El yunque in english: El Yunque National Forest — History & Culture
How to Visit Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical forest in the US National Forest System, El Yunque is rebounding from damage by Hurricane Maria, with a newly reopened visitor’s center and eco-friendly accommodation options. Nomad Jessica shares what she loves about this park and her favorite things to do here.
Photo © Jessica van Dop DeJesus
El Yunque, the lush green rainforest on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, is one of my favorite places in the world. Coquíes (a tiny frog whose call sounds like coh-qui) serenade you along the winding roads of Río Grande that lead to the rainforest. You can’t help but admire the palm trees, the pops of color from the bird of paradise flowers, and the darting hummingbirds. Entering El Yunque immediately gives me a sense of peace.
The rainforest was severely damaged in September 2017 by Hurricane María, and it took several years for the park to reopen. Many of the scars of María are still here. Before the hurricane, visitors could enter El Yunque without prior reservations. Now, visitors need to reserve an entry and check the current conditions as some trails are temporarily closed. Here are some tips on how to best prepare for your visit.
- Getting there and making reservations
- Visiting El Portal de Yunque
- El Yunque trails and hikes
- Eco-conscious accommodations at El Yunque
- Community experiences at El Yunque
Getting there and making reservations
Getting to El Yunque is straightforward by car, and as public transportation is impossible, a rental car is the best bet if you want to explore on your own. Located in the municipality of Río Grande, it’s an hour’s drive east from San Juan.
To enter El Yunque, you must make a reservation before arrival. There have been several reservation booking window changes, so I highly recommend checking with the official website before you plan your trip.
In 2021, I reserved our entry several weeks ahead, but this year (2022), we could only book 24 hours in advance. I recommend being online the minute the reservations open for the day because they sell out fast. It costs $2 per vehicle to reserve, and there’s a limit of two vehicles per reservation.
Certified private tour operators have different reservation systems, so you can always reserve a guided tour ahead of time. Also, if you don’t want to do a tour or can’t get a reservation for your car, the Angelito Trail, located at the base of the forest, does not require a reservation. The trail is an easy, short hike to the Mameyes River with shallow natural pools that are fun for any age. You can also park and take a short nature path at El Portal del Yunque (visitor’s center) without a reservation.
Visiting El Portal de Yunque
I recommend starting your visit to El Yunque by visiting El Portal, the visitor area that reopened in January 2022. As well as information and exhibitions about El Yunque, there are forest rangers on staff that can answer any questions.
Given the constant changes with the trails and roads, going over a map with the rangers is a good idea, even if this is not your first visit to El Yunque. They can also tell you about each trail’s length and challenge level so you can plan your experience.
The view from El Portal de Yunque. Image credit: Jessica van Dop DeJesus
The space is modern and airy, surrounded by rainforest vegetation. One of the things that caught my eye was the many breadfruit trees I saw during my visit. Breadfruit (pana) is a popular ingredient in Puerto Rican food, and I was delighted that I could order tostones de pana (fried breadfruit) with my lunch at the El Portal restaurant. It’s the ultimate forest-to-plate experience. The cost to enter El Portal is $8 per adult but note that there are several ways you can qualify for free entry.
El Yunque trails and hikes
El Yunque has 24 miles of recreational trails for all levels. Due to weather and trail conditions, they are subject to closures.
Check this page for a complete list of trails and their availability. Here are currently available trails I find particularly worthwhile:
El Angelito Trail: this trail, outside the restricted area, takes you to the natural pool created by the Mameyes River in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy hike, perfect for those traveling with a family or who could not get a reservation at the park. (No reservations needed.)
Rio Sábana Trail: you can only get to this trail through the south entrance from the town of Naguabo (around an hour’s drive). It’s a pretty challenging 2.2mi, with limited cell phone signal. Since it’s off the beaten path, it’s less crowded. However, you must be an experienced hiker to go on this trail. (No reservations needed.)
Britton Trail and Tower: this challenging trail takes you on a steep walk through the Cloud Forest (take a right towards Mount Britton Tower) or go straight or left to continue on to El Yunque Peak.
On a clear day, you can see a stunning view of the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico. (Reservations needed.)
La Coca Trail: one of the most challenging trails at El Yunque is only 1.8mi but mostly uphill. Given that it’s a tough trail, it’s less crowded, and you’ll encounter some swimming holes and small waterfalls along the way. Make sure you prepare with water, proper clothing, and shoes if you plan to take this trail. (Reservations needed.)
