The Natural Waterslide Adventure (not quite) in El Yunque Rainforest

One of the many things I researched before our Puerto Rico trip was El Yunque National Rainforest. It is the only rainforest in the United States and is a very unique experience. We were not going here for any type of model photoshoots. We came dressed to get muddy, no makeup, prepared for uncontrollable hair and possible swimming.

Tickets to the Rainforest for entry are no longer required but you will want to arrive early since there is limited parking at each stop point. Also - don't park anywhere marked in yellow along the road even if other people are parked there. Don't ask me why I know.

We kept seeing all these posts about a natural waterslide and swimming pool but that is not in the managed part of the park. The park is full of hiking trails and waterfalls and tropical rainforest conditions as advertised. We did a loop through the windy roads and stopped at the small Rainforest Cafe for lunch in the park. Trust us - get the sampler! We also did a couple of short, yet vertical trails around Juan Diego Falls and got exceptionally muddy and slick. Wee! But on to our goal!

The Natural Waterslide is along a road Northeast of the park visitors center. It is marked in google maps and we did not have any issue with cell reception once we got down to the altitude of the visitors center. Now here is where the adventure really starts....

When you get to the natural waterslide make sure you have cash. Our car of 5 was $10 and some guy will wave you over because he is looking for people that seem lost just like you. Now you may think that you are perhaps being swindled into paying $10 to be group human trafficked, but it checks out. Once we heard the groups of gleeful yelling kiddos we relaxed. The gentleman helped us park and we were on our way down.

{Nerd Tangent Alert} I strangely had "Tennessee Mountain Home" in my head by Dolly Parton and anyone who has listened to Dolly's Parton's America will know how that song relates to the simple life of living on the mountain hills. It's a song that seems to transcend all space and time and be relatable to a whole host of people who dwell in the shadows of a range. anyway...

It's a steep and muddy walk down to the river but it all adds to the sense of adventure and charm. Once there we saw the brave souls climbing gingerly up the rock formations to make it to the slide point. This is nature...no steps here to zoom up. However, I did see a group being led by a tour guid being instructed to leave their socks on for traction. Naturally this is after the brave soul of our group Chelsea went up and gleefully down. Gold stars for navigating all on our own and don't forget your socks!!!!