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"According to ancient Indian Legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' ( or 'Yokahu' ) reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people."
The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rainforest. The Eastern side of the Luquillo Mountains, which has the El Yunque rainforest at the top elevations, gets most of the rain.
. . "The sub tropical 'Rain forest' occupies very little area in Puerto Rico, only a single, crescent shaped, band on the windward side of the El Yunque mountains. It lies wholly within the El Yunque National Forest Reserve. Its' main features are the Sierra Palms and a superabundance of epiphytes."
The actual rainforest is at the top, you must drive to the top of the road and hike up to see the cloud or dwarf forest.
Pretty waterfalls off the side of the road.
Here is a link to an interactive little diagram that shows how the clouds and rain are made going up mountains. The winds must rise when they meet the mountains. This rising of the air mass causes the air to cool and release rain on the windward side.
Map of annual rainfall in Puerto Rico.
The intrigue of visiting the El Yunque rain forest is only partly in the observation of the varieties of plants that have managed to grow and adapt to the copious amounts of year round rainfall and winds near the top. The magic of El Yunque is in the pristine beauty, the sounds, the quietness and the serenity.
The rivers and waterfalls formed by all that water rushing back down from El Yunque to the sea are very beautiful refreshingly cool and clean to jump into!
EXPLORE EASTERN PUERTO RICO - THE 5 BEST ATTRACTIONS
FEEDING THE FISH ON LOBOS ISLAND REEF
At the very top of the mountain peaks the further increase of both wind and rain creates the dwarf or 'elfin' forest in which few species are able to adapt and cling to the wet soil. Often shrouded in fog, this is a particularly beautiful part of the forest, with its twisted and stunted trunks. Hike the Mt. Britton trail to the tower.
In awe of the Elfin Forest at the top.
The forest hosts a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot ( very rarely seen) and the tiny coquis (indigenous tree frogs) that serenade the evening hours.
Why does the El Yunque rainforest feel so special? You must answer this for yourself, but certainly it is very beautiful and mysterious and cool.
Coquî tree frogs " Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot
The El Yunque Peak hike and a camping trip.
The El Yunque National Forest is managed by the US Forest Service who maintain an extensive network of hiking trails. Picnic facilities, paved trails and tour bus parking. The 'El Portal' exhibit hall and lookout towers are on the North side. The South side is the quiet side. You should spend a few nights in the forest to really appreciate the peace and beauty. Rainforest Lodging.
El Yunque is an excellent choice for a rainforest experience. It is a very gentle forest. In fact; there are no poisonous snakes! The need to protect our planets rain forests becomes more apparent as one gains a better understanding through actual experience. . . and the beauty can be overwhelming.
Visit the El Yunque Art Gallery with artist Davids' very organic paintings and constructions. Located in Palmer, the little 'town' you drive through just off the highway on your way up to the road #191 that goes up to El Yunque.
A variety of accommodations are available just outside the Park Boundaries. Some in the rainforest itself and others in the foothills. All have a unique view of the forest and/or the sea. The tranquility experienced during a stay in any one of the small guest houses surrounding the forest refreshes the spirit and will increase your understanding of the rainforest. Camping is allowed in El Yunque (with a free permit, get it before 3 pm " read camping info.) but it's pretty wet and there are no facilities, no designated camping area. Remember, that the gate closes at 6pm.
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BOOK NOW ! Reservation Information: Enhance your rainforest experience with a naturalist guide and private tour:
John Druitt north side with Island Walkers Private Tours of El Yunque has been a tour guide in Puerto Rico for the last 15 years. His service includes transportation from your hotel or from the bottom of the mountain. Cruise ship passengers, this is the perfect tour operator for you! These are private tours.
Elena is an expert at planning your vacation and tours all over in Puerto Rico. Travel consulting with Elena.
Book a snorkeling tour with Elena
Robin Phillips offering hiking tours for more than 15 years. You must provide your own transportation. On the south side only of El Yunque. Robin offers a day long hike to the waterfalls and also will do tours to the Taino Petroglyphs.
Advance Reservations required.
. See below for more El Yunque rainforest VIDEOS
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Post your experience in our blog. EastPR.
ENTRANCE FEES: There are no entrance fees to visit the forest, you just drive up. If you stop at the El Portal Visitors Center you must pay $3. per person. If you sign up for the Forest Service guided one hour tour you pay a donation of $5. per personn ( see below).
EL YUNQUE VISITING HOURS: Visiting hours for the El Yunque rainforest start early and you are not allowed in the forest after 6 pm, unless you have a camping permit. The forest is open 7 days a week.
Forest Tours given by guide/interpreters: You do not need a guide to see the rainforest as the trails are clearly marked.
• US Forest Service Tours of the rainforest 7 days a week , on a first come first served basis. 1 hour tours , they leave on the half hour - starting at 10:30 to 2:30 . Dependent on ranger availability. Tickets are purchased at the Palo Colorado Visitor Center at the heart of the Rec Area. Fee $5 general, $3 seniors & children 12 & under. Walking tours leave Palo Colorado towards the 2 immediate shortest trails. Usually with a group no bigger than 25. Guided tours offer people information for an hour, and then send interested hikers on their way to more challenging trails on their own. For additional information call FOREST SERVICE TELS: 787- 888 -1880 Phone numbers listed as contact for US Forest Service as follows: (787) 888-1810 or (787) 888-1880. Fax: (787) 888-5685
Web: www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque
• Island Walkers is a Tour company SEE VIDEO! with naturalist guide John Druitt or 'Rubio'. Highly recommended tour operator with lots of experience and knowledge and he can provide transportation as well. If you want to hire a private guide for the ultimate rainforest learning experience. RUBIO TEL. 787-309-6224 or E-mail: < >
EXPLORE EASTERN PUERTO RICO - THE 5 BEST ATTRACTIONS
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Why Do Some Rainforest Trees Grow ”Buttress” Roots?
Some of the trees of the El Yunque National Forest’s upper zones have adapted to its unique soil, topography and humid climate conditions by growing “buttress roots,” a type of prop root that grows at the base of the tree trunk, to form a support for the tree. . . article by Alan Mowbray. Read about rainforest soils, climate, topography and the Sierra Palms.
Visit the El Portal Visitors Center located just below the rainforest.
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Post your experience in our blog. EastPR.
Hiking is easy on the many cement and dirt trails the US Forest Service maintains. Hike the Mt. Britton trail to the tower
There are often crowds on the north side of the rainforest. The south side ( above the town of Naguabo) is not similarly maintained, yet there are abundant trails and few people. Actual rainforest lodging is located on the south side, in the heart of the rainforest.
Visit the El Portal Visitors Center located just below the rainforest.
CLICK HERE FOR ELEVATIONS MAP.
Designated Wilderness area and Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Jump into the Rainforest!
Little Coquí frogs sing as the sun goes down.
VIDEO THE NIGHT SYMPHONY OF THE COQUIS.
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