El Yunque National Forest, Tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico, United States
El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico with waterfalls, streams, and trails winding through dense vegetation to lookout points. Mountains rise to 3,500 feet (1,065 meters), offering views over the canopy where ferns, orchids, and layers of moss cover rocks and tree trunks.
The Spanish Crown protected these forests starting in 1876 as a reserve for timber resources. President Theodore Roosevelt expanded its status in 1903, with management later passing to the U.S. Forest Service.
The Taíno name »Yuquiyú« refers to a benevolent spirit believed by the original inhabitants to dwell on the summits. Visitors notice bamboo rain channels and small shrines along the trails, showing a long tradition of reverence for this place.
Trails are well marked, though some sections turn slippery after rain and steps can be steep. Visitors should start in the morning as clouds often roll in during the afternoon and brief showers occur frequently.
The tiny Coquí frog lives only here and in a few other regions of Puerto Rico, its two-note call echoing through the trees at night. Visitors sometimes hear more than a dozen at once, though the animals themselves measure only about 1 inch (3 cm).
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