Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
El Yunque
The 44-sq mile (114-sq km) El Yunque National Forest, formerly the
Caribbean National Forest, is the only tropical rain forest within the US
national park system. The rain-sodden wilderness rises to an elevation of
3,533 ft (1,075 m) at its highest point, Cerro El Toro, and features various
ecosystems, including mountain cloudforest and dwarf forest on the highest
slopes. The park has miles of hiking trails and spectacular waterfalls plunging
down steep ravines. The region offers hikers some of the best bird-watching
and wildlife-viewing on the island.
Top 10 Features
1 El Gran Portal
Rain Forest Center
2 Tropical Rain Forest
3 La Coca Waterfall
4 El Yunque Trail
5 Dwarf Forest
6 Sierra Palm Visitor Center
7 La Mina Trail
8 Birds
9 Picnics
0 Coquís
La Mina Trail signage
When picnicking,
carry along your rain
gear and use only
designated sites.
Avoid picnicking near
forest streams due to
the potential danger
of flash floods.
!
El Gran Portal Rain
Forest Center
The main visitor center
offers splendid interactive
exhibits
(below)
on local
geology, geography, and
ecosystems. Pick up maps
and literature on tropical
forests here.
The picnic sites have
barbecue pits but
you'll need to bring
your own charcoal
and meat to grill.
• Map M3
• El Yunque National
Forest: 787 888 1880;
open 7:30am-6pm;
www.fs.fed.us/r8/
el_yunque
• El Gran Portal
Rain Forest Center:
open 9am-4:30pm;
adm $4; $2 for seniors;
free for under-15s
@
Tropical Rain Forest
Various types of
subtropical rain forest
(main image)
carpet the
lower- and mid-level slopes
of El Yunque, with trees
such as mahogany towering
up to 164 ft (50 m). Their
spreading crowns form a
dense, broad canopy.
La Coca Waterfall
This is the first major
attraction you come across
in El Yunque. La Coca
Waterfall
(right)
features a
beautiful cascade tumbling
85 ft (26 m) onto boulder
rocks. These can be
slippery, so avoid the
temptation to clamber.
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