Pico El Yunque, Mountain peak in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico, US
Pico El Yunque is a summit within the rainforest of El Yunque, rising in northeastern Puerto Rico to over 1,060 meters. The slopes are covered with dense tropical forest, and narrow trails wind upward to the rocky plateau at the top.
The surrounding forest received national forest status in 1903, becoming the first tropical protected area under US administration. Spanish chroniclers already mentioned this peak in the 16th century as a landmark for sailors.
The name comes from the Taíno people who lived here before European arrival and considered this summit a sacred place. Hikers today often notice the thick mist that wraps the upper slopes, recalling old legends about rain deities.
The ascent takes two to three hours depending on the route and requires sturdy footwear and rain gear, as showers can occur even on sunny days. Starting early in the morning helps avoid afternoon clouds and offers better visibility.
On clear days, visitors can spot both the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, a view available from only a handful of spots on the island. The summit area also shelters fern species that grow nowhere else in Puerto Rico.
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