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The Caribbean National Forest, commonly known as EL YUNQUE (daily 7.30am-6pm; free), looms, shrouded in mist, over eastern Puerto Rico. The 28,000-acre forest is visible from San Juan rooftops, 25 miles away, rising 3500 feet above sea level on the easternmost stretch of the Cordillera Central. The only rainforest in the US Forest System, it is deluged with more than 100 billion gallons of rainfall a year, and is home to more than 240 tree species and a panoply of rare flora and fauna, most notable of which is the endangered cotorro , or Puerto Rican parrot, in the oldest stand of the forest; only thirty are in existence, all of them here. Some of the trees in the palo colorado , the section of forest that grows above 2000 feet, have stood for more than a thousand years. In fact, the only remaining virgin forest on the once tree-covered island is here. Below 2000 feet is the driest section of El Yunque, with tabonuco, palm , and ausubo trees, and more than fifty types of orchids . The region above 2500 feet is dominated by mountain palms, ferns and mosses. The highest level of growth is cloud forest , also known as dwarf forest, where trees, stunted by strong trade winds, rarely grow higher than twelve feet tall. To explore the forest, you can choose from among 23 miles of pathways, many of them paved. The trails with the finest views depart from the Palo Colorado Information Centre (daily 9.30am-5pm) at km 11.8, about half a mile from the summit. The most popular, El Yunque Trail , ascends through cloud forest to El Yunque peak; for waterfalls , take the Coca or La Mina trail. More experienced hikers may want to tackle the almost four-mile Tradewinds Trail which climbs El Toro , the highest peak in the forest, at 3522 feet. It's a good idea to wear good walking shoes with rubber soles, and light, loose clothing; also bring a poncho in case of rain. There are no concession stands, only vending machines; so bring snacks.
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