Photo: Doug Hindman El Yunque Service, Caribbean National Forest, Puerto Rico Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09404A Price: $ 645 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Doug Hindman On this trip you'll experience the rainforest in all its glory, including the sounds, colors, light, and weather that make up this mysterious ecological system. As a special benefit, we will work with the pleasant and knowledgeable staff of the U.S. Forest Service, learning about the rainforest's flora and fauna from professionals who also happen to be lifelong residents of Puerto Rico. This is a serious group commitment, and promises to be a rewarding experience.  Photo: Doug Hindman The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque is home to the Puerto Rican parrot, numerous palms, tiny orchids, and giant ferns. There are four types of forest here; the highest is home to ancient dwarf trees that survive, buried in the clouds, under extreme environmental conditions. Hiking trails throughout the forest in the Luquillo Mountain Range provide access to waterfalls, rugged peaks, and valleys of ferns and mosses. In addition, the El Portal Tropical Forest Center boasts a visitor center, environmental education programs, and a conference center for the study of the rainforest. The Project  Photo: Doug Hindman
We will meet in the San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, at 2:00 p.m. on day one. We will designate a specific location later. We will then drive in our rented vehicles to our basecamp on the edge of the rainforest, from which we will drive to the work site each work day. Day 1: Arrival. Our first group meal is dinner.  Photo: Doug Hindman Day 2: Today we explore El Yunque including a visit to El Portal Visitor Center and a hike to a picturesque waterfall. Days 3-4: Work days. Day 5: Our day off. Visit Old San Juan, the island of Culebra, go snorkeling, or just relax. The choice will be a group decision, as transportation is limited. It's also the cook's day off so we'll eat dinner (included) at a local restaurant.” Days 6-7: Work days. After dinner on Day 6 we'll have a unique treat; a kayak trip into a bioluminescent bay where the water (literally) glows from natural micro-organisms. Day 8: Depart after breakfast, arriving at the airport by noon.
Our basecamp is the lawn of a small USFS home on the edge of the rainforest. It has a kitchen, dining room, and two rooms where we can keep our gear. It has a single small bathroom so we'll plan to shower at the USFS workcamp after work each day. The trip cost includes breakfast, a bag lunch, and dinner each day. Our meals will be mostly vegetarian. As with all Sierra Club trips, assisting with kitchen duties is part of the experience.
This service trip will require stamina and a flexible attitude. There are usually a variety of tasks, but you should be prepared to do whatever the Forest Service deems necessary. Most trails have steep ascents, and mist or rain is common. Although the highest peak stands at only 3,526 feet, the weather conditions may be extreme. As a result, good conditioning, stamina, and a willingness to work hard are necessary to fully enjoy this trip.
This trip does not require specialized equipment. You will need a tent and sleeping bag. The leader will send out a detailed list to each participant.
For general information: Maps You can order maps from: Books
Websites Conservation El Yunque is a popular destination -- some would say overused. On this trip we'll discuss the role of the U.S. Forest Service and the need to balance access to these majestic forests with the impact of heavy visitation.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Doug Hindman has led over a dozen Sierra Club outings since 1991. 2007 will mark his fifth trip to El Yunque. In his other life, he is a clinical psychologist and chemical weapons disposal activist. E-mail: Douglas.Hindman@eku.edu General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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