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El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico

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the bromeliads and epiphytes of el yunque rain forest
Above: photo of Bromiliads and Sierra Palms on the path up to the peaks, by Professor John Niss.

Bromeliads are members of a plant family known as Bromeliaceae . The family contains over 3000 described species in approximately 56 genera. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. The family contains a wide range of plants including some very un-pineapple like members.

What is a rain forest? In the case of El Yunque in Puerto Rico it is all about being the first mountain to face the wind and catch all the rain.

The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rainforest.

The Eastern side of the Luquillo Mountains, which has the El Yunque rainforest at the top elevations, gets most of the rain.

. . "The true sub tropical 'Rain forest' occupies very little area in Puerto Rico, only a single, crescent shaped, band on the windward side of the El Yunque mountains. It lies wholly within the El Yunque National Forest Reserve. This life zone is characterized by an annual total of 3,400 mm of rain. Its' main features are the Sierra Palms and a superabundance of epiphytes.". . . quoted from the 'Forest Legacy' proposal written by the Department of Natural Resources of the Government of Puerto Rico.

The trade winds blow from the north east and these mountains ( 3,500 ft elev. ) are in the north easternmost part of Puerto Rico. As the warm moist air rises when it meets the mountains and cools off, it dumps the rain...and intensifies the wind.

Juan Diego falls are close to road # 191
Waterfalls and pool on the Juan Diego stream.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR JULY , 2010:

• During July 2010, the US Forest Service will carry out TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS in El Yunque’s RECREATION AREAS, on the weekends of July 2-5; July 17-18 and July 23-26!

• Visits to El Yunque’s PR 191 Recreation Corridor have steadily increased over the years. During peak summer months, the number of vehicles that access this corridor far exceed available parking spaces! When these spaces are filled, visitors often park illegally and unsafely along the road where their vehicles may damage natural resources! As responsible stewards the Forest Service must take every possible measure to protect these vital resources.

• When Forest TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS are activated, and all parking spaces are filled, PR 191 will be closed at km 7.9 by FEDERAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS for ONE HOUR or longer. During these FOREST CLOSURE episodes, visitors may either go to the EL PORTAL RAIN FOREST CENTER at PR191 km 4.0, or they may go to PR 988 (PUENTE ROTO) or to PR 186 (EL VERDE) .

• During the month of July, El Yunque’s visitors will get advance notice of TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, PARKING CONGESTION and FOREST CLOSURE NOTICES via ELECTRONIC ROAD SIGNS on PR 3, just before the PR 191 turnoff to the Forest – and on PR 191 on the way to the Forest ! PAY ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THESE TRAFFIC SIGNS – THEY WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AVOID UNPLEASANT HASSLES AND STAY SAFE!
• When TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS are activated, UNIFORMED FOREST SERVICE STAFF, will be monitoring traffic flow in FOREST RECREATION AREAS, and directing traffic to available parking spaces.

• Did you know that El Yunque has APPROXIMATELY 200 PARKING SPACES within the Forest’s recreation area? –When these spaces are filled, traffic becomes very congested.

• There are APPROXIMATELY 100 OVERFLOW PARKING SPACES along PR 191, near to the Forest’s recreational areas – visitors using these spaces must park PARELLEL TO THE ROAD, with no part of their vehicle protruding onto the roadway – THIS RULE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED WITH CITATIONS AND FINES.

• When planning a Forest Trip, if at all possible, reconsider visiting on these EXTREMELY BUSY JULY WEEKENDS to avoid the crowds and traffic congestion. Instead, plan to visit on LESS CROWDED WEEKDAYS -- your vacation stay will be much more pleasant and relaxed!

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

El Yunque National Forest is maintained by the US Forest Service

view looking up to the top of el yunque where Yuquiyu dwells

"According to Legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting the Taino people."

The Taino people must have made many a spiritual journey to the top of Yuquiyu. It still feels very special at El Yunque, La Roca, Mt. Britton and Los Picachos peaks and an aura of mystery surrounds you in the cloud or dwarf forest!

Here is a link to an interactive little diagram that shows how the clouds and rain are made going up mountains. The winds must rise when they meet the mountains. This rising of the air mass causes the air to cool and release rain on the windward side.

Map of annual rainfall in Puerto Rico.

The intrigue of visiting the El Yunque rain forest is only partly in the observation of the varieties of plants that have managed to grow and adapt to the copious amounts of year round rainfall and winds near the top. The magic of El Yunque is in the pristine beauty, the sounds, the quietness and the serenity.



The trail to los picachos in the el yunque rainforest goes to a small platform at the very top
Los 3 Picachos has a trail to the very top!

This reserve was first set aside by the king of Spain, which then transferred to the federal government in 1898. How did the present lookout towers and trails first become established?

The Civilian Conservation Corps operated in the years between 1933 and 1942. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the CCC as part of the New Deal Initiative, a program to end the Great Depression. Through this federally funded program, 3,463,766 young men found employment and much needed food, clothing and shelter. Using little else than shovels and axes, the young men of the CCC completed recreation and conservation projects on public lands throughout the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. They built roads and towers, developed recreational sites and trails, and engaged in forestry and wildlife improvements. In all of these sites, people today reap the benefits of the work done by the CCC
Post your experience in our blog. EastPR.
 

