HOME       CONTENTS      SEARCH      RECIPES      IMAGES      CONTACT US      TELL YOUR FRIENDS    El Yunque (Puerto Rico's Rain Forest) weather in the plains at the entrance to El Yunque Rain Forest El Yunque  (Puerto Rico's Rain Forest) is among the best known and most visited tourist attractions in Puerto Rico. El Yunque is the only rain forest in the U. S. National Forest Service. It is calculated that the Rain Forest receives more than one billion gallons of rainfall each year. The entrance to El Yunque Rain Forest is about sixty minutes east of San Juan on PR Road 3 east and about 15 minutes away from Fajardo on PR Road 3 west. Enjoy a car ride through this tropical paradise of exotic vegetation and the local fauna. Stop along the way to enjoy waterfalls or a centuries-old lookout turret. You may even find some native wild berries along the trails. Watch out for thorns. Consider yourself very lucky if you catch a glimpse of the Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata, whose only remaining habitat is the Puerto Rican Rain Forest. It is estimated that there are less than 100 of these beautiful birds alive in the forest, which places them in extremely high risk of extinction. El Yunque Caribbean National Forest is policed by the rangers of the U. S. National Forest System. An information booth located a few minutes uphill is operated by the rangers. They usually have pamphlets and answers to any questions tourists may ask. The more adventurous may enjoy a hike up mountain trails to some of the peaks for exquisite views of eastern Puerto Rico. Don’t be misled by the name “rain forest”. Chances are that you can enjoy a scenic day with a minimum of rain to disturb your enjoyment. Wear comfortable walking or sport shoes and light clothing. Protect yourself against insect bites if you intend to enter the woods. There are no known ferocious wild animals in the park. You might see a Boa Puertorriqueña, the largest Puerto Rican snake, that feeds on small birds and rodents. There is a medium-class restaurant up on the main stop. There are also many vendors along the way, peddling inexpensive native fritters, like bacalaítos and alcapurrias, favored by islanders and visitors alike. For safety’s sake, don´t drink the water from nearby springs. Bring your own bottled water. El Yunque was affected badly by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and several others since. You have a unique opportunity to see Mother Nature at work, healing itself, as you tour this magnificent forest. Admittance to this natural preserve is free. You can plan a tour on your own or you can purchase a one-day tour of the facilities at any of the tourist hotels and resorts. Some tours also include a stop at nearby Luquillo Beach.   Web www.dollarman.com