Cerro de Punta Puerto Rico

Cerro de Punta


Elevation 4,390 ft (1,340 m) 

Listing

North America isolated peaks 43rd


Coordinates 18°10′21″N 66°35′31″W 

Geography


Cerro de Punta is located in Puerto RicoCerro de PuntaCerro de Punta


Location Ponce and Jayuya, Puerto Rico


Climbing

Easiest route PR-143


    Cerro de Punta or just Cerro Punta is the highest peak in Puerto Rico, rising to 1,338 meters (4,390 ft) above sea level. The mountain is part of the Cordillera Central and is located in the municipality of Ponce.

Location


    The mountain is part of the Cordillera Central and is located on the border between the municipalities of Jayuya and Ponce.] The access road to the point closest to the highest elevation is from the municipality of Jayuya.[It is part of the Toro Negro Forest Reserve, and it has been described as "an alpine runt." It is located on the western end of the Toro Negro State Park. The mountain is just north of east-to-westbound Route 143. It is located at coordinates 18.172458 and -66.591839W. The nearest populated place to Cerro de Punta is Urbanization Vega Linda, located 3.3 miles away.



Geology


    Unlike many Caribbean mountains, Cerro de Punta is not a volcano but simply the highest point in the Cordillera Central. Cordillera Central is the central mountain range that divides the island by running in an east-west fashion.


Best view



     View from Cerro de Punta, highest point in Puerto Rico

The view from atop Cerro de Punta is said to be "the best view in all of Puerto Rico". On a clear day, it is possible to see virtually the entire island, including as far as San Juan, which is over 75 miles away. There are a number of radio and television transmission and re-transmission towers just off the top of the mountain. There is an observation platform at the top of the mountain.


Wildlife and flora


     The mountain is home to an abundant amount of wildlife, lush vegetation, flowering shrubs and trees, and numerous waterfalls. The mountain is covered by palm trees. Various plants, including some endangered species are found here. The endangered fern Elaphoglossum serpens is found only on this mountain and nowhere else in the world.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_de_Punta