What is an Ecolodge?
There are fewer and fewer places on earth that have not been transformed by civilization. These places are sought out by ecotourists. The facilities that accommodate them are ecolodges, such as Casa Yunque Ecolodge...
...which is situated within the proclamation boundary of the El Yunque Rainforest. The main characteristic of an ecolodge is that it is relatively small so that it does not, as in our case, create a large 'footprint' within the forest. Our small size means that we do not intrude too much and overburden the ecosystem.
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We also take a number of measures to protect the environment:
- All recyclables are collected and seperated
- We compost all organic matter
- Our altitude of 1500 feet makes AC unnecessary
- We use solar panels to heat water to conserve energy
- We cook with gas to further reduce the use of fossil fuels
- We work with environmental awareness community groups
- We have only shower baths to conserve water
- We use no pesticides or herbicides
Finally, we urge our guests to take nothing out of the forest and leave only footprints.
Casa Yunque complies with Law 66, passed in 2006, which made smoking in any public place unlawful.
Where are we?
Situated on the South side of El Yunque Rainforest, Casa Yunque offers comfortable lodgings where you are surrounded by the beauty and wonders of this lush rain forest...
...Sunbathe on granite boulders worn smooth by eons of swirling waters, relax in a hammock on the verandah, read, or watch the clouds roll by in this peaceful setting of giant tree ferns, towering breadfruit trees, cascading waterfalls, and wild orchids.
From the ecolodge you can take easily walkable trails, which lead to the Cubuy and Sabana River pools, ideal for swimming. You’ll feel dwarfed amidst the bamboo, palms, fern trees, and colorful flora of the jungle. Waters at this elevation are clean enough to drink and refreshingly cool. You can hear the rushing sound of the waterfalls from your bedroom. Here, you will find birds, lizards, and the popular coqui frog!
Just a short trek up the road brings you to the El Yunque National Park entrance, which provides a number of different hiking trail options. Whether you prefer leisure walks through swaying bamboo or (for the experienced hiker in search of a challenge) the rugged terrain of the more difficult trails, we promise you an unforgettable vacation hiking, swimming, and relaxing in this remote paradise.
Who are we?
Mary Smith and Marty Smith, mother & son, are the co-owners of Casa Yunque Ecolodge. Mary came to Puerto Rico with Marty, age six, from Maine in 1960. She bought the property in 1982 and...
...and used it as a weekend get-away until she retired from school teaching in 1991.
The two bedroom, one bath house on 1.5 acres of land bordering the Cubuy River was expanded to a ten room ecolodge. Architect Pablo Quixote made a design that merged the original structure with new additions so that indoors and outdoors flow naturally together. Under Marty’s direction the two year expansion was completed in 2000.
Casa Yunque has become more and more popular, since opening. Guests hear about us via combination of the internet, guide books, and word of mouth. It is gratifying to read the nice things they write about us in our guest book and on the internet.