"John is an expert on rainforests and does walking tours at whatever level you want. I found him on Cruise Critic and he has some reviews here on TA. He will pick you up in SJU or meet you closer to the forest. His commentary really helped us understand the intricate systems at work in this massive forest and while it is not cheap we felt it was worth the investment. He can be reached at 787 309 6224 OR email at rubiostours@gmail.com. This is not an ad...we used him 2 weeks ago." - gene on Trip Advisor
"The tour exceeded my expectations as well as everyone in our group of six. When I look at the amazing photos I captured on the hike, I think my blood pressure lowers from the recollection of the amazing beauty. I want to thank John for accommodating our diverse needs--me and Larry with our adventure-seeking addiction as well as the seniors in our group that preferred the comfort of the milder tour. In addition, John accommodated our tight time frame imposed by our cruise schedule (thank goodness we chose to avoid the cruise line's over-priced, scripted, souvenir-hawking excursion!). John's knowledge of El Yunque was expected; unexpected was his passion. Even more, we were amazed by his knowledge of Puerto Rican culture, history, business and political climate and his wit and humor were, simply put, over the top!" - on ElYunque.com
Book now for your private (non mass-tourism) tour of "El Yunque"
El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the US forest system. On 2011 it was awarded as one of the "New 28 Wonders of Nature". It is located in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico... about an hour away from San Juan.
It's natural biodiversity makes El Yunque a "must-see". In a small geographic area you can witness several ecological zones and features. From the top of the mountains, you can experience exceptional views and the mysticism of the dwarf forest**.
The precipitation on some areas reaches 240 inches per year. The steady rain and temperature all year round, create a unique ecosystem that needs
**We are the only tour company that walk with the guests to the mountain peaks.
Why Rubio's Tours
El Yunque receive 1.3 million tourists every year. There are many tour companies in the market who have been taking people to our beautiful rain forest. However, most of them focus on commercial mass-tourism. They come in big buses, tell you some facts through the microphone, stop for pictures, and maybe let you out for a short walk. Most of the commertial guides don't even walk with their guests!
While there is nothing wrong with mass-tourism, the guests are missing out the experience of really connecting with the rain forest. El Yunque is a lot more than a place to take pictures... it is a magical place.
The guides who work with Rubio are passionate about the Rain Forest, and will get you infected with the bliss, the relaxation and the excitement that can be achieved when you feel like part of the whole. Some of them are graduates of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, and some have lived for many years in the Amazon, the Biosphere II, Tropic Ventures, among other wonderful places.