El Yunque, Puerto Rico
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
El Yunque | |
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Morning mist in El Yunque rainforest, Puerto Rico |
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Elevation | 1,080 metres (3,526 feet) |
Location | Luquillo, Puerto Rico |
Range | Sierra de Luquillo |
Coordinates | |
Easiest route | hike |
- This article refers to the mountain, for information on the forest typically called El Yunque see Caribbean National Forest.
El Yunque is perhaps the most famous peak in Puerto Rico despite not being the tallest, measuring 1,080 metres above sea level (Cerro de Punta, measuring 1,338 m, is the tallest peak in the island.). The mountain is located in the Sierra de Luquillo, and is part of the Caribbean National Forest.
The true sub-tropical rainforest lies completely within the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest, part of the U.S. Forest Service. It consists of a small crescent shaped band that lies over the tops of the peaks of the forest, located near to eastern end of Puerto Rico. At the top of the rainforest, lies a narrower band of dwarf forest in which plant life is stunted due to excess rain and wind. Many well marked trails make it easy to explore, there are no poisonous snakes in Puerto Rico which make this a gentle rainforest.