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Rainforest
Travel to the northeastern mountains, home of the 28,000 acre Caribbean National Forest. Refered to as "El Yunque" Rainforest, it has the highest visitation of any natural site in Puerto Rico. When you see it, you'll easily understand why. WTD in PR provides simple walking tours for the sightseer or guided hiking for the adventurer...   
Named after the benevolent Indian spirit Yokahú. El Yunque is the only Tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Made up of some over240 different species of trees, it is actually a series of forests, each one determined by its altitude. El Toro, the highest peak in the forest at 3,532 feet,
More than 100 billion gallons of precipitation fall each year, creating the jungle-like ambience of lush foliage, sparkling leaves, shining wet rocks, and shadowy paths occasionally pierced by sunlight. Spectacular waterfalls rush alongside its well-maintained trails. There are many favorite spots for visitors to take photos or a refreshing dip in the pristine pools.
No one knows how many specimens of the noisy, ubiquitous tree frog,"El Coquí",  Live here, but you'll hear from them.... Naturalists have a better idea of the number (and location) of endangered Puerto Rican parrots, but they're not telling. You can see the forest best on foot, but much of its splendor can be appreciated during a slow drive up and down the mountain. You can explore on your own, park along a roadside tower to see the view, or take a guided tour.
Rainforest in the Night!!!
Be sure to take time for El Portal Rain Forest Center. It features interesting exhibits in English and Spanish, a well-stocked bookstore, and a souvenir shop. The Center's theater presents a documentary film every half-hour, and has several interactive exhibits, including one entitled “Understanding the Forest."
The Caribbean National Forest is located in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, approximately 25 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico and encompasses over 28,000 acres of land. Caribbean NF, locally known as El Yunque , is one of the most popular recreation sites in Puerto Rico and the US National Forest System. Almost a million tourists, from Puerto Rico, the U.S. and abroad visit this rain forest each year.
A sense of mystery pervades the dark forest. The twilight effect, a result of cloud cover and the forest canopy, adds to the mystery. The mist-shrouded vegetation takes on an other-worldly appearance. I drift into a reverie, mesmerized by the ever present sound of running water. Suddenly the reverie is shattered by the blaring blast of a coqui, Puerto Rico's diminutive tree frog. It produces a sound totally out of proportion to its size. I am walking in the cloud forest of El Yunque, the rainforest of Puerto Rico.
Many people are aware of the importance tropical rainforests hold for all life on earth. Most of the earth's oxygen is produced by tropical rainforests. Over one-half of all living species live in tropical rainforests. Few people are aware that we have a tropical rainforest under the management of the U. S. Forest Service. The formal name of that forest is: Caribbean National Forest, also known as El Yunque.
Caribbean National Forest is a 28,000 acre reserve about a 45 minute drive from San Juan. Here one finds lush vegetation, clear running streams, secluded waterfalls, and yes, the boisterous coqui. The coqui's maximum size is about two inches in length. This native of Puerto Rico is the national symbol of the Island. Judging from the shrill call of this small creature, one would expect something much larger.
El Yunque Rainforest Hiking - El Yunque, which gets its name from an Indian spirit Yokaho meaning "Forest of Clouds", features over 240 species of plants and wildlife, waterfalls, streams and hiking trails leading to enticing tropical locations. There are many ways to see the rainforest but this Hiking Tour excursion will have you viewing typical native towns until you begin your ascent by bus on a modern road through rapidly changing vistas of amazing vegetation, tree orchids, giants ferns, wild flowers, tropical hardwoods, spectacular waterfalls, and views of the entire northeast coast. You'll stop at the most beautiful photographic sights - Yokahu Tower, hike to La Mina Falls (35 minutes each way) then and swim or dip the cool water of La Mina Falls (10 minute stop). Make sure you have a good breakfast before this tour! It is incredible...
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