The trials and tribulations of renovating a bed and breakfast while it is open and without damaging the environment or disturbing the guests — we also cover Puerto Rico tourist attractions as well as things we find interesting.
5/28/2026
Lost Machete Hike
General Info
The Lost Machete Hike at the Rainforest Inn is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—adventures in the area. The first third of the trail has cinder blocks laid down in an attempt to defeat the sticky mud. Some visitors who prefer a shorter hike turn back at the end of those. Checkered black-and-yellow tape markers guide hikers on through the rainforest. The trail crosses several streams. Informative signs that highlight the region’s unique flora and fauna.
Hikers should be prepared for muddy conditions, especially after rain, and exercise caution around slippery rocks near the streams. You may also hear occasional gunfire from a nearby shooting range, but there is no cause for concern. The range is further away than it might sound, because of the moisture in the air carrying sound.
Those who persevere to the end are rewarded with a breathtaking destination: a secluded waterfall and refreshing swimming hole nestled in the mountains. The cool water and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean create the perfect place to relax after the trek. While the Lost Machete Hike will be a challenge to many guests, its combination of natural beauty (including a hidden waterfall), adventure, and unforgettable scenery makes it an experience well worth the effort.
Make sure to sign waiver.
Be wary of rain.
Make sure to wash hiking shoes after hike is completed.
Watch the slippery rocks at the end, especially after rain, as many of them are hard to distinguish as wet and slippery.
Mud will stain shoes/clothes.
Parts of the trail are steep uphill/downhill.
Make sure to give this hike a try! Though it can be challenging, it will show you the reality of El Yunque without the crowds that the national forest brings.
See pictures attached for more information.
Everything is Coming together Now
Our private hike "the lost machete trail" needed to be cleared of felled trees and brush after hurricane Maria.
A group of scientists and students from the nearby experimental station (where they are doing studies of the El Yunque rainforest) came by today and helped us open up our private hike. Sean wielded a chain saw and everyone else had machetes. We are so happy they came to help.
Sean, Eric, Kim, Barbara, Melisa and Dan
Sean is a biologist and he told me that 80% of the canopy has been destroyed by hurricane Maria. This is quite a change as you can see by the photos but it is also interesting.
Instead of canopy overhead now you can see clear blue sky. It is a big change. It is a terrific advantage for birders though as now you have so much visibility.
Trail marker around the tree and volunteers coming up behind me opening up our private hike
I walked ahead (if you can call the sinuous sometimes crawl through brush walking) of everyone marking the trail. There were so many downed trees I had to climb over around and under.
Of course Simonne went with us. In between cooling off in every stream Simonne helped me find the trail. She would forge ahead finding the original trail and then come back and looking at me as if to say to me "why are you so slow".
It was really wonderful being out on our trail again. The trail clearing volunteers got about half the trail cleared and ready. I went in almost to our amazing pool but stopped just short because there was quit a bit of brush from several felled trees that needed to be cleared out and I was ready to return home for lunch. We are going to come back and finish clearing the trail soon. With our private trail clear guests can experience the rainforest and spend some time in the pool above the big waterfall at the end of the trail.
