El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is in the Eastern Coast region of Puerto Rico.
Understand
Once you arrive at El Yunque National Forest be sure to stop by El Portal Visitor Center before hitting the trails. Take some time to grab some water, if you don't already have some, and a map while you're there. Make sure that you bring a bathing suit, a towel, some sunblock, and insect repellant.
History
El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km (25 mi) southeast of San Juan. The forest covers lands of the municipalities of Canóvanas, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, and Rio Grande. It gets its name from an Indian spirit Yuquiye, which means "Forest of Clouds", that gave the mountain that dominates the 28,000 acre of tropical forest. It is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System.
The forest was set aside in 1876 by the Spanish Crown, and represents one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere.
With over 240 species (26 species are found nowhere else) of trees and plants, give reason to the government of Puerto Rico to spend a great deal of money to preserve floral species and animals that are on the verge of extinction. The total area is 11,270 ha (75% of Puerto Rico's virgin forest is here).
Landscape
It has very nice landscape with grassy land.
Flora and fauna
Climate
El Yunque National Forest is a cool, mountainous, and sub-tropical rainforest. The eastern portion of the Luquillo mountains get the most rain. El Yunque is the rainiest of all the National Forests with up to 240 inches per year. More than 100 billion gallons (380 billion L) of rainwater fall on the forest per year. The climate is frost-free and ranges in moisture from semi-desert to rain forest conditions within very short distances. There are strong easterly trade-winds and cool weather is normal at the higher elevations.
Get in
Considering arranging for a rental car. You can enjoy a day at the rainforest without a car, but you'll be severely limited in terms of going off the beaten path or spending any extra time at the park. The drive from San Juan to El Yunque will take about an hour regardless of which one of the most common routes you take. From San Juan, all of them will take you along Route 3 for the majority of the trip, so head east on it until you reach Route 191. Transitioning from Route 3 to Route 191 will take you through the small town of Palmer in Río Grande.
Fees and permits
There are no entrance fees to visit the forest, you just drive up, though El Portal Visitors Center cost $4 per person. A Forest Service one-hour guided tour cost a $5 donation.
Get around
To get around, you will go with a group of people and the tour guide will show you most of the animals, caves, and water falls. Consider wearing boots or shoes with a bit of ankle support - while most of the trails in the forest are fairly well worn it is still uneven terrain and a sprained ankle is no fun no matter where you are.
See
- The El Yunque Art Gallery. Features very organic paintings and constructions by its artist, David. Located in Palmer, a town on the highway road 191, near El Yunque.
Do
You can hike, go kayaking and guided scuba diving.
- La Mina Trail. At some point in your life in a picture, movie, or television show you've seen La Mina Falls, and this trail will take you there. Once you arrive at the falls you'll have the opportunity to wade through the waist-high water and stand under the falls. Unsurprisingly, this is a popular tourist spot, so be ready share the area.
Buy
Eat
You won't be able to procure a proper lunch once you arrive at the rainforest (unless you want to forage for it) it's a good idea to bring food with you.
Drink
Sleep
You cannot sleep in this Rain Forest because of all the wild and exotic plants and animals in the area of this Rain Forest.
Lodging
- Casa Cubuy. Billed as an "eco lodge", this is a relatively affordable retreat set on the southern outskirts of the forest. There is a waterfall a few hundred yards downhill from the resort and as the only access to it is the path from the lodge you have it all to yourself (and other lodge guests). There are several private hiking paths as well. Or, you can sit on a balcony and look out at a 180 degree sweep of rainforest covered hillsides. There are community-style meals served at the lodge and the kitchen is more than competent. The bar is self serve and its on an honor system. The Forest contains rare wildlife including the Puerto Rican Parrot, which is one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world. Its scientific name is Amazona vitatta. The Puerto Rican parrot is a small amazon parrot, about a foot in length, bright green, with red forehead, blue primary wing feathers, and flesh-colored bill and feet. Its primary habitat is the upper zones of the Luquillo Mountains. Approximately 50 other bird species are found on the Forest.
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
You will be safe as long as you do not touch anything, and follow your tour guide. If you are somewhere in the forest, and your group starts walking with your tour guide, stay close together because it is a huge rainforest. Also, keep your children or close to you unless you do not like them very much, and do no touch anything, unless your tour guide says it is alright to touch it. Stay alert for the different animals and insects that you come close to.
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