Puerto Rico Waterfalls – 21 Fantastic Falls to Discover

Puerto Rico Waterfalls You Don’t Want to Miss

One of my favorite things while traveling is finding the best waterfall. Let me tell you, Puerto Rico waterfalls do not disappoint and you can find them all over the island! There are certainly clusters in specific areas like El Yunque National Forest, but this enchanting island has many hidden cascades scattered all throughout its jungles and mountains.

 Puerto Rico Waterfalls in the Northeast
& El Yunque National Forest

1. Juan Diego Falls

First up on the list is Juan Diego Falls, located in El Yunque National Forest. If you opt for a tour within El Yunque, this waterfall may not be on the itinerary, which makes it a little more special. That being said, it has become more popular over the years.

Finding this waterfall is fairly easy. Once inside El Yunque, parking will be located just after the 9.6km marker. There is also another small parking area a bit further down.

Note that these are actual parking areas, albeit small ones. They each fit 7-8 cars depending on how people park. You will probably see cars parked on the side of the road but you can park in designated areas like these. Like most hiking spots, it will fill up so the earlier you go the better.

Once you park, head towards the 10km marker and you’ll see the entrance to Juan Diego Creek. The creek will be on your left but if you follow the steps on your right for 5-10 minutes, you will find the waterfall.

If you continue to hike for 15-20 minutes, you’ll find a second, larger waterfall roughly 40 feet high. This trail isn’t very well marked and it’s pretty off the beaten path with steep parts, fallen trees, and mud depending on the weather.

*Note that for any of the waterfalls within El Yunque, you’ll need to make a reservation for the forest ahead of time here on the government website.

2. La Mina Falls

Sadly, La Mina, another El Yunque waterfall, is still closed as of 2023.

According to local sources, this trail is scheduled to reopen in 2024 (you can check the status on the National Forest website). When it does, you can find it at km 12.2 and there is parking in adjacent areas nearby. With its exquisite 35-foot drop, it’s definitely worth a stop!

3. La Canoa Falls / Charco El Hippie

You can find this local spot on your own, but this may be one where you splurge on a guide for the best overall experience. It can be a tiny bit tricky to find and the road here is very narrow in parts. 

As far as parking, sometimes locals will allow visitors to park on their property for $5. If that’s not available, you’ll need to park further away. El Hippie is a swimming hole, home to some petroglyphs. You can locate those downstream from the main pool, but this is where a guide may come in very handy.

The waterfall itself, La Canoa is approximately 70 feet tall and flows into the El Hippie pool. If you’re in the pool and you look up through the gorge, you’ll see the waterfall. You can climb up the rocks on the right side of El Hippie to reach the top of the waterfall but take care as it can be wet and slippery.

4. La Coca Falls

Next on the list of Puerto Rico waterfalls, La Coca Falls is very easy to find, just after the El Yunque entrance. There’s a small parking lot across from a gift shop and restroom, and it’s just down the road from Juan Diego Creek and La Mina, at the km 8.1 marker.

There’s no swimming here but this waterfall is a stunner with an 85-foot drop, so certainly a photo op worth taking advantage of while you’re exploring El Yunque.

5. Las Tinajas – Puerto Rico Waterfalls just Outside El Yunque

This Puerto Rico waterfall can be very crowded with tour groups but if you go there early in the day or during the week, you may be able to have more of this little gem to yourself. The waterfall itself isn’t the largest, but there’s a rope swing and some natural slides, so it’s a great picturesque spot to cool off if you time it right.

Drive to Charco Frio, just outside of El Yunque’s bounds, and pay to park in one of the locals’ lots. The further down the road you go, the shorter your hike into Las Tinajas but you will pay more for this convenience and how much “adventure” you’re truly looking for. The walk itself is very muddy and depending on your route you’ll likely have to cross the river, so dress and prepare appropriately.

6. Los Pilones Waterfall

While I am adding this waterfall to this Puerto Rico waterfalls list, it is with the caveat that I cannot fully recommend it.  This may be one to ask a local about and get someone more knowledgeable to take you. While others have written about this waterfall and swimming hole, the easiest way to access it is through private property, which I never feel good about doing without permission. 

There is a trailhead marked on Google, but if you’re visiting the Canóvanas area it’s probably best to inquire nearby or speak to the property owner.

7. Las Paylas (Las Pailas)

Being fair, I suppose this isn’t specifically a waterfall, but the water here has carved natural waterslides which are popular among locals. This playground can be found in Luquillo, north of El Yunque. 

