San Juan Waterfun, Río Grande /Frazier Nivens
Río Grande June-2008, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Río Grande
The only rain forest in the US National Forest system.
Originally, Río Grande developed as a sugarcane and coffee plantation area. Today it is known as “Ciudad de El Yunque” since 45% of the Bosque Nacional El Yunque is within the municipal boundary. With over 120" of annual rainfall, El Yunque is the wettest area of Puerto Rico.
There are two entrances to the forest: Rt 186 and Rt 191 (the main entrance). Coming in Rt 191, you first encounter the El Portal Rain Forest Center. This is a dramatic open-air structure featuring three pavilions with detail on the ecology, environment and history of El Yunque.
Deeper into the forest you will find visitor centers, lookout towers, waterfalls and hiking trails. The La Coca Falls are right on the road. The Mina Falls are a fairly easy 30- to 45-minute trek (each way). The trails in El Yunque run from family friendly to serious hiking and are well marked. All the tour operators offer tours of El Yunque.
This much rain also makes for great golf courses, and this area offers outstanding courses, some of which run right on the ocean.
>How to go:
On Rt 3 the turnoff is clearly marked (in the Palmer area) for El Yunque. Take Rt 191 all the way into the forest.
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