Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, resorts, and sunny weather are the first things that most people think of when they think of the island. But don’t be fooled. Puerto Rico features an incredible landscape that includes mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls. We’ve compiled a list of 10 beautiful waterfalls in Puerto Rico you’ve got to see if you’re planning a vacation to this Caribbean island.
1. Juan Diego Falls
Juan Diego Falls | |
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Location: | Río Grande, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | El Yunque National Forest |
Animals to See: | Brown Bat, Broad-winged Hawk |
The Juan Diego Falls are an amazing set of waterfalls located in the El Yunque National Forest. Getting to the falls is fairly easy, and once you’ve reached the pools, you can cool off by swimming. Because the Juan Diego Falls cannot be seen from the road, they can sometimes be overlooked, but this allows these falls to be kept a secret.
2. Gozalandia Falls
Gozalandia Falls | |
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Location: | San Sebastián, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | Guajataca Lake |
Animals to See: | Gray Kingbird, Green Heron |
The Gozalandia Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Puerto Rico. The falls tend to be quite crowded because tourists come from all over the world. This waterfall is so popular because of how accessible it is. This 60-foot waterfall cascades down into a deep pool of water below that you can even swim in. If you’re looking for some adventure, there is also a 30 ft cliff from which you can jump straight into the pool.
3. Salto Curet Falls
Salto Curet Falls | |
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Location: | Maricao, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | La Torre de Piedra |
Animals to See: | Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Flycatcher |
Salto Curet Falls may not be an easy waterfall to reach, but once you’ve arrived, it is well worth it. You must drive along a curving, winding road through Maricao to reach the falls. Once you’ve finished the drive, an additional 20 minutes of hiking is necessary to see the Salto Curet Falls. With a height of 100 feet, the cascade is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making for a serene experience.
4. La Coca Falls
La Coca Falls | |
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Location: | Río Grande, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | El Yunque National Forest |
Animals to See: | Giant Toad, Puerto Rican Boa |
La Coca Falls is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Puerto Rico. It takes about 5 miles along the La Coca Trail to reach the falls, located at the entrance to the El Yunque National Forest. The 85-foot-high falls feature a breathtaking drop. If you are going, don’t forget to bring your camera!
5. La Mina Falls
La Mina Falls | |
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Location: | Río Grande, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | El Yunque National Forest |
Animals to See: | Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Parrot |
Hiking La Mina Trail is the best way to see La Mina Falls. Even though the hike is less than a mile, it is considered quite difficult due to the concrete stairs you encounter on the way back. The waterfall has a beautiful cascade that rises 35 feet to a pool of clear water. You can even swim in the blue water if you want.
6. Charco El Hippie Waterfall
Charco El Hippie Waterfall | |
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Location: | Naguabo, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | Tropical Beach Naguabo |
Animals to See: | Emerald Anole, Bananaquit |
Charco El Hippie is known as one of Puerto Rico’s hidden gems. The falls have many areas for swimming, including a rope you can swing on to cannonball right into the water. Don’t miss the Petroglyphs carved into the rocks around the area. These were said to have been carved out by the indigenous people of the island.
7. Las Delicias Falls
Las Delicias Falls | |
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Location: | Ciales, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | Coffee Museum of Puerto Rico |
Animals to See: | Cane Toad, Brown Widow |
Las Delicias Falls are located in Ciales. From the road, you can see the falls, but when you get up close, it’s a whole different experience. There is a crystal clear pool below the cascade, perfect for swimming. There is nothing more refreshing than watching the water cascade gently over mossy curved rocks as the cool breeze hits your face.
8. Poza Negra Falls
Poza Negra Falls | |
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Location: | Barrio Nuevo, Northern Region, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | Luis A. Ferré Science Park |
Animals to See: | Frogs, Lizards |
In Puerto Rico, there is a waterfall called Poza Negra Falls that not many people know about. The falls cascade down jagged rocks into a pool below at the height of 130 feet. You’ll be surrounded by lush trees on a mossy green landscape. Due to their lesser-known status, these falls won’t have too many crowds, so you will be able to enjoy the quiet sound of the water flowing.
9. Las Tinajas Falls
Las Tinajas Falls | |
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Location: | Ceiba, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | Medio Mundo Beach |
Animals to See: | Green Iguana, Black-Bellied Plover |
There’s no better place in the world to escape the everyday grind than Las Tinajas Falls. The walk to the falls takes about a half hour and is best suited for hikers who are more experienced. There are many cliffs and rope swings nearby, so you can jump off them once you reach the falls.
10. Rio Espiritu Santo Falls
Rio Espiritu Santo Falls | |
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Location: | Río Grande, Puerto Rico |
Nearby Attractions: | El Yunque National Forest |
Animals to See: | Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper |
Rio Espiritu Santo Falls can be reached via a moderately difficult trail through the mossy green forest. Although this waterfall isn’t as popular as some of the others, that may work to your advantage if you’re looking for some peace and quiet to appreciate nature. A trip to the falls isn’t complete without a swim since the water within the falls is at the perfect temperature.
Summary of the 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Puerto Rico
Here is the 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Puerto Rico:
Rank | Waterfalls |
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1 | Juan Diego Falls |
2 | Gozalandia Falls |
3 | Salto Curet Falls |
4 | La Coca Falls |
5 | La Mina Falls |
6 | Charco El Hippie Waterfall |
7 | Las Delicias Falls |
8 | Poza Negra Falls |
9 | Las Tinajas Falls |
10 | Rio Espiritu Santo Falls |
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