Mar 31, 2023 • 5 min read
It’s hard to escape the allure of Puerto Rico’s natural beauty. With its wealth of breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, misty mountains, and stunning waterfalls, there’s no shortage of heart-stirring adventures for nature lovers. From bioluminescent bays that light up the night to seaside caves, the Island’s natural wonders will leave you in awe of its splendor.
Whether you are an adventure seeker or want to bask in the beauty of nature, Puerto Rico’s top natural wonders will captivate and inspire you. Therefore, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of wondrous beauty and experience the Island’s rich and diverse ecosystems.
Explore the Waterfalls at El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the only subtropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System and is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can hike many scenic and well-marked trails while appreciating the towering trees, vibrant flowers, and rushing streams.
As you enter the park, don’t miss La Coca Falls, located just off Road PR-191 right after the entrance checkpoint. The 85-foot drop is impressive, making this a great stop for breathtaking photos. For a more hands-on experience, head to Juan Diego Creek, where a short trail winds through the forest alongside smaller waterfalls and pools. You’ll be delighted by a 20-foot cascading waterfall, whose shallow pool allows you to swim right up to the fall.
Keep in mind, prior reservations are necessary to visit El Yunque. Timed tickets can be obtained at Recreation.gov, but act early as tickets are in high demand. Reservations are counted per vehicle, not per person, and shared-ride vehicles like Uber or Taxis are prohibited inside the park. If you have no reservation, consult the park ranger about open trails like Puente Roto or the Angelito trail.
Marvel at the Glow-in-the-Dark Biobays
Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s best-known bioluminescent bays: Mosquito Bay in Vieques, La Parguera in Lajas, and Laguna Grande in Fajardo. These bio bays are filled with tiny microorganisms called dinoflagellates. When disturbed, the “dinos” emit a bright blue-green light, creating a magical glow that can be seen while kayaking, boating, or splashing in the water. It is advisable to plan your trip carefully; the best time to witness bioluminescence is during a new moon, when the sky and water are darkest.
The brightest of the three is Mosquito Bay, but spending the night on Vieques is essential to fully experience it. The road is unpaved and can be challenging to navigate at night, so it’s best to book a tour. Operators like Taino Aqua Adventures offer transparent kayaks, enhancing the magical experience.
La Parguera is the second brightest, where a boat tour is required as kayaking isn’t allowed. Natural Wonders provides transport from San Juan, or you can find a tour directly from Lajas. Lastly, Laguna Grande allows you to venture on your own via paddleboard or kayak, but be warned, it’s a 3-mile roundtrip paddle to the bay.
Take in the Views at Cueva del Indio in Arecibo
It’s all about the views at Cueva del Indio, a vibrant cave on the sea’s edge on Puerto Rico’s rugged northern coast. The site was once utilized by the Taínos, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico, and ancient petroglyphs predating Columbus’ arrival in 1493 can still be found here.
Although climbing into the cave is no longer permitted, you can still admire its impressive entrance, towering rocks, and mighty blowhole. The intricate rock formations were formed by erosion over thousands of years, allowing you to explore the arches, eyes, and even a natural bridge during your visit. Just remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the exposed limestone can be sharp and rough.
Hike Down the Deepest Canyon in Puerto Rico
Cañón San Cristóbal is the deepest canyon in the Antilles, reaching depths of up to 750 feet. It’s a haven for experienced outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy challenging hikes across lush trails, sheer rock walls, and rushing streams and waterfalls. A river flows through the bottom, forming scenic waterfalls and refreshing pools for hikers, including El Juicio (The Judge), a stunning cascade that measures 250 feet tall.
Both the descent and ascent are physically demanding and ideally accomplished with a local guide on an organized tour. Go Hiking Puerto Rico operates both basic hiking tours and more intense tours involving rappelling and rock climbing. Another recommended operator is Para La Naturaleza, the nonprofit unit of the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, responsible for the maintenance and conservation of the land.
Family-Friendly Falls at Gozalandia in San Sebastián
Gozalandia is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Island, especially for families with children or individuals with limited mobility, as access to the falls is fairly easy. From the paid parking area, it’s merely a five-minute walk down a well-maintained trail to reach the first falls. Visitors can swim right up to the falls, which tower at about 60 feet.
If you continue along the trail past the first falls for about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the upper falls. Although usually less crowded, both sets of falls tend to attract visitors on hot days; therefore, arriving early is suggested to avoid the crowds.
Experience Playa Negra in Vieques
Playa Negra, also known as Black Sand Beach, is a picturesque beach located on the island municipality of Vieques. The unique black magnetic sand (bring a magnet to test it out!) is formed from volcanic rock, giving the beach the distinct and visually striking appearance that sets it apart from other beaches in Puerto Rico.
From the roadside parking, it’s approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk down a well-worn dirt path. Although the sand starts off white, it turns black as you walk toward the beach, contrasting strikingly against the golden cliffs and the blue waters.
Practical Tips
Sudden downpours are common in Puerto Rico, so it’s wise to be prepared for wet weather at some point during your visit. If you venture to a river or waterfall, everything will likely get wet, particularly your shoes. Therefore, consider bringing an extra pair in a dry bag. Flip-flops are only suitable for the beach; elsewhere, sturdier footwear is necessary. Be aware that flash floods can be quite dangerous, so always check the weather for warnings. Lastly, trash cans are rare at most locations, so it’s crucial to bring your own trash bag and leave the environment better than you found it.
