Yunque, Puerto Rico rainforest. The oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere.

Yunque:

Yunque is a subtropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico. The only tropical rainforest under the U.S. flag. 28,000 acres of natural diversity, and tropical splendor .Originally set aside in 1876 by the Spanish Crown, the Forest represents one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere. 

Is the rainiest of all the National Forests with up to 240 inches per year. More than 100 billion gallons of rainwater fall on the Forest per year.

What Makes El Yunque Special:

Besides being unique to the U.S. Forest Service, El Yunque boasts an amazing diversity of flora, including 150 native fern species and 240 tree species (23 of which are found only in the forest) thrive in El Yunque, thanks to its perfect climate and consistent rainfall. In addition, the forest is home to many small animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. The coquí, Puerto Rican Parrot (which is one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world) and pygmy anole are among its rare and reclusive residents.

On a hot day, after an hour of hiking, there is nothing like stripping down to your bathing suit and diving under a cascading fall. 

This United States National Forest is a rain forest, so do expect some precipitation and come prepared with rain gear. However, the showers are short and there are plenty of shelters, located throughout the park. Among crags, waterfalls, ferns and wild flowers are many marked trails to enjoy on foot or horseback. Hiking, picnicking and camping (permit required) is allowed. 

Most tourists flock to the rainforest to enjoy its hiking trails, which range from easy to expert.  Visit the tower. From the top of the tower you will see the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribe Sea. The view is spectacular.

The Portal Visitors Center, which recently opened a third new pavilion, features multimedia displays, movies and maps that you can obtain.  

 La Mina Trails is the most visited because it leads to La Mina Falls. This is the only waterfall in the rainforest that is open to the public for swimming.  

The forest is open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Is a year-round destination.

There you also will find zip-lines rappelling, rock-climbing and leaping through the air. Some tours company will help yo,u if you desire to this kind of activities.

There you also will find zip-lines rappelling, rock-climbing and leaping through the air. Some tours company will help you, information will be available at the center.

El Portal Visitors Center, which recently opened a third new pavilion, features multimedia displays, movies and maps that you can obtain. 

Picnicking is a popular activity in El Yunque, picnic shelters are provided with parking and restroom facilities, and drinking water. Facilities are available on a first come first serve basis.

How to get there:

If you're driving from San Juan, take Route 3 out of the city and travel about an hour to Route 191, which will take you into the rainforest. Is at the right side.

For more information contact:
El Yunque National Forest
HC-01 Box 13490
Rio Grande, PR 00745
(787) 888-1880

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