The Ghost Lights of El Yunque – Spirits in the Mist?

If you’ve ever wandered the winding paths of El Yunque just before dusk, you know there’s something different about that forest. The way the mist curls through the trees, the hush of frogs as the wind shifts, the feeling—almost a knowing—that you’re never quite alone.

And if you linger long enough, you might catch a flicker of light between the trees. A pulse. A shimmer. Something… glowing.

Many who’ve hiked El Yunque after sunset whisper about mysterious lights that seem to dance through the darkness—glowing orbs in hues of soft gold or faint blue, floating just out of reach. They vanish as quickly as they appear. Are they fireflies? Fungus? Or something older, something sacred?

A Forest of Spirits

To the ancient Taíno people, El Yunque was not just a forest. It was the home of the gods. The mountain itself was known as Yukiyú, a powerful and protective spirit who watched over the island from his cloud-wrapped throne.

The Taíno believed the rainforest pulsed with spiritual energy. Every tree, stream, and stone carried a presence. They left carvings—petroglyphs—near waterfalls and rivers, calling on the spirits for guidance and protection. In their world, the forest was alive.

And perhaps, still is.

The Lights and the Legend

Some elders say the lights are the spirits of ancestors, walking through the rainforest to make sure it is respected and unharmed. Others say they are guardians, appearing when someone is lost or in need.

There’s even a lesser-known tale—passed down more as a whisper than a formal legend—of Yukiyú’s Flame. According to the story, a young warrior once got caught in a terrible storm while hunting in the forest. As he stumbled through the dark, a soft light appeared ahead of him, flickering gently like a lantern. He followed it, and it led him safely out of the forest. When he turned back, the light had disappeared—but the path behind him was clear.

Since then, some believe that when the forest chooses, it shows you the way.

But not always.

Other stories warn that the lights don’t always lead you out. That if your heart is not pure—or if you disrespect the land—they might guide you in circles, deeper and deeper into the wild, until you forget which direction you came from.

A Touch of Science

Of course, modern science offers a more grounded explanation.

Some species of bioluminescent fungi can be found in Puerto Rico’s forests, glowing faintly on logs or tree trunks. Certain beetles, like click beetles, emit steady glows instead of blinking like fireflies. And under the right conditions, humidity and mist can reflect distant lights or moonlight in strange ways, creating optical illusions that look otherworldly.

Still, none of these fully explain why so many people describe lights that seem to move—not just glow.

And none of them explain the feeling that often comes with it: awe, wonder, and just a little bit of fear.

Mystery That Endures

Maybe it’s easier to believe it’s all just biology. Or maybe, deep down, we don’t want that. Maybe we like the idea that something ancient still lingers in the rainforest—watching, whispering, and glowing softly in the dark.

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System, and its misty peaks, rushing waterfalls, and thick green canopy remain full of mystery. Whether you come for a hike, a legend, or a moment of silence, the forest always leaves its mark.

So if you ever find yourself on the trail at twilight, and a flicker of light catches your eye—pause. Watch. But think twice before following.

After all, some lights are meant to guide you home.

And others… just want to be seen.