Juan Diego Trail: this easy trail has a surprise at the end: a waterfall. It’s only .125mi long and relatively flat, perfect for families and those with mobility issues. (Reservations needed.)
View from the top of Britton Tower. Image credit: Getty Images / Jennifer Blount
Eco-conscious accommodations at El Yunque
Currently, camping is not permitted at El Yunque due to damage from Hurricane Maria, but there are plans to open camping facilities in the future. However, Yuquiyú farm, located at the foothills of El Yunque, offers eco-friendly treehouses with rainforest views.
If you’re looking for a group retreat, consider Casa Alternavida, located only 15 minutes from El Yunque. It provides a series of group events focusing on the healing powers of the nature of El Yunque and its surroundings.
If you want a traditional hotel experience, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is a newly renovated resort with eco-conscious features like a hydroponic farm (currently being built), reusable water bottles throughout the property, and installing solar power in the near future.
If you want to volunteer at El Yunque, check out Love in Motion, a non-profit that focuses on conservation throughout the island. Love in Motion organizes a 7-hour trail maintenance experience. Visit their website for the schedule and details about the cleanup.
You can also support community group, Grupo Conciencia, through its Adopt a Coquí Program in partnership with Discover Puerto Rico. A donation of $25 will allow you to symbolically “adopt” one of the iconic frogs.
Coquí adopters will receive a keepsake adoption certificate for their contribution to supporting conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience efforts by the organization.
A coqui frog. Image credit: Getty Images / Kevin Schafer
By Jessica van Dop DeJesus,
World Nomads Contributor — Thu, 11 Aug 2022
Related articles
7 Things to Know Before Visiting Puerto Rico
Many travelers don’t know much about Puerto Rico beyond its historic capital of San Juan. Puerto Rico native Jessica shares her tips on the hidden side of the island, from quiet beaches and lively towns to experiencing the local culture.
Green Stays on a Budget and How to Find Them
Contrary to popular belief, sustainable stays don’t have to be expensive.
In fact there are more budget eco-options than ever before.
Hiking & Trekking
Hit the track with confidence in your insurance, as well as your boots.
Travel Insurance
Simple and flexible travel insurance
You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
yunque in English — Cambridge Dictionary
yunque
noun
[ masculine ] /’ʝunke/
anvil
El herrero martillaba una pieza de metal incandescente en el yunque.
The smith hammered a piece of red-hot metal on the anvil.
Golpea sobre el yunque.
anvil
No escucha bien a causa de una malformación en el yunque.
She can’t hear properly because of a malformation of the anvil.
En el accidente se rompió el yunque.
Translation of yunque | PASSWORD Spanish–English Dictionary
yunque
noun
anvil
[noun] a block, usually of iron, on which metal objects (eg horse-shoes) are hammered into shape
Browse
yuan
yudo
yugo
yugular
yunque
yunta
yuppie
yute
yuxtaponer
Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes
- {{randomImageQuizHook.
copyright1}} - {{randomImageQuizHook.copyright2}}
copyright1}}Image credits
Try a quiz now
Word of the Day
exoplanet
UK
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
/ˈek.səʊˌplæn.ɪt/
US
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
/ˈek.soʊˌplæn.ɪt/
a planet of a star that is outside the solar system
About this
Blog
Moreover, consequently and therefore: ways to link ideas (2)
Read More
New Words
butter board
More new words
has been added to list
To top
Contents
GLOBAL Spanish–EnglishPASSWORD Spanish–English
90,000 lost paradise: travel to the east coast of Cuba
- Kelips Badal
- BBC Travel
Author photo, Thinkstock
This is a real Eden, where there is almost no persons: unrelated tribes , azure coast, gourmet cuisine and an amazing city.
BBC Travel correspondent talks about Cuba unknown to tourists.
Wild East of Cuba
Azure waves. Sugar white sand. Luxurious tropical trees, under which a wide mountain range is hidden. When in 1492 Christopher Columbus sent his ships to the bay in the eastern part of Cuba, this is exactly what he saw.
Image copyright Tanveer Badal
«There is so much beauty here that I don’t have enough words to describe it,» Columbus wrote to his royal patrons in Spain. «The beauty of nature here surpasses anything I’ve seen before.»
