13 Beautiful Waterfalls in Puerto Rico you Should Visit
Chantelle KincyThe tropical paradise of Puerto Rico has an abundance of natural waterfalls that are must-sees during a visit to the island.
Some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico are just a short distance from San Juan, and some even have opportunities to swim underneath them.
If you’re looking for a way to experience some of Puerto Rico’s true beauty, then check out these stunning waterfalls.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is a tropical rainforest located in northeastern Puerto Rico and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The forest is home to some beautiful waterfalls.
El Yunque is about a 55-minute drive from Old San Juan. You can drive there and explore on your own, or you can take a guided tour.
There are many tour options available that originate in San Juan and include transportation and a local guide to help you understand the history and importance of the area.
➡️ Check out these incredible waterfall tours in El Yunque!
Entrance to El Yunque requires reservations and a $2 permit fee. You should make those reservations ahead of time at Recreation.gov.
These are the most beautiful waterfalls in El Yunque:
1. La Mina Falls
- Location: El Yunque National Forest
- Distance: 2 km/1.3 miles;
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: $2 vehicle permit+ reservation
Follow this trail through the rainforest as it winds along the Rio de la Mina before reaching La Mina Falls.
It’s the most famous and best waterfall in El Yunque National Forest, so you’ll most likely see several other hikers on their way to see it!
The waterfall tumbles down over a large rock wall for about 10.6 meters (35 feet), back into the river.
Pack your swimsuit, because there’s a small pool at the base of La Mina Falls that acts as a nice place for cooling off after the moderately challenging hike to reach it.
There are quite a few steps and rocks to climb over along the journey to the falls, so be sure to wear closed-toed shoes.
2. La Coca Falls
- Location: El Yunque National Forest
- Distance: Roadside
- Fee: $2 vehicle permit + reservation
If you’re looking for a waterfall in Puerto Rico that you can see without preparing for a hike, then La Coca Falls is for you!
This beautiful waterfall is found right on the side of the road, off of road PR-191, giving easy access to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico’s waterfalls.
The water pours down a slick rock wall for 26 meters (86 feet), over a large pile of boulders at the bottom.
Lush tropical trees and greenery, including ferns, vines, and palms surround La Coca Falls, giving it its signature rainforest vibe.
3. Juan Diego Falls
- Location: El Yunque National Forest
- Distance: 0.4 km/0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: $2 vehicle permit + reservation
This El Yunque waterfall is located in the same place as some of the other best waterfalls in Puerto Rico, but Juan Diego Falls has remained more of a hidden gem.
Tucked away from the main road, you’ll find a set of two waterfalls, which can be reached with a pretty short hike.
The first waterfall is a bit smaller but has a nice area to rest and enjoy the beautiful El Yunque Rainforest.
Continue a bit further, along a path that is fairly strenuous and can be muddy, and you’ll reach the main waterfall.
It drops over the cliff for about 12.2 meters (40 feet) and has a small pool at the base of the falls for hikers to swim and cool off before heading back to the parking area.
4. La Canoa Falls
- Location: Naguabo
- Distance: 0.4 km/0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: $5 parking fee
This unique waterfall has a whole lot more to offer than just La Canoa Falls itself! Nearby you’ll also find petroglyphs, caves, and places for cliff jumping.
Located amongst a subtropical rainforest, this waterfall drops through a large rock wall into a deep swimming pool at the base of the falls.
Since La Canoa Falls is found in the lesser-known part of the El Yunque Rainforest, you don’t need to worry as much about crowding.
Nearby you’ll find the El Hippie pool area, which is a large pool for swimming, and where many people cliff jump.
Caves surround the pool, and there are also historical petroglyphs inside.
The area around La Canoa Falls can be really tricky to navigate, as it’s a lot of stumbling over rocks and slippery surfaces, be sure and wear water shoes!
Puerto Rico Waterfalls on the West Coast
The town of San Sebastian is located in the Northwest corner of Puerto Rico. It is located approximately 1.5 hours drive from San Juan.
5. Gozalandia Falls
- Location: San Sebastián
- Distance: 0.9 km/0.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: $10 parking fee
Just a short hike will lead you to one of the most popular waterfalls on the island, Gozalandia Falls. This natural beauty is a popular destination for tourists because of its close proximity to the town of San Sebastián.
The trail to reach the falls is cemented, so it’s nice and easy to walk on, although there are a few steep steps that you’ll have to traverse.
There are a few waterfalls along the trail, with the first one being the main one, Gozalandia Falls, where you’ll find a deep natural pool that people enjoy swimming in. You can even find a small cave underwater here. You are able to jump from the rocks, but be careful and check the conditions before you do.
A bit further up the trail, you’ll find an upper fall that has a rope swing for jumping into the water.
6. Salto Collazo
- Location: San Sebastián
- Distance: Roadside
- Fee: Free
Another roadside waterfall, located just off PR-111, Salto Collazo offers the chance to see two different falls.
The first smaller waterfall can be seen from the road, and only requires a short walk from the small pullouts, dropping about 8 meters.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a taller waterfall on the other side of the road bridge, but it’s much more difficult to get to.
It’ll take some scrambling up and down a fairly steep hill, which will eventually open up to reveal another fall that is likely about 30 meters (100 feet).
