The island of Puerto Rico contains a beautiful rain forest, protected by the government and open to the public in the borders of El Yunque National Forest. It is not difficult to get to, typically reached by a three-hour flight from Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico, followed by a drive of less than an hour.

Earth’s Rain Forests

Rain forests are forests that receive at least 75 inches of rain per year. They cover less than 7 percent of the earth’s land surface, yet produce 20 percent of the oxygen and contain roughly 50 percent of all life on Earth, including 80 percent of insects. Most of the world’s rain forests are in South America. More than 120 pharmaceutical drugs and many varieties of food have their origin in these tropical forests. Although nearly 34 million acres of rain forest are burned or cut each year, many acres are spared thanks to the efforts of those who work to preserve rain forests for all to enjoy.

El Yunque National Forest

The perfect rain forest weather conditions are created in the mountains of eastern Puerto Rico when moisture-laden trade winds off the ocean are lifted and cooled, forcing them to drop more than 130 inches of rain on El Yunque National Forest each year. The wet climate is suitable for many plant and animal species, including sierra palms, bromeliads, lichens, orchids, giant tree ferns, frogs, lizards, bats and birds. El Yunque is home to the elusive and endangered Puerto Rican parrot. A unique collection of twisted and stunted trees, called dwarf or elfin forest, clings to the highest mountain peaks in El Yunque.

Visiting El Yunque

El Yunque is easily reached by rental car or tourist bus from San Juan. Many of the main sites are right off the road, including the Yokahu Tower (built by the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps), the Sierra Palm Picnic Area, the La Coca Falls and the Palo Colorado Information Center, where you are likely to meet a park ranger. As of publication, the park is open most days from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. The El Portal Rain Forest Center contains displays and more information about the rain forest.

Going Deeper into the Forest

El Yunque National Forest contains 24 miles of hiking trails and several scenic waterfalls, including La Mina Falls, less than a mile from the highway. For an elevated view of the park, head to El Yunque Peak and the Mt. Britton Lookout Tower by hiking up from the parking lot at the end of the road. You can swim in the pools you’ll find at the foot of the waterfalls in the park. For the ultimate rain forest experience, consider obtaining a free permit from the El Portal Rain Forest Center and camping overnight in the forest. No designated camping sites are available, and you should come prepared for rain, but this might be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave the well-worn paths behind and have a tropical rain forest all to yourself for the night.

About the Author

James Werning has authored books and articles on various websites. His scripts have aired for more than 15 years on radio stations across North America. He is a small business owner and a world traveler with a master's degree in communications from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

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