Discover the local secrets on your next trip to Puerto Rico and you’ll be rewarded with incredible hiking and waterfalls. There are caves to explore, cliffs from which to jump and refreshing pools in which to soak. Breathe in the fresh mountain and jungle air around you and enjoy this secret side of the island. Here are our favorite Puerto Rico hikes and waterfalls.
Gozalandia Falls, San Sebastien
You’ll find these 60+-foot falls on the west side of Puerto Rico, complete with an upper falls swimming area and rope swing. It’s a popular place on a hot summer day, so plan to arrive early. Pay $5 at the parking lot, then take the short hike over hard sand and pavement to the main falls. Continue about a quarter-mile farther to see the upper falls.
At the main falls, you’ll find a small half-submerged cave that you can swim into. There’s also a jumping-off point (popular with the locals) if you want to climb the falls and take a 30-foot leap of faith. Wear water shoes and use the ropes to safely climb to the jumping spot. There’s also a family-friendly, shallower area for swimming. At the upper falls, try the rope swing or jump off the rocks (not nearly as high as the jump at the main falls).
Juan Diego Falls (Charca Juan Diego), Rio Grande
This hidden forest waterfall has tropical paradise written all over it! Three separate cascades comprise the glorious falls, accessible via a short hike by the side of El Yunque National Forest’s main road. Splash about in the stunning natural swimming pool, then keep walking to get to the bigger falls. Park your car around kilometer 10 of the PR 191 and watch carefully for a sign – you can’t see the falls from the road and they’re not part of any guided tours, so this is definitely the off-the-beaten-path destination you’ve been seeking.
Chorro de Dona Juana, Toro Negro State Forest
This three-level waterfalls sits alongside Road 149 of La Ruta Panoramica through Orocovis, Ciales and Villalba. Take all the photos you want, but be sure to bring along a bathing suit so you can take a quick dip. Hike down to the bottom of the falls to reach the natural pool. As it’s so easily accessible, this is an easy add-on to a day of outdoor adventures in the area.
Salto Curet, Maricao
A favorite of the locals, this under-the-radar waterfall surrounds you with the ethereal sights and sounds of the jungle. You’ll have to drive past the bayside city of Mayaguez, through a mountainous area to the coffee town of Maricao, then take a 15- to 20-minute hike upstream to reach the nearly 100-foot-tall waterfall, which naturally divides in two. Take a swim or search for the smaller trail to the left that leads you up the rocks to a rushing waterfall above.
Las Tinajas, Fajardo
This one takes a bit of effort to get to, but it’s well worth it. You’ll find Las Tinajas on the east coast of Puerto Rico in the mountains of Fajardo along the river Charco Frio. These waterfalls act as natural waterslides, with deep natural pools for swimming. It’s about a 20- to 25-minute hike to the first pool and small waterfalls. Keep going upstream for a second pool.
La Canoa Falls, Naguabo
This lesser-known spot of the El Yunque is along the El Hippie River in Naguabo. There are caves, pre-Columbian petroglyphs and a fantastic waterfall, plus a great swimming hole surrounded by smooth boulders (known as El Hippie or El Salto by the locals). Like some other secluded Puerto Rico falls, this one requires a hike to find it (it is not reachable via El Yunque’s main entrance in Rio Grande).
Las Delicias
Between Ciales and Jayuya, the fairytale-esque setting of Las Delicias evokes images of enchanted forest creatures and magical elves. The falls are in Tres Picachos State Forest and are draped in moss and ferns. The higher you hike, the bigger the falls get. And, it’s just an easy five-minute walk from the road to get there.
La Coca Falls
Here’s an easy one to see if you’re traveling on PR-191 or on the La Coca Trail. It’s a photographer favorite for its seemingly smooth surface and the water gliding over the top.
Las Cataratas Waterfall, Naranjito
This natural gem is on Route 152 around kilometer 18. Look for the restaurant of the same name in Naranjito (you can see the falls from the restaurant).
El Ataud
Embrace your inner Indiana Jones and venture to El Ataud waterfall. The road to get here is a trip in itself. Then you’ll hike upstream to a number of smaller waterfalls before reaching El Ataud. Be sure to bring your camera to document your journey! If you dare, take the 30- to 40-foot jump from the top of the falls.
La Mina Falls, El Yunque Rain Forest
Cuevas del Indios (Indian Caves), Arecibo
This hike leads you to water, but of the ocean variety, not the river and waterfall type. Pay $2 for parking, grab your sunscreen and camera, then start your hike up the sharp cliff sides. The salty ocean spray will cool you off as you peer off the edge to glimpse the arches and tunnels below. Explore the world down below you to see the Taino Indian petroglyphs (you can use handmade ladders to get to the base of the cave). Wander through the tunnels and listen to the waves crashing outside.