Puerto Rico Waterfalls on the East Coast
7. Las Tinajas
- Location: Ceiba
- Distance:2.3 km/1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: $5 parking fee
Adventurers will love visiting Las Tinajas along the border of Ceiba and Fajardo. The trail can be hard to navigate since it’s often muddy, but because of its popularity, there will likely be others nearby.
You’ll follow the Rio Fajardo, and will eventually reach the waterfall.
Here you’ll find what’s more so a swimming hole, rather than a waterfall. There’s a rope swing, as well as several areas to cliff jump.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to swim within a fairly short distance of San Juan, check out Las Tinajas.
Puerto Rico Waterfalls on the North Coast
8. La Planta
- Location: Arecibo
- Distance: 1.2 km/0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fee: Free
Take a short hike through the lush Puerto Rican rainforest to reach La Planta, an off-the-beaten-path waterfall that’s tucked back in the brush.
If you have little ones with you, the hike to La Planta will be perfect, since it’s short and easy.
This waterfall is man-made and was once used in a hydroelectric plant. Since it’s no longer used, it makes for a nice stop while in Puerto Rico.
You can also see the remains of the old plant in the parking lot before you embark.
Puerto Rico Waterfalls located on the interior of the Island
9. Chorro Doña Juana Waterfall
- Location: Orocovis
- Distance: Roadside
- Fee: Free
This three-tiered waterfall is highly worth the visit, as it’s one of the tallest ones around, coming in at nearly 30 meters (100 feet).
You can see Chorro Doña Juana from the road, but to really appreciate its beauty, you should stop and get a bit closer.
Because it’s so conveniently located right off of PR-149, it’s very popular amongst locals and tourists.
The falls have carved a slit in the rock where the water tumbles down, falling into a natural pool, often used for swimming, so be sure to pack a bathing suit.
10. Las Delicias
- Location: Jayuya
- Distance: Roadside
- Fee: Free
This beautiful tropical paradise can be reached after just a short hike, and offers hikers a view of a beautiful waterfall. Las Delicias is surrounded by dense tropical foliage and makes you feel like you’re in some sort of enchanting movie.
There are actually two tiers to this waterfall, and you can see both of them from the base of the falls.
You can reach the waterfall easily from the road, making it perfect for anyone of all skill levels hoping to experience some of Puerto Rico’s beauty.
11. Salto Curet
- Location: Maricao
- Distance: 0.8 km/0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Fee: Free
Are you looking to go off the beaten path to find an amazing hidden gem of a waterfall in Puerto Rico? Because of the difficult nature of the trail and road to reach this waterfall, you won’t find many other visitors!
To reach Salto Curet, you’ll need to take an adventurous drive on la Ruta Panoramica and then conquer the rough entrance road.
You’ll then need to traverse through several river crossings and a few boulder scrambles before finally reaching Salto Curet.
This waterfall has two tiers, and is in total about 30 meters (100 feet) in height, with a small pool of water at the base.
12. Charco El Ataud
- Location: Adjuntas
- Distance: 0.4 km/0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: Free
If you’re hoping to visit a lesser-known waterfall, then a visit to Charco El Ataud should be added to your itinerary.
This falls is more well-known by locals than tourists, so its a great escape if you want to avoid crowds.
The waterfall drops into a swimming hole, where many people enjoy taking a dip and jumping in from the rocks.
It isn’t a great spot for little ones, since the rocks can be quite slippery and the water is deep.
Be sure to leave this hidden gem as you found it because many people have left trash in the past.
13. Charco Prieto
- Location: Barrio Nuevo
- Distance: 1.6 km/1 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fee: Free
Just an hour’s drive outside of San Juan, you’ll find the Charco Prieto waterfall.
The trail to reach the falls can be tricky to follow, as there are often slippery rocks and river crossings on it.
You’ll also pass a few other small waterfalls on the journey to Charco Prieto.
At nearly 61 meters (200 feet) tall, this stunning waterfall is one of the tallest on the island and makes for a sweet treat once you’ve arrived.
It tumbles down a steep rock face onto a stack of boulders and is surrounded by lush greenery.
If you stand close to the falls, you’ll feel a cool mist on your face, rewarding you for the hard work to get here.
Waterfalls you can Swim under in Puerto Rico
A few favorites of locals and travelers that you can swim under include Gozalandia Falls, La Mina Falls, and Juan Diego Falls.
Each of these has a small pool at the base that is perfect for taking a dip in before continuing on with your adventure.
Another popular option for swimming is Las Tinajas, featuring a rope swing and areas for cliff jumping.
Waterfalls in Puerto Rico Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous waterfall in Puerto Rico?
One of the most famous waterfalls in Puerto Rico is La Coca Falls. Because of its easy access and beautiful scenery, visitors and locals alike love this waterfall.
Where in Puerto Rico can you see waterfalls?
While there are waterfalls all around the island, you can see multiple within the El Yunque National Forest.
How many waterfalls are there in Puerto Rico?
While it’s hard to give an exact number of how many waterfalls there are on the island of Puerto Rico, it’s estimated that there are over 500 of them.
What is the tallest waterfall in Puerto Rico?
One of the tallest waterfalls in Puerto Rico is Chorro Doña Juana, which measures nearly 30 meters (100 feet).
Conclusion
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the island of Puerto Rico is by getting out and hiking and exploring it.
And seeking out some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico gives you the chance to swim and see the beauty that is within the US territory.
On your next trip to Puerto Rico, check out these natural falls.
