1. El Yunque: RainForest Experience
Visit the Caribbean National Rain Forest, known as El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. Learn about its rugged land, which climbs from almost sea level to about 3,500 feet above sea level and is doused with up to 200 inches of rain every year. Hear the story of the good spirit "Yuquiyu", part of an ancient legend, who reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people. See the same sights as those that dazzled the first Spanish Explorers more than 500 years ago, see the forest from the 69-foot Yokahú tower, and take beautiful pictures at La Coca Falls. Marvel at 1,000-year-old trees, strange plants with exotic rainbow-colored flowers, and thick vines with great masses of lush red blossoms waving in the cool breeze. Hear the incessant, yet delightful tow-note chanting of the "Coqui," the chattering of unseen tropical birds, and, with some luck, the squawk of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.