Casa Cubuy
Just got back from another great stay at Casa Cubuy Ecolodge in the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico. We’ve been down-graded, last year we stayed in the “penthouse” on the top floor, with a full wall that opened up to balcony with fantastic views of the rainforest and a few waterfalls, this time we were in the basement! But still a great place, great people, great views.
Casa Cubuy is nestled at the top of Hwy 191 on the south side of the Caribbean National Forest, just a couple hundred feet from where the road closes to vehicular traffic. At one time, 191 went up and over the mountain, but a landslide in 1973 left gaping holes in the road. Despite efforts to mend it, the road remains closed. Most visitors see the north side, the Portal to El Yunque, which leaves the south side quiet and serene.
You can’t get away from the views up here. The lodge overlooks two or three waterfalls. There’s a well-groomed, though steep, path down to the nearest river, Rio Cubuy, then through the forest to the next, Rio Sabana, and on down to where the two meet. If you’re up for further adventure, give Robin Phillips a call for a fantastic guided hike further into the forest.
Rooms are basic, but comfortable, our basement room was actually a “suite” with a single/day bed in the little living room, a decent bathroom and sizable bedroom. The atmosphere is very laid-back. When we arrived, no staff was on hand, so a fellow guest helped check us in! There’s an honor bar on the main open balcony where you can help yourself to juice, bottled water, snacks, sodas, cocktails or wine… just be sure to mark it on your room card. There’s also a guest refridgerator there for your use. A lovely breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal, pastries and usually one hot course, like french toast or oatmeal, is served around a common table at 9:00 am. You can pre-order a box lunch for your hike, and they’ll also serve up a dinner, as long as 6 or more reserve seats by 1:00 pm.
Pros: Secluded, reasonable, unbelievable views, friendly hosts and staff, relaxed, has pretty much everything you need for your stay
Cons: bit of a drive up a steep winding road, other restaurants on the way up are rarely open, try to get there before 9:00 pm or you may be checking yourself in
Rooms - 
Service -
Value - 
Views -