El Yunque

The Luquillo Forest Reserve , better known as "El Yunque", is the only Rain Forest within the US National Forest System. It is located at the east coast of the island of Puerto Rico. It consists of 28,000 acres of rain forest. It is characterized by highly diverse vegetation, by its waterholes and waterfalls found trails away from the main road, and by the continous, refreshing drizzle-like rain that is found in every visit. There are 240 native tree species, 23 of them found only in El Yunque. It has 88 rare tree species, 50 native orchids and 150 types of ferns.

To walk in El Yunque is to immerse yourself in an untouched jungle-like area, full of the brightest green vegetation you will ever encounter. The air is as pure in this forest as it was in the beginning of time. This forest has withstanded hurricanes and civilization thanks to continuous government protection. This started in 1876 King Alfonso XII of Spain set aside 12,000 cuerdas (1 cuerda =.9 acres of land) to be protected for all times; making it the oldest Forest Reserve in the Western Hemisphere.

Its name Yunque comes from "Yuke", name given by the Taino aborigines (first residents of the island), which means white lands in reference to the mountain tops which are usually covered by clouds. The Luquillo Mountain Range, where the forest is located, was a sacred place for the Tainos (native indians). Taino petroglyphs can be found in some remote parts of these mountains.

When you walk among the ferns, breath the pure air, and feel the drizzle of the rain in your cheeks, you can almost hear the footsteps of our ancestors - the Tainos, Spaniards, Africans and Americans.

This is a place that cannot be missed.

For more information, visit http://www.solboricua.com/elyunque/