Yokahú Tower, Observation tower in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
Yokahu Tower is an observation structure in El Yunque National Forest made of concrete and standing about 69 feet tall on an elevation near 1,575 feet. From the top, you look out over the surrounding rainforest canopy and the layered terrain below.
The tower was built in 1963 under the direction of Forest Supervisor Frank H. Wadsworth as part of efforts to expand visitor amenities in the national forest. This project opened up the forest to more people seeking views and access to the landscape.
The tower takes its name from Yokahu, a Taino deity associated with water and agriculture, connecting visitors to the indigenous roots of the island. This choice of name reflects how the forest itself was once understood by the people who lived here first.
The tower sits along paved roads with parking areas nearby, making it easier to reach than some other viewpoints in the forest. Bring good walking shoes since the climb to the top can be steep and the forest floor stays wet most of the year.
On clear days you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the dense leafy canopy of America's only tropical rainforest from the platform. Few visitors realize they are standing in such a rare and unusual geographic spot.
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