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This forest is commonly known as El Yunque, which may be attributed to either a Spanish approximation of the aboriginal Taíno word yu-ke which means "white lands", or the word "anvil," which is yunque in Spanish. The highest mountain peak in the forest rises 3,494 feet (1,065 m) above sea level.
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Thereof, how did El Yunque get its name?
The forest get its name from an Indian spirit Yuquiyu (or "Yokahu"), which means "Forest of Clouds", that gave the mountain that dominates the 28,000 acres of tropical forest.
Subsequently, question is, is El Yunque dangerous? None of the animals of the forest, large or small (including insects) are poisonous. The tarantulas, scorpions and centipedes found in the forest can provide a venomous bite (similar to a bee sting) but are only dangerous to those who are allergic. I have heard that it rains frogs in the El Yunque National Forest.
In respect to this, why is Yunque important?
So El Yunque is vital for Puerto Rico's water supply and for its natural heritage. El Yunque is not only a refuge for endangered species, but also a refuge for people. In fact, it has an international reputation as a refuge—it's one of the most important destinations in the Caribbean for ecotourism.
How far is El Yunque from San Juan?
The distance between San Juan and El Yunque National Forest is 38 km. The road distance is 51.6 km.