Our Environmental Policy 

The Rainforest Inn B&B is located in the heart of the El Yunque rainforest, one of Puerto Rico’s most precious natural environments. Protecting this unique ecosystem is central to how we live and operate our inn.

We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while providing a comfortable and healthy environment for our guests. In our daily operations we work to reduce waste, monitor energy use, and make responsible choices in areas such as communications, travel, and facility management. We also follow all applicable Social, Ethical, and Environmental (SEE) regulations.

As part of our ongoing efforts, we regularly track energy consumption and waste production so we can identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce our footprint. We also continue to explore renewable energy options, including long-term plans for solar power and other sustainable energy sources where practical.

We believe caring for the rainforest is a shared responsibility. We welcome feedback from our guests and suppliers, whose ideas and suggestions help us improve our sustainability practices. By working together, we aim to protect the natural beauty of El Yunque for future generations to enjoy.

Our Social, Ethical and Environmental Practices (some examples)

Ecological Appreciation: At the Rainforest Inn, we believe that experiencing the rainforest should inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment that surrounds us.

To help guests better understand the local ecosystem, scientists from the El Verde Research Station labeled notable trees along the trail of our private Lost Machete Hike. These labels, together with our hike guidebook, allow visitors to identify and learn about the remarkable plant life of El Yunque.

At the top of our private waterfall, guests can swim in a deep, cool natural pool. This “wild swimming” experience takes advantage of the natural ecosystem to provide clean, refreshing water, eliminating the need for a man-made swimming pool with chemicals, energy consumption, and additional water use.

Throughout the property we actively support local wildlife. We provide homes for wild bees and bats, maintain a pond that attracts dragonflies and other rainforest visitors, and encourage native plants to flourish. Many trees that were cleared when the land was previously used as a coffee plantation, including Tabonuco and Laurel Sabino, are now being replanted as part of our ongoing restoration program. Our goal is to increase the diversity and health of the surrounding rainforest habitat.

Natural Mosquito Control: Rather than relying on chemical pesticides, the Rainforest Inn uses natural ecological balance to control mosquitoes.

Our pond attracts dragonflies, one of the most effective mosquito predators. Fish in the pond consume mosquito larvae that make it into the water. Around the property, natural predators such as cane toads, anoles, lizards, coquís, and iguanas also help keep mosquito populations in check.

This natural approach supports our broader environmental mission. By avoiding pesticides, we allow rainforest wildlife to thrive while creating a more balanced ecosystem. Many guests are pleasantly surprised to discover that, despite being surrounded by jungle, mosquito activity around the Rainforest Inn is minimal.

Recycling: We recycle as much waste as possible, including paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, packaging, and envelopes.

Food scraps and raw vegetable matter are composted, allowing organic waste to return to the soil. Through these practices, we typically produce only one standard container of non-recyclable waste per month.

Responsible Sourcing Whenever possible, we source products locally within Puerto Rico. This includes many of the foods served at breakfast, as well as soaps, toiletries, and linens used throughout the inn.

Some breakfast ingredients are grown directly on our property, and many items are homemade, including our hot sauce and guava butter.

Our stationery is recycled or chlorine-free, and we minimize printing by communicating primarily through phone and email. We also work with local contractors whenever possible and pride ourselves on prompt payment of invoices.

Energy Efficiency: Energy conservation is an important part of our sustainability efforts.

• 100% of our lighting uses energy-efficient LED bulbs

• Our main kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated

• Solar panels provide more than 60% of our energy needs

• Tesla Powerwall batteries allow us to remain operational during power outages

The Rainforest Inn is designed as an open-air tropical property, which means air conditioning is not necessary. High ceilings, ceiling fans, and standing fans allow natural breezes to keep spaces comfortable. Guests can enjoy the fresh rainforest air and the natural sounds of the jungle as part of their stay.

For safety and comfort, the property is 100% smoke-free, allowing everyone to enjoy the clean rainforest environment. We also conduct regular fire safety risk assessments and provide guests with clear fire safety information.

Lost Machete Hike

Guests can be enraptured by nature as they trek through the undergrowth on our private Lost Machete Hike to the top of the Espiritu Santo waterfall. One step off the back deck and guests can immediately feel the jungle surround them. Along the trail, trees were labeled by scientists from the El Verde Research Station and our hike guidebook accompanies the tree identification labels to teach guests the beauty and importance of our rainforest wildlife. Atop our private waterfall, guests can soak in both the sun and the breathtaking vista of the Caribbean Sea, picnic among the centuries-old stones and swim in the deep, cool natural pool. The natural pool gives guests a wild swimming experience that utilizes our ecosystem services to provide clean, refreshing water, therefore negating the need for a man-made pool with chemical, energy and water requirements.