You can pay a local man to park here. It’s usually $5 per car and then $1 per person to follow the trail down to the water. There are two main slides. The smaller one is roughly 15 feet long and is located downstream from where the river and the trail meet. The longer and faster slide is twice as long, and upstream. 

Be careful as the surrounding area can be wet and muddy, and a slippery rock could certainly put a damper on your day. Watch the locals to see where they enter the slides. Local kids are often quick to give advice and show you the ropes!

 Southern Puerto Rico Waterfalls

8. El Survivor Waterfall, Patillas

The Carite Forest is located in the southeastern section of Puerto Rico and spans five municipalities: Guayama, Cayey, San Lorenzo, Patillas, and Caguas. Unfortunately, this majestic forest has sustained a lot of damage from recent hurricanes, and so the hiking trails and recreation areas have not been maintained compared to others.

However, you can access this waterfall easily by parking at Los Tres Chorros bar. From here, follow the street down towards the river, cross the two bridges, and then follow the footpath down to the end. This will require a moderate level of fitness, but here you will find Survivor Falls and also be rewarded with three clear swimming holes.

9. El Salto Collores Waterfall

Under 40 minutes from Ponce, this waterfall is easy to access and a great spot if you want to truly relax. While other swimming holes and beaches can get rowdy, the people who maintain this spot do not allow music. 

When you come down the road here, you’ll see a gate and a sign for the estate – “Estancias L-E”. You can pay the property owners $10 for parking and use the restroom here as well. Then it’s just a quick walk down to the waterfall. (You can even see the waterfall from the parking area).

Central Puerto Rico Waterfalls

10. Charco Prieto Waterfall

Just south of San Juan, you’ll hit the suburb of Bayamón, and within it one of the most impressive Puerto Rico waterfalls, Charco Prieto (also called Poza Negra). This journey may not be appropriate for the average tourist. If you’re concerned at all about trekking through the river, scrambling, or climbing wet rocks, I suggest finding a guide to take you, just to be safe! 

Many have done it without a guide, so if you’re an experienced hiker and ready for the challenge, make sure you have appropriate footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Depending on your fitness level, the trek in will take you 30-60 minutes, but it will be well worth it once you lay eyes on this 130-plus-foot tall stunner.

11. La Niebla Falls & El Negron Waterfall

La Niebla is located within the Cañon de San Cristóbal, one of the deepest canyons in the Caribbean. It’s also considered one of the tallest waterfalls in Puerto Rico, but sources vary greatly, measuring it anywhere from 240 to 300 feet high. 

The hike to the waterfall, and through the canyon, is a moderately challenging one. This is another one that may be guide-worthy, so you have help traversing the slippery terrain.

12. La Plazuela Waterfall – Puerto Rico Waterfalls Plus a Swimming Hole

If looking at a map of the island, this Puerto Rico waterfall is smack dab in the middle, in the town of Orocovis. Follow Rt 593 towards “Salto La Plazuela” on Google Maps. You’ll come to a sign that says “4×4 only” and they mean it. Unless you are extremely experienced, I recommend avoiding this scary, hole-filled road and walking down to the river. It is steep but not a very long walk, however, be prepared that the climb back up will be significantly more difficult.

Once you reach the river there’s a slightly dodgy hanging bridge, perfect for that unique social media shot. (But maybe cross at your own risk). Follow the river upstream and within 15 or so minutes you won’t be able to miss the stunning and tall Cascada La Plazuela. 

As a bonus, you can continue scrambling upriver over rocks until you reach Charco el Guitarra, a refreshing swimming hole. As with any of these Puerto Rico waterfall hikes, make sure you have quality footwear, water, and sunblock to protect yourself from the elements.

13. Mete Miedo Waterfalls

I can’t say I’ve actually seen this waterfall up close, and I don’t know anyone who has. However, if you’re driving on Road 157 in Orocovis, keep your eye out for this brilliant Puerto Rico waterfall.

14. Cascada Chorro de Doña Juana

Once you start exploring Puerto Rico, you soon find out that the mountain roads are not for the faint of heart. But after white-knuckling it around narrow, windy roads, you are rewarded with spectacular views. One such sight is the Doña Juana waterfall.

This Puerto Rico waterfall does not require a hike. It is right along Road 149. Be careful as there’s not much parking along the street, but there is a small shop just up the road that sells drinks and snacks. If you can find a parking spot there, spend a little time enjoying a local treat and admiring nature.

