10 of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Puerto Rico

Gozalandia falls
Seth Myers/Shutterstock.com

Written by Volia Schubiger

Updated: June 11, 2023

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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

Juan Diego Falls is located directly in the rainforest.

Juan Diego Falls
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

A submerged cave forms part of the Gozalandia Falls.

Gozalandia Falls
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
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

The waterfalls at La Coca are among the most photogenic falls in the world.

La Coca Falls
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

La Mina Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in El Yunque.

La Mina Falls
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
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
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
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
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
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:

RankWaterfalls
1Juan Diego Falls
2Gozalandia Falls
3Salto Curet Falls
4La Coca Falls
5La Mina Falls
6Charco El Hippie Waterfall
7Las Delicias Falls
8Poza Negra Falls
9Las Tinajas Falls
10Rio Espiritu Santo Falls


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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