More than 520 years later, the charm of this island has not diminished. Even the coastline has hardly changed since the time when Columbus looked at it. You still won’t find many hotels in this lost part of the island. Tourists generally come here infrequently.
The colorful coastal town of Baracoa
Photo by Tanveer Badal
Lost in the eastern part of Cuba is the tiny town of Baracoa, which, nevertheless, has serious claims to fame.
This is not only the place where Christopher Columbus first landed on the island, but also the first capital of Cuba, as well as the oldest Spanish settlement.
Despite this, Baracoa’s isolated location has kept the city from becoming popular. The only way to get to the city from Guantanamo on the island’s west coast is on the hilly and windy 120-kilometer La Farola Highway, which was completed only 1965 year. Today, clumsy little planes fly from Havana twice a week. Otherwise, you can get to Baracoa only by sea.
However, the lack of infrastructure is not such a big drawback, as it allowed the inhabitants of Baracoa to preserve their unique traditions, culinary tastes and outlook on life.
Baracoa’s wave-washed promenade
Photo by Tanveer Badal
On one side of the city’s promenade, Malecón, the Atlantic Ocean opens up to the endless distance. On the other hand, Mount El Yunque rises above a heap of buildings of the 18th-20th centuries.
In the daytime, the inhabitants of the city leisurely stroll along the embankment or sit on a stone fence near the sea. At night, in the diffused light of street lights, impromptu musical concerts or ball games are held here. Rev. .), France and Haiti.
Baracoa’s savory dishes include lechita sauce, a mixture of coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic and spices poured over seafood, or tete river fish, a Baracoan delicacy available from August to December. Fish is traditionally served fried with scrambled eggs or dried as an appetizer.
There is no shortage of sweet delicacies here either. The suburb of Baracoa is at the heart of Cuban cocoa production, and hence chocolate is everywhere. Try chorrote, a thick hot chocolate that is sometimes served in cafés or made at home. Bars of homemade concentrated dark chocolate are sold on almost every corner.
Original Baracoan Dessert
Photo by Tanveer Badal
Baracoa is the only place in the world where cucurucho is made.
Outwardly, the dish resembles an ice cream cone. The dessert is wrapped inside a palm leaf, to which a handle is attached to keep it from melting. The dish, which has the consistency of a thick paste, consists of coconut, sugar, honey, nuts, guava, and papaya. Cucurucho can be eaten simply with your fingers. Locals say that this dessert is best prepared by peasants who sell it along the road.
Table Mountain
Photo by Tanveer Badal
Near Baracoa is Mount El Yunque («Anvil». — Rev. ) with a flat top at a height of 575 meters. You can reach the plateau in one day of fairly heavy climbing. The summit overlooks Baracoa Bay, the neighboring Alexander Humboldt National Park, recognized by UNESCO and named after the famous German scientist, as well as four rivers — Toa, Yumuri, Miel and Duabarives — which are among the widest in the Caribbean.
If you’re lucky, you can see the smallest bird in the world — the bee hummingbird.
Paradise
Photo by Tanveer Badal
The national park’s lush green forests extend from the Sagwa Baracoa mountain range down to the ocean. According to UNESCO, the park has «the richest tropical island ecosystem in the world.» Its flora and fauna includes thousands of endemic (inherent only to this region) species, in particular, more than a thousand flowering plants, mangrove forests and palm trees, cocoa and banana trees.
World’s smallest frog
Photo by Tanveer Badal
Look closely. On this sheet sit one of the smallest amphibians in the world, as well as an honorary resident of the national park. The critically endangered Eleutherodactylus Iberia frog is the smallest in the Northern Hemisphere (and the third smallest in the world), only about 10 millimeters long. Now scientists are closely watching these unique tiny creatures. They are also sure that many other, unknown species of animals are hiding in the eastern part of Cuba.
Unspoiled beaches
Photo by Tanveer Badal
North of Baracoa lies the cozy Maguana Beach, formed by a raised patch of sand. You can get to this paradise from Baracoa by taxi or a leisurely bike ride. Scattered along the coast, beach houses serve fish dishes from the day’s catch and fruit juices.
Only a handful of hotels are located here — a haven for a few brave travelers who decide to come here. Unlike the crowded beaches of luxury resorts on the north coast of Cuba, Maguana is a real lost paradise.
River of Honey
Photo by Tanveer Badal
To the east of the main beach town of Baracoa, Playa Boca de Miel, lies a river with the gentle and beautiful name Rio Miel, or Honey River. Local legends say that anyone who bathes in it will always want to return to Baracoa. And if this city remains as untouched as it is now, is it possible not to be carried away by it for life?
