To get a feel for the rain forest's mystery and lush beauty, stop first at El Portal Tropical Rain Forest Center, located just inside the entrance to El Yunque. Exhibits range from high-tech multimedia displays to a giant light-up map that shows how the rain forest supplies water to much of the island. At El Portal, you can also obtain maps of picnic areas, drive-up waterfalls and hiking paths. If you follow one of the marked trails, you may see rare plants and animals, such as the melodious coquis (tiny tree frogs) or the multicolored Puerto Rican parrot. Comfortable clothing and closed shoes recommended. Daily 7:30 am-6 pm, El Portal Tropical Rain Forest Center 9 am-5 pm. US$3 adults, US$1.50 seniors, free for children younger than 16. Groups of 15 or more pay half price. Highway 191 (off Highway 3, about an hour's drive east of San Juan), Rio Grande. Phone 787-888-1810 ext. 7001. http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean.
