Caribbean Rainforest & National Parks: Caribbean Vacation

Run through rainforests and wander with wildlife in the heart of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is a lush, mysterious land filled with rainforests and nature reserves of tropical beauty. Stop in Puerto Rico and head to El Yunque National Rainforest to trek along tree-lined, misty trails that lead to cascading waterfalls. If you're searching for serenity, swing by the Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, where peaceful greenery surrounds a shimmering lake. If animal adventures are more what you're looking for, visit the rainforest island of Dominica, where you can try to keep pace with quick-footed agoutis (think of a guinea pig, but cuter) or be on the lookout for agile hummingbirds in the protected lands of the nature reserves. For even more rainforest magic, stop in Costa Rica and venture into San Luis Park, where you can zip-line through the forest and capture its wild beauty from above.

National Park, El Puente Cave, Dominican Republic.

BRANCH OUT AMONG TROPICAL TREES

Make the most of the Caribbean's magical rainforests, and don't be surprised to find yourself in awe of the beauty of waterfalls, jungle creatures, birdsong and refreshing forest air. Be sure to snap photos — there's no other place in the world where you'll find the coqui tree frog of Puerto Rico or the mysterious, dark-eyed oilbird of Trinidad.

RAINFORESTS!

Known as the only tropical rainforest in the United States, El Yunque — less than an hour's drive from San Juan, in the eastern town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico — is home to La Mina waterfall, multiple trails and a visitor center. Take a self-tour with the provided trail maps or join a group tour to trek through the forest with companions. Either way, you'll be enchanted by the fresh smells, earthy sounds and refreshing waters of the splashing waterfalls during your vacation.

GRAND ETANG FOREST RESERVE

With a myriad of ecological subsystems all existing in harmony within the same compound, the Grand Etang Forest Reserve in Grenada is home to stunning mahogany and gommier trees. As you explore the indigenous flora surrounding the Grand Etang Lake, keep your eyes peeled for local beauties like soursop, a creamy-textured fruit with a distinctive spiked skin.

Tropical Rainforest with Mountains in the Background

EXCITING MOUNTAINS

Go on an vacation adventure in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park in Jamaica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a stone's throw away from Ocho Rios, where you can walk amongst endemic species of flora and fauna, explore historic maroon communities and indulge in what is arguably Jamaica's best coffee: Blue Mountain.

Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic.

NATIONAL PARKS

From zip-lining to bridge-crossing, travel adventures abound in some of the best national parks of the Caribbean. Take an expedition through the wonders of rainforests and reserves to witness waterfalls, blue holes, hiking trails and visitor centers. There is a wide selection of Caribbean islands offering outstanding hiking experiences.

GET READY TO COSTA-WAY

San Luis Park, the adventure park of Costa Rica — about a 90-minute drive from the port at Puntarenas — offers canopy tours, rappelling, river rafting, hiking trails, a butterfly farm and a tour called the Tarzan Swing. For family fun, raft through the rapids or howl along with the local monkeys.

Colorful Parrot in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Dive Into the Depths of the Caribbean

One of nine national parks in the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional del Este — a quick 50-minute drive from Punta Cana — hosts over 500 species of flowers and 300 species of birds. If you're looking for aquatic adventures, dive with dolphins or capture the beauty of the coral reefs in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea right off the coast of the park.

Pelicans sitting on the rocks in Haitises National Park

LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK

Get to know wild creatures like the cute, beaver-like hutia that lives in the mangrove park of Los Haitises National Park, found in the Dominican Republic, about a two-hour drive from Punta Cana. On your adventure through this wonderland, which is home to the biggest population of native birds on the entire island, you're sure to fix your eyes on some fabulous flyers.

FEEL THE FLORA AND FROLIC WITH THE FAUNA ON YOUR

CARIBBEAN RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

Explore the vibrant life of the Caribbean rainforests and nature reserves, where you can shower under a waterfall, discover rare local species, swing from the trees or swim in a natural pool.

Beautiful Hiking Path, El Yunque National Park.

Keepin' It Tropical

If you want to explore on your own, grab a map of the tropical rainforest and discover its wonders at your own pace, but be sure to make stops for swimming in the turquoise waters or taking in the beautiful views of the rainforest national parks near Punta Cana or El Yunque near San Juan.

People Enjoying Ziplining in Labadee, Haiti.

Preserve your memories

National reserves and parks are great ways to explore a Caribbean island's wild nature with a guide. If you're looking for an adventure, make sure you take a tour of the area and sign up for different activities, from rappelling to zip-lining at Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica, or Grenada's Grand Etang National Park.