No other Caribbean island can claim to have a finalist for the world’s “New 7 Wonders of Nature” campaign. Then again, no other island in the world boasts the only subtropical rainforest in the United States Forest Service.
El Yunque is a special place with a unique ecosystem and an unspoiled natural beauty that has enchanted visitors for thousands of years.
El Yunque, a Taíno word which means “The Anvil,” gets its name from its distinctive flat plateau. The ancients believed a benevolent god named Yukiyú lived in the mountain range. Today, the forest is home to 240 tree species, 88 of which are found only in Puerto Rico, and 23 of which grow only in El Yunque. With its waterfalls, hiking trails and panoramic vistas, the forest system is a nature-lover’s wonderland, and offers tourists a variety of activities ranging from a leisurely hike to extreme adventuring.
Around the rainforest and the eastern region of Puerto Rico are 16 towns. It’s a diverse area that includes numerous luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and some of the island’s best boating, fishing and sailing excursions. The east is also a gateway to Vieques and Culebra Islands.
VISIT PUERTO RICO
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San Juan
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Tips & hints
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Wet Weather
El Yunque gets an average of 120 inches of rain each year, making for many days of wet weather. Make sure to check the forecast before you visit! -
Getting to Vieques & Culebra
Culebra and Vieques are easily accessible. A public ferry service runs from Fajardo, and numerous local airlines offer service from airports around mainland Puerto Rico to the islands. -
Luquillo Kiosks
For a unique gastronomic experience, travel east from El Yunque along Route 3, and you’ll soon reach a string of rustic kiosks serving a variety of local and international foods. From gourmet burgers to classic Puerto Rican fare to fried finger foods, these casual eateries each have their own identity and flavor, and many double as late-night hangouts. Small wonder, then, that kiosk-hopping is a favorite activity among locals and tourists alike.