Ever since we planned this trip over a year ago (pre-hurricanes Irma and Maria), I have wanted to explore El Yunque National Forest, the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System (I know this is a terminology distinction, as I have been in other U.S. rain forests, but saying sole is pretty impressive).

The forest’s relatively small 28,000 acre size belies its importance. It differs significantly from all the other U.S. National Forests because of its year-round tropical climate and immense biodiversity.

The rugged Luquillo Mountains, that rise to 3,533 ft. above sea level, comprise most of the forest land. Their steep slopes can sometimes receive rainfall of over 200 inches per year at the higher elevations. Caressed by gentle easterly winds, the forest has an average temperature of 73° F, and seasonal changes are almost imperceptible.

 It is the ideal climate for exuberant tropical vegetation.


The rain forest is noted for its biodiversity- it's home to thousands of native plants, including 150 fern species, 240 tree species (88 of these are endemic or rare, and 23 are exclusively found in this forest). El Yunque National Forest has no large wildlife species, but hundreds of smaller animals abound in this gentle forest, many of which exist nowhere else on the planet.


This is just one of the 150 fern species. Can you just picture how lush it was?





This was a surprise find when gazing at the view. Yokahú Tower is an observation tower within this forest. Constructed in 1963, its views are fantastic, or so we read. Most of the trails are still being repaired, thus leaving us just one more thing we must do, next time!





You know it's an excellent day when it ends at the base of a spectacular waterfall. La Isla del Encanto is enchanting indeed!