El Yunque National Forest

Recreation - Water Play and Water Vistas

The Caribbean National forest is known for having the highest quality waters in Puerto Rico. Because it is a mountainous rain forest, there are plenty of streams, creeks, and rivers crossing the Forest. The steepness of the terrain provides numerous lovely cascades and small pools. At mid and lower elevations streams and rivers develop greater volume and width. You will find opportunities to go in for a cooling swim or enjoy the view.

La Coca Falls
At an elevation of 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level, La Coca Falls is the first spectacular feature seen by the visitor traveling up to the Forest (PR 191, km. 8.1 and km 8.2). The waters of La Coca Falls drop 85 feet (26 meters) onto a huge rock formation at the bottom of the falls. This is an excellent spot for photos.

La Coca Falls derives its name from its official owner in the 14th century, Spanish settler Juan Diego de La Coca. Historically in Puerto Rico properties have been referred to by the owner name. However, throughout time, names have undergone some evolution resulting in shortened versions. Thus, the property of Juan Diego de la Coca is presently known as La Coca Falls.

Surprisingly, these falls have never dried up. This is quite unusual given the fact that the Forest has periodic dry spells. Yet, La Coca continues to run freely and greet visitors each day. Rocks are extremely slippery and no trails are maintained around the falls. Two parking areas are available for visitors.

Juan Diego Creek
Further up PR 191 you will find the Juan Diego creek.

Baño Grande
Continue and discover the beauty of Baño Grande and Baño de Oro areas near the Palo Colorado Information Center Area. Baño Grande is located across from Palo Colorado at the trailhead of El Yunque trail at PR 191, km. 11.9. It is a beautiful man made pool filled with the waters from an upper branch of La Mina River. This 18 feet deep pool is formed by a stone and masonry dam over which water cascade. Surrounded by a cobblestone path and arching stone and masonry bridge, the pool is accompanied by an old bathhouse.

Built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, (CCC), this historic complex is an impressive man-made swimming pool.

Baño Grande was used as a public pool until 1976. Swimming is no longer allowed.

Baño de Oro
Baño de Oro is a smaller CCC era bathing complex located off PR 191 at km. 12.1 It includes a bathhouse and a small stone and mortar dam and pool, which captures the water of La Mina river headwater forming a pool. Built in the mid-1930's as a children swimming pool, it is now closed to the public. Its elevation is of 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level.

Parking is available in the nearby Palo Colorado area.

La Mina Waterfall
For the more adventurous take the La Mina trail and enjoy the cool waters of La Mina waterfall.

Baño de Las Damas
At the very end of Angelito trail, reached through PR 988, there is a natural pond locally known as El Baño de las Damas, where you will enjoy a beautiful rain forest setting. There are also many creeks and streams you can enjoy along PR 186 in the El Verde sector.

Back to Recreation