El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico

The El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico, spanning nearly 29,000 acres. Known for its rich biological diversity, El Yunque National Forest houses a large collection of rare flora and fauna within its unique natural ecosystems. This lush rainforest in the Caribbean offers a temperate tropical climate year-round, resulting in a natural year-round growing season that creates a lush jungle environment. Geography within El Yunque ranges from mountain peaks and rushing streams to waterfalls, cliffs, and sandy shores.

As the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, the El Yunque National Forest annually draws thousands of visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and adventures, from hiking and camping to bird watching, zipline courses, scenic drives, and historical tours. Amongst El Yunque’s jungle-like atmosphere you’ll also find Taíno petroglyphs, remnants from the area’s ancient indiginous peoples.

What are the highlights of El Yunque National Forest?

The El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico offers a variety of hiking trails, recreation and historical sites, and scenic viewpoints. Multiple visitors centers provide a wealth of information on hiking trails, wildlife, and historical information. At the El Portal Rainforest Centre, you can explore a raised treetop walkway, which extends to 60 feet above ground. The 24 miles of hiking trails within the forest range from family-friendly strolls to challenging treks for experienced hikers.

El Yunque encompasses multiple unique forest areas, including a rare Dwarf forest ecosystem known for rare vegetation that can only be found in Puerto Rico. Diverse rainforest wildlife reside in El Yunque National Forest, including West Indian mongoose, the Elfin Woods warbler, Coquí tree frogs, and the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot. Multiple swimming sites within the El Yunque National Forest include the Quebrada Grande Recreation Area, Big Tree Trail, the Rio Sabana Recreation Area, and the Angelito Trail.

Good to know when visiting El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico

Many of the trailheads and points of interest within El Yunque National Forest can be accessed from Road 191 North in Rio Grande. Additional scenic drives, viewing overlooks, and recreation areas can be found off of Road 988 and the Road 186 Corridor. Exercise caution when driving along the winding roads of El Yunque National Forest, as road conditions may be poor at times.

El Yunque National Forest is a trash-free zone, so be sure to pack out anything that you take in. Year-round rain is common in this tropical rainforest, and flash flooding can occur, so be alert to changing weather conditions. Ongoing reconstruction efforts continue to repair facilities and recreation sites, so be sure to check the National Forest Service website for construction information before visiting El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.

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