The Caribbean National Forest is only a forty minute drive from the San Juan
airport. It is 28,000 acres of the only 
tropical Rain
Forest in the U.S. It is characterized by a rugged topography and an abundant,
highly diverse vegetation. There are 240 native tree species, 23 of them found
only in El Yunque and 88 Rare tree species, as well as 50 native orchids and
150 types of ferns.
On the eastern tip of Puerto Rico, 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) from the capital of San Juan, is the Caribbean National Forest, commonly called El Yunque. It is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. El Yunque Peak rises 1065 meters (3494 feet) among the rugged, isolated mountains of Sierra de Luquillo.
El Yunque gets its name from the cloud-shrouded mountain tops. The native taino people called these mountain tops "yuke", meaning "white lands" or "white earth". But the origin of the name could also arguably be from the Spanish who called the mountain "the anvil" or "El Yunque" in Spanish.
There 
is
a powerful spirituality about the place and the Taino Indians did go into the
mountains to perform several different ceremonies including those necessary
before the birth of a child. Y'u'kei'o is the "Sacred Spirit of the White
Earth Mountain", a Benevolent Spirit. "Luquillo" is probably
the Spanish way of saying "Y'u'kei'o".
El Yunque is the oldest Forest Reserve in the Western Hemisphere. El Yunque is home to many endangered species. The well-known Puerto Rican parrot is only found here. But there are other lesser-known endangered species such as the Puerto Rican boa (pictured at left from a photo taken on our guided hike near the waterfall).
Average temperature at El Yunque is 77.9¼ F at the lower elevations and 65.3¼ F at elevations above 3,000 ft. It rains almost every afternoon. Average rainfall is 200 inches a year. It usually rains more during springtime and autumn.
Although the Caribbean National Forest is the smallest administered by the US National Forest system, it has the most species of trees. To compare the hundreds of species of trees you see on one hike through the rainforest to the eight or ten species found in a northern forest is incredible.
The
Forest is divided into four zones:
Tabonuco Forest- Located at elevations of up to 2000 ft, trees grow to a maximum of about 115 to 125 ft tall. Tabonuco and Ausubo tree are the dominant specie but there are plenty of Yagrumo , Guaraguao, Laurel Sabino and giant ferns.
Palo Colorado Forest- Occurs at 1970 ft-2950 ft. Here you can find lots of Caimitillo, Caimitillo Verde and Palo Colorado.
Sierra Palm Forest- This forest is found at elevations of over 1958 ft, as its name describes, the Sierra Palm is the dominant specie.
Dwarf Forest or in Spanish: "Bosque En Las Nubes" (Forest in the clouds)- Located 2500 ft above sea level, this forest is limited to the highest mountain tops . These trees do not grow over 12 ft. It's usually very windy and the earth is saturated with water. Common tree species are Némoco, Roble de Sierra, Limoncillo Guayabota and Camasey. We offer a bicycle ride through the peaks of the cloud forest -- a peaceful and exciting experience every bicyclist should get the chance to enjoy (and easy enough for the inexperienced cyclist).
Three types of fauna are found at El Yunque, reptiles, birds and amphibians. There are 8 types of lizards, 13 types of coquies (Puerto Rican tree frogs that sing). 50 types of birds, including the Puerto Rican Parrot, the Puerto Rican Screech owl (who's call you can hear almost every night), the lizard cuckoo (my favorite), the Puerto Rican tody, the Guaragua (which can be seen flying over almost every day). There is only one mammal native to El Yunque (in fact to all of Puerto Rico) and that is the bat of which there are 11 types. There are also many varieties of fish, shrimps and other aquatic animal life. Also found, but very rare are snakes. The Puerto Rican Boa can reach a length of 90 inches. Hunting in El Yunque is prohibited and punishable by law.
Visit a Rainforest in Spanish "La Selva"
(or Jungle)
One of the most wonderful things about EL Yunque is that it offers the opportunity the enjoy and experience a real Rain Forest. You can take a less than one mile walk within the paved forest paths down to the most beautiful waterfall. Or you can go on our guided hike right out of the door of your chalet and enter your own private jungle. Enjoy seeing the beautiful plant life, feeling the humid fresh air and listening to the birds, the singing of the coquis and the katydids. Another less than one mile hike can take you to the relatively high peak of Mount Briton where, on a clear day, you can view much of El Yunque Forest, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and a great part of Puerto Rico. There are no wild or poisonous animals to worry about. The trail head for the hike to the peak of El Toro (the highest mountain in the El Yunque rainforest) is very close to the rainforest inn.
While at El Yunque visit:
El Toro Trail (near the rainforestinn.com)
All these nature photos of El Yunque were taken on our private hike.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me and I will answer as soon as I can: bill@rainforestinn.com