Perhaps the charm of the wild nature of eastern Cuba is only a matter of time.
In the meantime, travelers, inquisitive enough to wander into this lost land, will fall in love with him just like Christopher Columbus once did.
Read
The original of this article in English can be found on the website
BBC Travel.
English translation, synonyms, antonyms, examples of sentences, meaning, phrases
|
The island has an area of approximately 3650 hectares and consists mainly of fertile land located in a shallow valley. |
It covers an area of about 3,650 hectares, consisting mostly of a fertile, shallow valley. |
|
The largest island of Territory with an area of ,122 square kilometers is St. Helena, on which the administrative center of the territory, Jamestown, is located. |
The islands enjoy a tropical climate tempered by trade winds that blow throughout the year. |
|
Fraser Island is a World Heritage Site covering ,1840 square kilometers off the east coast of Australia. |
Fraser Island is a 1,840 square kilometer World Heritage Site located off Australia’s eastern coast. |
|
The ditch dates from the 13th century and surrounds an artificial island with an area of 22,200 m2. |
The moat dates from the 13th century, and surrounds an artificial island of 22,200m2. |
|
Bird Island started as a wooden platform with an area of four square meters, rising three meters above sea level. |
Bird Island began as a wooden platform measuring four meters square, three meters above the sea. |
|
Taxi Reef is a small rocky island with an area of 1.14 hectares in the southeast of Australia. |
Tucks Reef is a small rocky island , with an area of 1.14 ha, in south — eastern Australia. |
|
Barro Colorado Natural Monument includes the 16 km2 island of Barro Colorado , which is covered in rainforest and boasts an almost intact mammalian fauna. |
The Barro Colorado Nature Monument includes the 16 km² Barro Colorado Island , which is covered with tropical forest and boasts a nearly intact mammal fauna. |
|
The island has turned into a huge construction site site , which completely destroyed most of the old streets and quarters. |
The island became an enormous construction site, which completely destroyed most of the old streets and neighborhoods. |
|
Several viewpoints offer a unique view of the Wizard Island. |
A few viewpoints offer unique views of Wizard island . |
|
These assets included the 74 ACRA Greek island of Skorpios and its smaller islet Sparti. |
The assets included the 74 acre Greek island of Skorpios and its smaller islet, Sparti. |
|
He came to the island of Ayaye, where the houses and dance floors are located. |
It came to the island of Aiaiē, where are the home and dancing — spaces. |
|
East island , area 120 sq. km growing The El Yunque National Forest is one of the most important carbon capture and storage systems in the Caribbean. |
On the island’s eastern tip, the nearly 29,000 — acre El Yunque National Forest is one of the Caribbean’s most important systems for capturing and storing carbon. |
|
Two islands with a total area of 81,000 square meters? |
The two islands having a total area of 81,000 square meters? |
|
The infobox seems to say that the total area of island is 41 acres, but later, in the text of the article, area is said to be 0.16 square miles. |
The infobox seems to say the island’s total area is 41 acres, but later, in the body of the article, the area is said to be 0. |
|
The two most important islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for about three-quarters of the country’s total land area. |
The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which account for about three — quarters of the total land area of the country. |
|
No dry landing sites The main attractions of Darwin Island are in the Pacific Ocean, which is rich in a wide variety of marine life. |
With no dry landing sites, Darwin Island’s main attractions are found in the Pacific Ocean, which is teeming with a large variety of marine life. |
|
In the center of the island is area Kléber, the central area of the city. |
At the center of the island lies Place Kléber, the city’s central square. |
|
In 1983-84, plot of 1 ha, located just south of Langebro, was placed at the disposal of the local council of the island of Bruges. |
In 1983 — 84, an area of 1 hectare, located just south of Langebro, was put at the disposal of Islands Brygge Local Council. |
|
Many pilots from all over Cyprus and visitors to the island use this area as a launch pad . |
Many pilots from all over Cyprus and visitors to the island use the area as a launching spot. |
|
May 9th is celebrated as Island Liberation Day where celebrations take place at Liberation Square. |
9 May is celebrated as the island’s Liberation Day, where there are celebrations in Liberation Square. |
|
Ngazidzha is the largest of the Comoros archipelagos, approximately equal in area to of all the other islands combined. |
Ngazidja is the largest of the Comoros Archipelago, approximately equal in area to the other islands combined. |
|
The launch took place from pad 0A of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. |
