| If you want to experience a "slice of heaven" here | | | | -Palma Sierra Forest |
| on Earth then you should plan on going to El Yunque | | | | -Bosque en las Nubes Forest |
| in Puerto Rico. El Yunque is the only tropical forest in | | | | The average temperature in El Yunque is very |
| the United States National Forest System and get its | | | | pleasant all year around. The average temperature |
| name from an Indian spirit, Yuquiyu, which means | | | | for the lower elevations (i.e., 3,280ft). The park has |
| "Forest of Clouds". It is truly representative of all the | | | | several paved trails that make hiking safe and |
| diversity and beauty that Puerto Rico has to offer. | | | | enjoyable for all. These trails will take you to beautiful |
| Located approximately 45 minutes East of San Juan, | | | | waterfalls and rivers. El Toro, the highest peak in the |
| El Yunque is easily accessible by car or by scheduling | | | | forest at 3,532 feet, has only odd dwarf vegetation |
| one of the many tours that originate in the tourist | | | | clinging to its sides. On a clear day you will be able to |
| areas of Isla Verde or Condado. | | | | see both the Atlantic Ocean to the North and the |
| The fauna is a truly amazing aspect of this area. | | | | Caribbean Sea to the South as well, as other |
| There are about 240 native tree species, of those | | | | breath-taking views of Puerto Rico's scenery. In the |
| 23 are only found in El Yunque. Moreover, 88 are | | | | evenings you will be able to listen to the "singing" of |
| considered to be rare tree species. Another unique | | | | the Puerto Rican Coqui. The Coqui is a small frog that |
| feature of the park is that it is home to the Puerto | | | | is only found in Puerto Rico and makes an enchanting |
| Rican parrot, an endangered species. Going back only | | | | call. |
| a few years to 1990, there were 20 of these native | | | | When visiting Puerto Rico, make sure that you plan |
| birds. Today, their numbers have increased to about | | | | on spending at least one full day at El Yunque in |
| 85 and therefore would represent a very unique | | | | order to fully enjoy all that it has to offer. When you |
| sighting to visitors of the park. Approximately 50 | | | | see it, you'll easily understand why. |
| other bird species are found on the Forest. | | | | On my next article I will provide information on Las |
| The park also has very rare ecosystems that will | | | | Cuevas de Camuy (Camuy Caves), another of |
| make your visit memorable. Average annual rainfall is | | | | Puerto Rico's Natural Wonders. For your lodging |
| estimated between 200 to 240 inches; and usually | | | | needs while in Puerto Rico, please visit our website. |
| spring and fall bring the most precipitation. Thus, you | | | | Our Condo is centrally located in Isla Verde which will |
| should expect to get wet during your visit. The | | | | allow you easy access to all of Puerto Rico's |
| forest is divided into four spectacular areas: | | | | attractions while enjoying the best of night life and |
| -Tabonuco Forest | | | | gourmet restaurants only steps away. |
| -Palo Colorado Forest | | | | |