Did you know know that El Yunque is the only tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System?

Located approximately 45 minutes to an hour from San Juan, a trip to El Yunque offers trail hikes, waterfalls, and views that have remained virtually unchanged. More than 100 billion gallons of precipitation fall here annually, spawning rushing streams and cascades, 240 tree species, oversized ferns, and more!

In the evening, millions tiny coquís (tree frogs) begin their calls. El Yunque is also home to el cotorra, Puerto Rico's endangered green parrot, as well as 67 other types of birds. Formally known as the El Yunque National Forest, El Yunque's name is believed to be derived from the Taíno word yukiyú (good spirit), although some people say it comes directly from yunque, the Spanish word for "anvil," because some of the forest's peaks have flattened tops.

Puerto Rico has countless hiking, mountain biking, and reserves as well. Most reserves and camping areas require a permit which can be obtained in San Juan from the Department of National Resources of the Government of Puerto Rico, which works in conjunction with other conservation groups. They include:

• Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

• La Selva Nature Reserve

• Susua Forest Reserve

• Vega Reserve

• Piñones Reserve

• Aguirre Forest Reserve

• Tortuguero Lagoon Reserve

• Toro Negro Forestry Reserve

•  Rio Abajo Forest Reserve

• Punta Guaniquilla Reserve

• Punta Ballena Reserve

• Maricao Forest Reserve

• La Cordillera Nature Reserve

• Jobos Bay Reserve

•  Ines Maria Mendoza Reserve

• Boqueron Forest Bird

• Guajataca Forest Reserve

• Humacao Natural Reserve

• Cambalache Forest Reserve