The launch took place from Pad 0A of the Mid — Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island , Virginia. |
|
The park is located on Calauit Island, a 3700 hectare island in the Calam Island chain off the coast of Palawan in the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines. |
The park is located in Calauit Island , a 3,700 hectare island in the Calamian Islands chain that lies off the coast of Palawan in the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines. |
|
The adjoining Ponte della Liberta road and terminal parking on Tronchetto Island and Piazza Roma were built in the 20th century. |
The adjoining Ponte della Libertà road causeway and terminal parking facilities in Tronchetto island and Piazzale Roma were built during the 20th century. |
|
Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is located at two sites in the area and is the only high school on the Isle of Sheppey. |
Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is located over two sites in the area, and is the only secondary school on the Isle of Sheppey. |
|
The white marble for plaza, terrace and steps was made in Proctor, Vermont, and the granite for the porches was made at Deer Island , Maine. |
The white marble for the plaza, terrace, and steps came from Proctor, Vermont, and the granite for the approaches came from Deer Isle, Maine. |
|
Oman maintains large areas of mangroves near Muscat, in particular in Shinas, Qurm Park and Mahout Island. |
Oman supports large areas of mangroves near Muscat, in particular at Shinas, Qurm Park and Mahout Island . |
|
In May 2007, Brosnan and Smith donated $100,000 to help replace playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where they have their own home. |
In May 2007, Brosnan and Smith donated $100,000 to help replace a playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where they own a house. |
|
Main complex occupying area over 2000 square meters, is still the largest catacomb ever found on island . |
The main complex, covering an area of more than 2000 square meters, is so far the largest catacomb ever to be found on the island . |
|
Launch pads are accessible from the main paved road on Wake Island via paved and coral roads. |
The launch sites are accessed from the main paved road on Wake Island by paved and coral roads. |
|
Millwall played various grounds on Dog Island. |
Millwall played on a variety of grounds on the Isle of Dogs. |
|
Each area marked by four roads was called islet , the Roman equivalent of a modern city block. |
Each square marked by four roads was called an insula, the Roman equivalent of a modern city block. |
|
The main attraction of the city is the entertainment complex at Plaza Ontario, Hyde Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, Island Park on Lake Ontario , the golden tower of the Royal Bank Plaza building, the Roy Thomson Concert Hall, the symbol of the city — 553 -meter CN Tower, the famous shopping complex Eaton Center and much more. |
The main sights of the city is the entertainment complex at the Ontario square, Hyde Park and Queen Elizabeth’s Park, Islands Park on Lake Ontario, golden tower of the Royal Bank Plaza, Roy Thomson Concert Hall, a symbol of the city – 553 — meter “CN Tower”, the famous shopping mall Eaton Center and many others. |
|
Total area British Isles — 325,000 km2. |
The total area of the British Isles is 325,000 km2. |
|
The Bahamas consists of 700 islands scattered in the ocean in an area of 80000 square miles and conveniently located between the largest producers of drugs and markets for their consumption. |
Covering 80,000 square miles of ocean, the Bahamas comprises 700 islands which lie conveniently between the major producer and consumer markets for narcotic drugs. |
|
Japan consists of four large islands and more than three thousand small ones, which is approximately equal to area of California. |
Japan consists of four major islands and over 3,000 small islands , and is about equal to California in area. |
|
Their total area is 244 km2, which is 54% of the total land area of the Seychelles and 98% of the total population. |
They have a total area of 244 km2, comprising 54% of the total land area of the Seychelles and 98% of the entire population. |
|
Florida has a total of 4510 islands which are ten acres or more over area . |
Florida has a total of 4,510 islands that are ten acres or larger in area. |
|
It covers an area of 138 hectares and was an island , but now a mangrove forest connects it to mainland Palawan. |
It spans 138 hectares and it used to be an island , but now, a mangrove forest connects it to mainland Palawan. |
|
During the summer months, the museum has access to the Fort Putnam Historic Site at the Main Post and access to Constitution Island of ,282 ACRA. |
During the summer months, the museum operates access to the Fort Putnam historic site on main post and access to the 282 acre Constitution Island . |
|
The station provides access to the island of COIB with an area of ,500 km2 and extensive coral reef systems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. |
16 square miles . 