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

At the very top of the mountain peaks the further increase of both wind and rain creates the dwarf or 'elfin' forest in which few species are able to adapt and cling to the wet soil. Often shrouded in fog, this is a particularly beautiful part of the forest, with its twisted and stunted trunks. Hike the Mt. Britton trail to the tower.

The forest hosts a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot ( very rarely seen) and the tiny coquis (indigenous tree frogs) that serenade the evening hours.

Coquî tree frogs • Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot

The El Yunque Peak hike and a camping trip.

looking south to the Mt. Britton tower from El Yunque peak

The El Yunque National Forest is managed by the US Forest Service who maintain an extensive network of hiking trails. Picnic facilities, paved trails and tour bus parking. The 'El Portal' exhibit hall and lookout towers are on the North side. The South side is the quiet side. You should spend a few nights by the forest to really appreciate the peace and beauty. Rainforest Lodging.

El Yunque is an excellent choice for a rainforest experience. It is a very gentle forest. In fact; there are no poisonous snakes! The need to protect our planets rain forests becomes more apparent as one gains a better understanding through actual experience. . . and the beauty can be overwhelming.

TAKE A PICNIC LUNCH and walk down the steps below the 'Palo Colorado' Ranger Station to the little gazebos below. Two of them are next to a rushing stream.. complete with roof, picnic table, benches and BBQ grill. ( and running water) .

Visit the El Yunque Art Gallery with artist David's' very organic paintings and constructions. Located in Palmer, the little 'town' you drive through just off the highway on your way up to the road #191 that goes up to El Yunque.

A variety of accommodations are available just outside the Park Boundaries. Some next to the rainforest itself and others in the foothills. All have a unique view of the forest and/or the sea. The tranquility experienced during a stay in any one of the small guest houses surrounding the forest refreshes the spirit and will increase your understanding of the rainforest.

Camping is allowed in El Yunque (with a free permit, get it before 3 pm • read camping info.) but it's pretty wet and there are no facilities, no designated camping area. Remember, that the gate closes at 6 pm.
 

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

Waterfalls and Pools in El Yunque

BOOK WITH US NOW ! Reservation Information Enhance your rainforest experience with a naturalist guide and private tour:

John Druitt north side with Island Walkers Private Tours of El Yunque has been a tour guide in Puerto Rico for the last 15 years. His service includes transportation from your hotel or from the bottom of the mountain. Cruise ship passengers, this is the perfect tour operator for you!

Elena is an expert at planning your vacation and tours all over in Puerto Rico. Travel consulting with Elena.

Book a snorkeling tour with Elena or just keep reading her website!

Robin Phillips offering hiking tours for more than 15 years. You must provide your own transportation. On the south side only of El Yunque. Robin offers a day long hike to the waterfalls and also will do tours to the Taino Petroglyphs.

Advance Reservations required.

. See below for more El Yunque rainforest VIDEOS


Visit the El Portal Visitors Center located just below the rainforest.

ENTRANCE FEES: There are no entrance fees to visit the forest, you just drive up. If you stop at the El Portal Visitors Center you must pay $3. per person. If you sign up for the Forest Service guided one hour tour you pay a donation of $5. per person ( see below).

EL YUNQUE VISITING HOURS: Visiting hours for the El Yunque rainforest start early and you are not allowed in the forest after 6 pm, unless you have a camping permit. The forest is open 7 days a week.

Forest Tours given by guide/interpreters: You do not need a guide to see the rainforest as the trails are clearly marked.

• US Forest Service Tours of the rainforest 7 days a week , on a first come first served basis. 1 hour tours , they leave on the half hour - 10:30 to 2:30 . Dependent on ranger availability. Tickets are purchased at the Palo Colorado Visitor Center at the heart of the Rec Area. Fee $5 general, $3 seniors & children 12 & under. Walking tours leave Palo Colorado towards the 2 immediate shortest trails. Usually with a group no bigger than 25. Guided tours offer people information for an hour, and then send interested hikers on their way to more challenging trails on their own. For additional information call FOREST SERVICE TELS: 787- 888 -1880. Phone numbers listed as contact for US Forest Service as follows: (787) 888-1810 or (787) 888-1880.
Fax: (787) 888-5685

Web: www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque

• Island Walkers is a Tour company SEE VIDEO! with naturalist guide John Druitt or 'Rubio'. Highly recommended tour operator with lots of experience and knowledge and he can provide transportation as well. If you want to hire a private guide for the ultimate rainforest learning experience. RUBIO TEL. 787-309-6224 or E-mail: < prana@coqui.net >


Why Do Some Rainforest Trees Grow ”Buttress” Roots?

Some of the trees of the El Yunque National Forest’s upper zones have adapted to its unique soil, topography and humid climate conditions by growing “buttress roots,” a type of prop root that grows at the base of the tree trunk, to form a support for the tree. . . article by Alan Mowbray. Read about rainforest soils, climate, topography and the Sierra Palms.


