Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise, and the island’s waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the world.
This country has so lot to offer, from festivals to gorgeous hiking trails, but my personal favourite is Puerto Rico’s stunning waterfalls.
You must see at least one of Puerto Rico’s stunning waterfalls if you are visiting the island.
The majority of them are free, so all you have to do is dress in your bathing suit and water shoes.
Although I am not a native of Puerto Rico, I can undoubtedly assist you in locating the best options. Here are the best waterfalls to visit during your holiday to keep you cool!
Table of Contents
Waterfalls in Puerto Rico
Here is our top pick!
Salto Curet Waterfall
The Salto Curet Waterfall is one of the few orange-coloured waterfalls in the world, thanks to an orange clay soil river that originates in the highlands. The trailhead includes designated parking areas, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the falls from there.
On the approach to the main falls, the route to the Salto Curet waterfall passes via a couple of river vistas. The pool’s waters are not particularly deep and are also safe for guests, descending from a height of 40 feet. There are several sets of waterfalls to explore along the trail for those who like a long nature hike.
Gozalandia Falls
This waterfall, located in the west of the island, is one of the most accessible in Puerto Rico. Locals love Gozalandia Falls because of its easy access, therefore it can get crowded. The 60-foot waterfall has a huge lagoon at its base as well as a subterranean cave where you can swim. There is a parking fee, and it is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gozalandia, also known as Las Cataratas or El Roble Waterfall, is one of Puerto Rico’s hidden waterfalls.
It is well-known for its natural pool at the foot of the falls, which has deep and pure waters and draws a large number of tourists who come to swim.
An adventure at the waterfall is enhanced by a rope swing and naturally created jump rocks at the pool’s edge.
The little underwater grotto on the right of the falls is the main feature of the Gozalandia waterfall. It also features an outside cafe where visitors may relax after visiting the falls.
Las Delicias Falls
One of the most popular falls in the Bosque Estatal de Tres Picachos in Cialis is the Las Delicias waterfall, which is about one and a half hours from San Juan or one hour from Ponce. The falls are visible from the road and can also be accessed by a hike up the steps.
The Las Delicias waterfall is one of Puerto Rico’s most family-friendly waterfalls, with shallow pools at the bottom. The main waterfall is one of the most captivating sites at the falls and takes some rock climbing to get to.
It’s an excellent spot for photographs.
A popular waterfall is a bit of heaven. Located in Ciales’s Estatal Bosque de Tres Picachos. In the central portion of the island, roughly an hour or an hour and a half drive from Ponce or San Juan.
The lovely Las Delicias may be seen from the road. The water is beautifully clear, cool but not too cold, and shallow, making it ideal for a family swim.
To get to the main waterfall, you’ll have to climb over a few rocks, but it’s worth it. The sound of water pouring over curving rocks covered in plants and moss is incredibly relaxing.
Juan Diego Falls
Juan Diego Falls used to be one of El Yunque National Forest’s best-kept secrets because it’s not visible from the main road. However, as more people discover this hidden beauty, visit early to avoid the crowds. Before you get to the Juan Diego Falls, you’ll pass by smaller waterfalls and natural pools where you can cool yourself.
Juan Diego Waterfall, located in the El Yunque National Forest, is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular waterfalls due to its short hikes and series of cascades. The first waterfall in the sequence is the most accessible, however, the climb to the second falls is not suggested for beginners or children because it is slippery and dangerous.
The sequence of waterfalls along the trail also contains many swimming holes that are popular with beginners and children. The greatest picnic location at the Juan Diego Waterfall is towards the trail’s end, which is also less busy than the lower falls.
La Coca Falls
The La Coca Falls, located just off the road and easily accessible in El Yunque National Park, is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular waterfalls, attracting both visitors and residents each year. The beautiful 85-foot waterfall, located east of San Juan, is also known among locals for its La Coca route.
Catarata La Coca is a beautiful 85-foot (26-meter) waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.
Water pours down the smooth granite surface, crashing into the boulders below. The rocks are slick, so swimming isn’t recommended, but it’s a great place to stop and snap photos.
The only problem is that swimming is prohibited, but you may appreciate its beauty by taking a few photographs. The falls are crowded at their busiest times, but every tourist who visits Puerto Rico should make it a point to see them.
La Mina Falls
Cascada is another name for La Mina Waterfall. La Mina is known for its two routes, the La Mina Trail and the Big Tree Trail, which make it one of the top waterfalls in Puerto Rico. The path follows the La Mina River and is also Puerto Rico’s shortest trail, covering 29,000 acres of flora.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing (meaning COLD) soak in pure rainforest water at the base of one of Puerto Rico’s stunning waterfalls. La Mina Falls is a breathtaking 10.6m (35ft) cascade surrounded by a lush jungle and a picturesque lake.
