Quick Details
Pick-Up Time: 7:00 a.m. – 7:40 a.m.
Duration: 5 hours
Capacity: 14 people
Looking to disconnect from the city life? We have the perfect place for nature lovers! El Yunque Rainforest is composed of mountains that face the trade winds, which bring moisture from the ocean, resulting in precipitation over a diverse ecosystem. The U.S. National Forest Service administers the Forest, being the only Tropical Rainforest in U.S. territory. It is one of the most diverse and studied in the world. Its highest peak stands 1,080 meters above sea level.
Did you know that El Yunque is one of the oldest forest reserves in the Western Hemisphere dating back to 1876? The history of the El Yunque National Forest is extremely rich. The Taino (aboriginals from Puerto Rico), who inhabited the Island and called it “Borikén”, believed that the cloud capped peaks in the Luquillo Mountains, which they called “Yuké”, Its name is of native origin, were a sacred place occupied by the good spirit “Yokahú” to whom they prayed for protection from the bad spirit “Juracán” (hurricane). From the Taino word “Yuké” the Spanish colonizers derived “El Yunque” to refer to these mountains.
The petroglyphs (stone writings) that have been discovered on river rocks within the Forest provide mute evidence of the Taino who prevailed on the island for over a thousand years. In 2011 El Yunque was nominated as one of the Natural Wonders of the World, finishing 28th place out of 261 candidates chosen between 222 countries.
Allow us to show you behind the scenes of this unique 28,000 contiguous acres and only Tropical Rain Forest of the United State Puerto Rico has to offer. With peaks, escarpments, myriad steams and waterfalls, a lush green vegetation representing 4 forest types. It’s truly a biodiversity paradise.
Get to experience the magic of this tropical paradise, where you will find over 150 species of ferns, 70 species of native orchids, and 240 species of trees (88 of them endemic to Puerto Rico and 23 endemic to El Yunque). You will also find orchids, exotic birds and other wildlife, including our national, symbol the Coquí tree frog. At the El Yunque we will Trek El Yunques Peak for 2 1/2 to 3 Hours and then stop to eat typical Puertorican food in the park. (Food not Included) Please Note: This tour does not include the visiting Center, getting in water, stoping at the Yukahú Tower nor Coca waterfalls.