El Yunque is a 1065 m (3500 feet) high peak of the Luquillo Range in eastern Puerto Rico. The Taínos believed the god of happiness lived on El Yunque. 11,200 ha (28,000 acre) of the forest around the mountain are included in El Yunque National Park, also known as the Caribbean National Forest. It is promoted by local tourist authorities as the only tropical forest in the U.S. national parks system.
El Yunque includes over 400 tree and fern species that thrive in the humid climate of the Luquillo Range. The area receives a lot of rainfall, as Atlantic winds force sopping clouds to lose their water as they are forced up the mountains. Some 13 hiking trails of various lengths run through the reserve. They vary from 15 minute-long walks along well-maintained paths to a trek to the summit of El Yunque, which might take more than one day. From the top you'll have a great view of the Virgin Islands on clear days.
Animals that roam El Yunque National Park, include the coquí frog, which is Puerto Rico's national symbol, as well as the rare Puerto Rican parrot. There are also several nice waterfalls.
Not far from the turnoff to El Yunque is the popular, sandy Luquillo Beach. There are several souvenir stalls.
El Yunque is 30 km southeast of San Juan.
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