Difficulty: easy to medium

What to take: water, snacks. For all those who would like to climb over the rocks in the river for part of the hike, we also recommend clothes and shoes which can be worn in water.

Description: If you want to start with PPR trail 1 (indicated by a green dot on the map), you should park your vehicle in the parking lot located at the beginning of the Big Tree Trail. Instead of starting out right there, you should continue walking uphill on the main street, where you can use the bathrooms and buy food or drinks, if you like. Another advantage is that at the end of the hike the trail will take you back directly to your vehicle. Besides, the ascent on the street is a great deal more pleasant.

After passing the parking lot with the information point, you can start out on La Mina Trail. It begins with stairs leading downwards through the bamboo trees. Having taken a couple of steps, you can already see La Mina River, which you cross over a little bridge. Your hike to the highlight of this route - La Mina Waterfall - leads directly along the river. If you are the athletic type and want some refreshment, you can climb down the rocks in the river instead of taking the trail. But please be careful if you do so! On the regular trail you will reach the waterfall in approximately 20-30 minutes. Having arrived there, you reward yourself by taking a nice refreshing swim.

The second part of the PPR Trail 1 leads across the bridge under the waterfall directly to the Big Tree Trail. By the wayside you can find various signs which give you useful information about the rain forest and the animals that live in it.

The second highlight of this route is the giant tree "Laurel Sabino" (magnolia splendens). This tree is very special, as it can be found on no other place on the planet except El Yunque. After approximately 1-1,5 hours, you will return to the parking lot where your vehicle is located.