs and guesthouses have opened up along the edges of El
Yunque - not actually within the national forest, but along its fringe, which still feels very
wild. The proximity to the rainforest means lots of loud animal activity: the sound of chir-
ruping coquí will send you to sleep, and you'll wake to wild birds whistling. Some places
are accessible along the north section of Hwy 191, coming from Río Grande (Luquillo
beaches are only a few minutes away). Other accommodations are on the south side, also
on Hwy 191. Due to mudslides, south side accommodations must be accessed from the
Naguabo entrance to El Yunque. These are good choices if you want to be in close proxim-
ity to day trips in and around Fajardo. Most have minimum stays.
NORTH SIDE
Rainforest Inn
INN $$
( 787-378-6190;
www.rainforestinn.com
;
off Hwy 186; r incl breakfast $155-165;
)
Bordering the national forest, this former coffee estate plantation has two two-bed-
room units with beautiful (and lovely smelling) reclaimed cedar beams and luxurious de-
tails such as a claw-foot bathtub and antique mahogany and satinwood furniture.
Outside, the property has views of El Yunque Peak and a private path leads to a stunning
waterfall pool. The inn attracts a good number of scientists and educators, who sometimes
sign up their (adult) kids for the inn's volunteer apprenticeship program in carpentry, ma-
sonry and electrical work. No children under 12 years of age.
Villa Sevilla
INN $$$
( 787-887-5889;
www.villasevilla.net
;Rte956Km7.8,RíoGrande;r$150-250;
)
One of the finest El Yunque accommodations, Villa Sevilla is a private estate
with five different sets of digs, a gorgeous saltwater swimming pool and foliage-framed
Atlantic views. There's the three-bedroom Bella Vista chalet and Hacienda Las Palmas,
the two-bedroom La Casita and Villa Escondido, and the one-bedroom Pablo's Place. All
apartments have kitchen, satellite TV, washer/dryer and linen. They're ideal for couples