It also includes a 35-foot pool at the base of the waterfall that may be reached by climbing down the rocks. The La Mina Waterfall is a popular picnic location in Puerto Rico, offering a picnic shelter with tables and benches.
It is the most visited attraction in the El Yunque National Forest, and it may get quite crowded with families, tourists, and groups.
The Big Tree Trail and the La Mina Trail both lead to La Mina Falls.
Las Tinajas Falls
Charco Frio has a part called Las Tinajas. You can try to reach the waterfall through the original trail to Charco Frio, but it’s much quicker to pay Mr Basilo to park and take the trail on his property at the end of the road. A rope swing may be found, which locals use to jump into the deep ponds.
The pool at the Las Tinajas waterfall is ideal for rope swings and cliff jumps, and it’s also a great site for a picnic in Puerto Rico.
For its dangerous trek and rapid currents, Las Tinajas waterfall is one of Puerto Rico’s most adventurous waterfalls. Because of the slick rocks, the trail from the river’s edge to the falls is a little risky. The bottom section of the waterfall contains a deep pool with a rope swing that is ideal for children, whereas the major stretch of the waterfall at the top needs good hiking skills.
Salto Collazo
On one side of the bridge, the waterfall is roughly 9m (30ft) high and drops into a nice pool at the bottom. It’s ideal for a swim. There are rocks near the falls that provide for a wonderful picnic spot, however, it is close to the road.
Another one of Puerto Rico’s must-see waterfalls is Salto Collazo. In San Sebastián, this waterfall is right near 111 Road. You may reach there by parking on the main road and walking down to the waterfall alongside the bridge. A second waterfall can be seen further down the river, although the trail is more difficult and less clean.
When there hasn’t been much rain, this fall isn’t much to look at, therefore it’s best to go after it’s poured to get the best flow.
A stunning 30m (100ft) waterfall may be found on the other side of the bridge. Stick to admiring the scenery from afar, as this one is difficult to reach.
Doña Juana Waterfall
This serene spot, located near Villalba, in Orocovis, in Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range, along Route 149, is unlike any other. There’s also the added benefit of not having to hike. We could park near the falls and stroll up to them.
Dona Juana Waterfall, located along Route 149 in Orocovis, is easily one of Puerto Rico’s most recognised and magnificent waterfalls. It’s also accessible because you don’t have to hike to get there. A swimming pool can be found at the bottom of the waterfall.
The natural pool at the base of the waterfall is ideal for swimming, but it is one of Puerto Rico’s coldest waterfall pools.
Despite its proximity to the road, it is not a particularly busy waterfall.
Keep in mind that it is not a developed tourist destination, thus there are no restrooms or other amenities.
La Canoa Falls
On Naguabo, La Canoa Falls is located in the subtropical jungle. This waterfall flows from El Hippie River on one of El Yunque’s sides, however, it is not accessible from the Rio Grande. If you continue past the lowest natural pool, you’ll come upon caverns, Taino petroglyphs, and a lot of greenery. If you’re looking for a rush, ask the locals where the best cliff jump is.
It’s hard to believe there are so many waterfalls to view in Puerto Rico, and most visitors will only get to see the North Side of El Yunque, but there are some great hidden jewels on the South Side, like Rio Blanco.
La Canoa Falls can be found above El Hippie Pool. A narrow valley with a 21.3m (70ft) descent between enormous boulders. I realised that the river and waterfall are part of the US Forest System’s only subtropical forest.
This neighbourhood can be difficult to navigate on your own, so I recommend hiring a local tour guide.
There are also some beautiful natural water slides here. This is one of my favourite waterfalls in Puerto Rico. I wouldn’t recommend having little children with you, though.
What is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?
Because Puerto Rico is a tropical resort, the weather is warm all year. The rainy season lasts throughout the summer. As a result, the months of December to April are the busiest for travellers. The weather is still pleasant at this time of year, with the least amount of rain. The disadvantage is that it becomes extremely crowded.
It may be worthwhile to visit shortly before or after the peak season.
How many Waterfalls does Puerto Rico have?
In Puerto Rico, there are approximately 60 main waterfalls that visitors can visit, but it is estimated that the island has over 500 waterfalls of all forms and sizes.
Conclusion
So there you have it, ten must-see waterfalls in Puerto Rico. There is still so much natural beauty to find on such a small island.
Now it’s your time to tell us about your favourite waterfalls in Puerto Rico and around the world by leaving a comment below.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
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