Asked by: Herculano Kadiri
travel day trips

What does Yunque mean?

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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.


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.

Related Question Answers

Vitaly Lozhchenko

Professional

Is El Yunque one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

El Yunque is home to 150 fern species and 240 tree species of which 88 are found only in Puerto Rico and of those 23 are found only in this exceptional rainforest. El Yunque is currently one of the 28 finalists in the competition to become one of the seven most impressive and unique natural attractions in the world.

Exequiel Dankert

Professional

What animals are in El Yunque?

At El Yunque there 50 species of birds, 11 species of bats, 8 species of lizards, and 13 species of coquí (a tree frog). Also found here are several species of shrimp and fish. Snakes are rare. The Puerto Rican Boa, which can reach a length of 90 inches, can be found.

Merien Endner

Professional

What can you do at El Yunque?

Top things to do in El Yunque
  • Top Choice Nature Reserve. El Yunque National Forest.
  • Top Choice Health Food. Degree 18 Juice Bar.
  • Top Choice Ice Cream. Peccas Helado Artesanal.
  • Top Choice Cafe. Lluvia Deli Bar.
  • Waterfall. La Mina Falls.
  • Viewpoint. Baño Grande & Baño de Oro.
  • Viewpoint. Yokahú Tower.
  • Cafe. Mi Vida Café & Burger.

Siranush Nuhmann

Explainer

Can you go to El Yunque without a tour?

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a trip to El Yunque National Rainforest and let me start by saying first and foremost you DO NOT need a guided tour to enjoy El Yunque. Tours cost about $50-$100 per person including a guide and transportation from most popular hotels on the island.

Elsita Sternin

Explainer

Why is El Yunque unique?

El Yunque is also renowned for its unique Taíno petroglyphs. Indigenous people believed that El Yunque was the throne of their chief god Yúcahu, so that it is the Caribbean equivalent to Mount Olympus. El Yunque National Rainforest is currently partially closed until further notice due to Hurricane Maria.

Adelo Bakunts

Explainer

Is Puerto Rico a state?

As it is not a state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in the United States Congress, which governs the territory with full jurisdiction under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950. However, Puerto Rico does have one non-voting member of the House called a Resident Commissioner.

Oleh Majjer

Pundit

Is Puerto Rico safe?

Puerto Rico is considered relatively safe, especially in a few key areas. Though some neighborhoods pose more of a safety risk than others, the biggest concern of all is theft, such as pickpocketing or carjacking. Pickpockets are particularly common in touristy areas and on public transportation.

Nakita Chase

Pundit

Daniela Santamarta

Pundit

What is fongo food?

Mofongo (Spanish pronunciation: [moˈfoŋgo]) is a Puerto Rican dish with fried plantains as its main ingredient. Plantains are picked green and fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón (mortar and pestle). It is traditionally served with fried meat and chicken broth soup.

Selenia Alcock

Pundit

Is there Uber in Puerto Rico?

Uber, for the most part, doesn't operate in Puerto Rico. You can get some limited service in the San Juan area but that is pretty much about it. With other ride-share apps like Lyft or Juno, there is no operation in Puerto Rico whatsoever.

Mazen De Luca

Pundit

Are there monkeys in Puerto Rico?

You will see many neat things in Puerto Rico, but wild animals are not usually one of them – except if you go check out Monkey Island. Monkey Island (officially Cayo Santiago) is a small island, about 1 nautical mile off of the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, that is home to about 1000 free-roaming Rhesus monkeys.

Georgiev Galamba

Teacher

How tall is the Yunque?

1,055 m

Guiayara Irulegui

Teacher

How much does it cost to visit El Yunque?

$4.00 for adults and $2.00 for senior citizens age 65 and over. Children age 15 and under and education groups will not be asked to pay an entrance fee.

Ishfaq Mohaiemen

Teacher

Who founded Puerto Rico?

Christopher Columbus

Ethelbaldo Arau

Teacher

How is the coqui?

Puerto Rican Coqui. The Puerto Rican coqui (pronounced ko-kee) is a small arboreal frog that's brown, yellow, or green in color. Its scientific genus name—Eleutherodactylus—means “free toes” because, unlike many frogs, the coqui doesn't have webbed feet. They are one of the largest frog species found in Puerto Rico.

Asier Gulau

Reviewer

What is special about the trees in the Yunque forest?

At an average temperature of 73° F (21° C), the Forest has the ideal climate for exuberant tropical vegetation. The rain forest is noted for its biodiversity; it is “home” to thousands of native plants including 150 fern species, 240 tree species.

Kendra Giovanni

Reviewer

Azibar Fichera

Reviewer

Can you swim in El Yunque?

Swimming in El Yunque
The U. S. Forest Service recommends two swimming holes in El Yunque. La Coca Falls drops 85 feet, spilling over a huge rock formation into a pool that is perfect for wading and swimming. Look for the La Coca Falls parking area shortly after entering the park.

Jokin Allali

Reviewer

Are there poisonous spiders in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is home to a number of spiders, including one of the dangerous ones, the Brown Recluse. With the exception of one family, commonly called Hackled Orb Weavers, all spiders use venom to kill their prey. However, very few have venom toxic enough to be dangerous to humans.