March 10th, 2012
El Yunque, National Rainforest, Tropical Paradise, Scenic Trails, Wildest Waterfalls, Rappelling, Zipline, Puerto Rico
I don’t know what made me think of writing about El Yunque this a.m. I guess it was because I do have friends from the Delaware Beaches that are visiting the Isla del Encanto. Most of them are on the west coast of Puerto Rico; a little surfing, perhaps?
I think you take things for granted when you live in a certain city, town, etc. etc. That’s probably what I did when I lived there. The Island is beautiful and offers so much, but is in much need of tender loving care.
I kept thinking that no trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a visit to El Yunque National Forest. It is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System.
From San Juan is only 25 miles…hmm traffic can be hectic. From the west corner of the Island, definitely a bit more. Highways in Puerto Rico have improved tremendously, though.
El Yunque is located on Puerto Rico Road 191, in Rio Grande. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The website is www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque.
El Yunque is a tropical paradise with plants and animals only indigenous to the Island. You might be lucky to find the elusive Puerto Rican Parrot, or the Puerto Rican Lizard called Cuckoo, which is identified by its long tail and reddish underbelly.
It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking Trails like La Mina, which is one of six interconnecting trails totaling 24 miles.
El Yunque Hiking Trail is more challenging and can get muddy, it’s a rainforest, afterall. You will be hiking to its peak which is 3,496 feet high.
You can bird watch on the Caimitillo Trail. There are 50 different kinds of birds and 50 different native orchids. You can detour from El Yunque Hiking Trail into this trail.
If you want to have more outdoor excitement then try the Yunque Zipline Adventure. It is 70 feet above the ground at about 40 miles per hour. You can call 787-242-3368 or visit www.yunkezipline.wordpress.com.
And if you want to push yourself even more then rappelling with Aventuras Tierra Adentro might be the thing for you. You start with a hike across a monkey bridge, followed by a crash course in rappelling. It is a challenging course that involves vigorous hiking and climbing. Look at it this way, you will be flinging yourself between trees, swinging from 30 feet in the air, dropping into icy water, and finish it off by throwing yourself off 30 foot high cliffs. Okay? You want more info.? Call 787-766-0470 or, visit www.aventuraspr.com.
Rappelling is a technique that allows you to do a controlled descent down a rope from a cliff.
If you are one of those that do not need all that excitement above described, then check out the Yokahu Tower Observation Point , which rises at 1,600 feet. 98 steps to the top; you will be rewarded with a 360 degree panoramic view of the forest and the northeastern coast.
Take a break at La Coca Falls. An opportunity for a Kodak moment. The water crashes 85 feet down a sheer rock face. You can climb those rocks too for your perfect picture.
La Coca
I know my Puerto Rican friends will probably not pay attention to this post; being there and done that “kinda” thing…but, for those visiting, it is worth it.
Then, before you leave hit the Kiosks in Luquillo…frituras, pastelillos, alcapurrias, tacos de jueves…yumm, is all I can say. Wash it down with coconut water…
Have a good one!!
Note: Information for my post was taken from Go Magazine.
Tags: Activities in El Yunque, Bird Watching in El Yunque, El Yunque, El Yunque Rainforest, Hiking Trails in El Yunque, La Coca Falls, Puerto Rico, Rainforest in Puerto Rico, rapelling in El Yunque, Rappelling in El Yunque, What to do in Puerto Rico