Hiking is easy on the many cement and dirt trails the US Forest Service maintains. Hike the Mt. Britton trail to the tower

There are often crowds on the north side of the rainforest. The south side ( above the town of Naguabo) is not similarly maintained, yet there are abundant trails and few people. The highest elevation rainforest lodging is located on the south side, in the heart of the forest and the closest beach to the entrance of the North Side is Luquillo Beach and town.

Visit the El Portal Visitors Center located just below the rainforest.

CLICK HERE FOR ELEVATIONS MAP.

More El Yunque rainforest photos • Map of trails

Designated Wilderness area and Wild and Scenic Rivers.

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

Jump into the Rainforest!

Little Coquí frogs sing as the sun goes down.




THE NIGHT SYMPHONY OF THE COQUIS.

 

Map of the hiking trails off of road # 191.

Below: Mt. Britton tower, on a peak of the rainforest mountains, is a 45 minute walk up a nicely maintained trail that starts at the top of road # 191.

Mt.Britton tower on a peak in the El Yunque rainforest

Map of the trails to Mt. Britton and the El Yunque peaks above.

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

click on photo

Below: The Cloud Forest on the La Roca Trail

Path through the cloud forest to La Roca in El Yunque

Panoramic Photo of the Trail to La Roca. Photo Clay Humphrey
Guaraguao or Red Tailed Hawk and chick

'Guaraguao' and chick. (Red tailed Hawk) Nesting in the mountains of Puerto Rico. (shown at left) Photo courtesy of the US Forest Service.

The Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vitatta) pictured below. (about 12 inches, bright green with blue primary wing feathers) is one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world.
 

There are about 85 Puerto Rican Parrots birds left and they are all in the El Yunque rainforest and in the Rio Abajo Parrot program. The Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery program has had some success in increasing their numbers. There were only 20 birds left in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo. Bird watching.

 

Right: Puerto Rican Parrots, few people ever get to see these rare birds in the forest.

Parrot Recovery Program Website.

The Caribbean National Forest Service website.

Caribbean Forest Luquillo Experimental Forest.

Audubon article about the birds.
Puerto Rican Parrot is an endangered species

Rainforest pictures of the Dwarf forest and the Palm forest

The 'Dwarf forest' is located at the top of the rainforest on the windward slopes and has an even greater abundance of palms, ferns and epiphytes, and rain. In the dwarf cloud forest much of the vegetation on the exposed ridges has a windswept appearance. This forest is an invaluable biological curiosity, it represents an environmental extreme and, as such, is an excellent and fascinating opportunity to see the response of natural ecosystems to environmental stress. The dwarf forest is habitat for moss, orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytic plants covering available surfaces. The trees are small with twisted trunks and small thick leaves with roots that grow over the surface of the ground. Several hiking trails lead up to the dwarf forest, such as the Mt. Britton trail. The dwarf forest can only be accessed from the north side of the Forest.
These Lobster Claws or Heliconia are one of the two similar heliconias endemic to the rainforest.. Fairly common. They will adapt and thrive anywhere in Puerto Rico that has sufficient moisture. Often found naturally near a stream. The other endemic heliconia has greenish edges, instead of red.
Heliconias are a rain forest flower . These are native to Puerto Rico


Just below the rain forest is the subtropical 'Wet forest'. This forest is characterized by open crowned trees and is also called the 'Colorado Forest' for the abundance of Cyrilla racemiflora, a large, reddish barked canopy tree. This type of forest also occurs up to the summit of other mountains above 3,000 feet. Toro Negro Forest and Guilarte Forest Reserves are subtropical wet forest as is El Yunque just below the rain forest. Toro Negro and Guilarte Forests both have higher elevations than El Yunque and enjoy even cooler temperatures. Toro Negro is, perhaps, a better place to camp (read information on the camping page). Just below the subtropical wet forest lies the lower wet forest or the 'Tabanuco' forest; below this classification lies the subtropical 'Moist forest' zone which categorizes most of Puerto Rico.
'San Pedrito' ( little Saint Peter') is the local name for this tody that lives throughout Puerto Rico. If you hear the chirp of one, you can be sure there is another one close by. They flit through the forests in pairs. Very tiny, they make their nests in holes dug into steep dirt banks.
San Pedrito or tody

VIDEOS OF EL YUNQUE

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL RAIN FOREST

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PUERTO RICO

• Beaches
• Fishing
• Bioluminescence
• Bird Watching
• Camping
• Rainforest Lodging
• Consult Elena
 


Please note: I have worked hard, over the last 5 years, to take pictures of Puerto Rico that portray it well and show people the best of what there is to be seen. I hope you enjoy my pictures, I welcome you to use them; but only if you are fair and credit me with them.

Please play fair! Recently people have placed them all over the internet with no credit nor any link to me. I call that mean. All you have to do is put a link to www.elyunque.com and then we can all share them. If you use them for advertising your business, without a hyperlink to me I will consider that stealing and illegal. Also, please do not name the jpeg elyunque, call it something else.

Thanks, enjoy and use with a link.. Elena www.elyunque.com


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