15. Cascada Las Delicias – Puerto Rico Waterfalls in the Mountains

Cascada Las Delicias is an enchanting Puerto Rico waterfall, located within the Tres Picachos State Forest and near the towns of Jayuya and Ciales. Though the mountainous terrain and windy, narrow roads can be intimidating, once you arrive, it’s a very quick walk from the road to the waterfalls. 

Park along the side of the road and follow the concrete steps down to the first waterfall. Yes, I said first waterfall.  There are technically two! In order to reach this picturesque sight, with water cascading over moss-covered rocks, scramble upstream over a few rocks.

16. Cascada de Jayuya

This little hidden gem is only visible after some rain, and there’s no pool at the bottom for cooling off. Luckily though, it’s easily accessible off of 140 in Jayuya. 

17. La Soplaera Waterfall

La Soplaera is found along the Guayanes River and is part of a network of waterfalls that flow down through Peñuelas’ Jaguas neighborhood. As with most roads through the mountains, the road here is accessible but narrow. 

There is parking nearby and a concrete trail leading from the road, so it’s not too difficult to find. There is a second waterfall if you continue past the first. You’ll need to wade through the water and do some trekking both in the river and also allow a narrow path. 

If you have time before or after the waterfall, make a pit stop in the town of Penuelas where you’ll find shops and local restaurants.

West Puerto Rico Waterfalls

18. Gozalandia Falls

One of the most well-known and most visited Puerto Rico waterfalls, Gozalandia is popular for good reason. It is both breathtaking and fairly easy to access. Starting from San Sebastian,  follow Route 111 and then turn onto Route 446. Cross the bridge and then continue until you see a gate on your left. Here you can pay to park ($10 per car).

Close to where you park, there are also bathrooms and a restaurant. From here, it’s just a quick five-minute walk to the first waterfall. This tall stunner has a nice, deep pool for swimming and many like to jump off the rocks from above into it. There is also a small cave to the right of the waterfall if you’re feeling particularly brave.

You may want to continue along the pathway to explore other swimming holes. Or even trek another ten minutes to another waterfall, but it will require a bit of scrambling.

19. Salto Collazo

While visiting Gozalandia, you can check another Puerto Rico waterfall off your list. Technically, these are two waterfalls along the roadside in San Sebastian. One you can see very easily from a bridge, but the other requires more of a trek.

Salto Collazo is located where 111 and 448 meet, east of San Sebastian. While it’s close to the roadway, it’s a nice spot for a picnic or a break.

20. Salto Curet

Looking south to the town of Maricao, let’s switch gears from a popular cascade to one of the Puerto Rico waterfalls that’s more off the beaten path. The journey to this waterfall requires some river crossing, which obviously can be done, but isn’t the easiest.

First, take Route 105 east out of Maricao. After about 10 minutes or so, it will intersect with Route 425, which you’ll turn right onto. Once on 425, you’ll find the road gradually deteriorates. With a 4×4 vehicle, you may be able to go further, but I recommend stopping when you feel uncomfortable and walking the rest of the way.

If you look on Google Maps, you’ll see there are two spots where the Rio Lajas crosses 425 and where you’ll need to. Eventually, you’ll reach a house with signs for Salto Curet. From here, this last leg will be a 10-minute walk upstream to reach the waterfall. 

21. Charco El Pilón

Not far from Salto Curet, Charco El Pilón is a crystal clear oasis. The trailhead is located up San German’s mountains off Route 362. You can park here and then follow the dirt road to the trail. The hike in took us under an hour . You may be able to do it faster but it was pretty slippery, so give yourself plenty of time. 

This waterfall and pool is a great place to hike and swim, even if the pool here isn’t super deep. Charco El Pilon is a great stop if you’re visiting the beautiful sights of western Puerto Rico, like Rincon or Cabo Rojo. Since parking is limited, I suggest coming in the morning if possible. 

Not only will this help with parking, but you may have the swimming hole to yourself. Who doesn’t want a peaceful dip and that instagrammable Puerto Rican flag all to yourself?

In Summary – Puerto Rico Waterfalls

It isn’t possible to count the number of waterfalls in Puerto Rico. The more you explore this beautiful island, the more breathtaking waterfalls you will find. This list just scratches the surface. Whether you’re happy to spend the afternoon at a popular watering hole, or you’d rather blaze your own trail through the jungle to a secret cascade, there’s something for everyone.

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