El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest (or Caribbean National Forest), is a forest located in northeastern Puerto Rico in the Sierra de Luquillo escarpment, 40 km southeast of San Juan (latitude 18’19 “N, longitude 65’45 “W).
It is the only rainforest included in the U.S. National Forest System and the U.S. Forest Service. It is known for its rare trees and birds. It is one of the smallest rainforests, but has a diverse habitat and is the most biologically diverse.
The forest covers the municipalities of Canovanas, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo and Río Grande. One of Puerto Rico’s and the Caribbean’s most precious natural resources, it is a thick emerald green forest covering 29,000 acres with peaks rising up to 3,000 feet.
The highest mountain peak in the forest rises to 3,494 feet (1,065 m) above sea level. Abundant rainfall (more than 20 feet a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like environment: the lush foliage, cliffs, waterfalls and rivers are breathtaking sights.
The forest offers a series of panoramic views and trails from which to appreciate the flora and fauna of the jungle territory. All of El Yunque’s peaks offer wonderful views of the surrounding forest, neighboring peaks, incoming clouds and the nearby Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
