The Caribbean National Forest is a tropical rainforest in the Luquillo Mountain Range. Due to the thick canopy, the forest floor is usually cool and shady (73°F or 21°C average year-round). However, the forest also gets up to 240 inches of precipitation a year, which means that humidity remains high year-round. There are relatively few forest fires, but the area (as it is in the Caribbean) is rather vulnerable to hurricanes, so keep an eye on weather conditions at all times, especially during the summer.

Storms are frequent here, so bring plenty of rain gear if you plan to go hiking or camping in El Yunque. Make sure to bring waterproof covers for any sensitive equipment, such as electronics. Many hikers and campers find that the water makes cameras and film particularly annoying to work with. Keep a towel and lens wipes on hand to get rid of the moisture.

Since the trails will be muddy, hiking boots or sturdy shoes are a necessity for getting around. Also bring a bathing suit, as frequent and copious amounts of rain results in many waterfalls and pools. Those at higher elevations, especially, are clean and good for swimming. The high humidity and plentiful rain also means a lot of mosquitoes and biting insects, so bring along insect repellent with plenty of DEET.