Trifter

The Taino Indians walked, hunted, and cultivated the sacred lands of the El Yunque during the XV century. The name El Yunque comes from the Indian spirit Yuquiye which translates to Forest in the Clouds. It was the belief of the Taino Indians that gods lived high on the top peaks of these mountains. Today much folklore and superstitions thrives as it’s passed down from generation to generation. Exploring this forest is a wonderful adventure.

 
The El Yunque occupies 28,000 acres of tropical forest. It is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. This is a lush forest and dotted with clean rivers and waterfalls ready for swimming. There are many hiking trails that will take you to the highest points at approximately 3000 feet, which are often covered in fog. Average rainfall is 100 billion gallon per year.

Reaching the rainforest is not difficult. Tours are a 45-minute bus ride from the airport and the Port of San Juan. These tours are scheduled routinely. Riding or hiking is permitted in the forest.

The Puerto Rican Parrot inhabits the rainforest. This is a small parrot measuring a foot in length and is bright green in color. They are on the endangered list and are seldom seen. It is also the home of the world’s smallest orchard. The Coqui tree frogs are tiny and will serenade you long into the evening.

In 2009, a contest to select 7 New Wonders of Nature nominated the El Yunque as a phase one candidate in this process.

There continues to be poisonous plants in the El Yunque that are not ready to be tamed. The tour guides are very good at pointing them out. Can the El Yunque ever be tamed? Not according to the mystical people who once called this home and better yet who would dare to try?