Directions to El Verde Field Station from the airport
(updated on May 1, 2007)
1) Exit the airport – only one road for exit, keep to center lane.
Note - as you leave the airport you drive under an underpass (subway) and almost immediately there is a turn to the right for San Juan - do not exit.
2) Take second road on the right route 26 for Carolina.
Note - this road curves to the right 270 degrees to head east and joins to the edge of route 26, also known as Baldorioty de Castro.
Note - if you miss this right turn you go over the Moscoso Bridge and have to pay a toll at the other end then find a way to turn around to go back over the bridge and pay the toll again.
3) As you join route 26 beware traffic trying to leave route 26 at this same junction and move as soon as possible to middle or left lane to avoid exiting and returning to the airport.
For 100 m or so keep in left lane - to avoid exiting right to Los Angeles - and you will join the main route 26 (3-4 lane highway).
4) Stay on route 26 for about 4.5 miles. Here you have a choice, use the business road that crosses the busy Carolina area or bypass the entire area using route 66 (highly recommended).
Using Route 66:
5a) Stay on the left on route 26 for about 4.5 miles. Route 26 becomes route 66, which has a toll ($1.50).
6a) Drive to end of route 66 and then take route 3 east (right turn) toward Rio Grande. There is an Outlet shopping center in the interception of route 66 and 3.
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Using Route 3:
5b) Stay on route 26 for about 4.5 miles. You will see signs pointing to route 66 at the left and route 3 at the right. Move to the right and take the exit toward Carolina.
6b) Stay on route 3 traveling east for about 8 miles along a straight road that passes through Carolina and Canovanas until you reach Rio Grande.
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Both routes:
7) After the welcome sign for Rio Grande you pass under a footbridge at traffic lights with “Advance Auto Parts” on your left.
8) Go through the footbridge traffic lights, then through another set of traffic lights and after 200 m you see signs for route 186.
9) Turn right onto route 186 at the "El Verde Bar and Restaurant." (El Verde Field Station is about 4 miles along 186 from route 3)
10) Route 186 takes a sharp left turn after about a mile. Pass the white picket fence of Siesta Alegre ranch on your right and follow the road downhill into El Verde town. Stay on 186 and cross the bridge over a river and go uphill towards the forest.
11) Enter the El Yunque National Forest.
Note - as the buildings end you will see a sign announcing that you are entering the El Yunque National Forest.
12) After entering, travel uphill for 2 miles and cross over the Quebrada Sonadora (river) bridge.
Approx. 150 m after the bridge you will see a driveway on your left with a one bar metal gate. (This is the first left turn possible after passing the El Yunque National Forest welcome sign).
This is the entrance to El Verde Field Station - there is no sign.
Note - if the gate is locked, (4 pm – 7 am, all day on weekends and holidays) park (without blocking the gate), lock your car, and walk the 5 minutes up the drive to the field station.