Puerto Rico is an island full of hidden gems, beautiful beaches, incredible culture and natural wonders. For those adventurous souls, who want to get out and explore, we can’t recommend Las Tinajas Falls enough.
With a series of countless rock pools formed by the Fajardo River, a large swimming hole, rope swing, cliff jumping platforms, and natural water slides, you could have hours of fun at this beautiful spot nestled deep in the rainforest.
In this blog, we’ll cover all the essential things you need to know before you visit Las Tinajas Falls, including how to get there, what to expect, need-to-know tips and more!
Where is Las Tinajas Falls?
Las Tinajas Falls is located on the western edge of El Yunque National Forest, around a 20-minute drive southwest of Fajardo.
What to Expect at Las Tinajas Falls
It’s easy to see why so many people come to Las Tinajas Falls. Buried in the rainforest, the swimming hole and rock formations produce a natural adventure park where you can have hours of fun or relaxation.
When you arrive at Las Tinajas, you’re welcomed by a large natural swimming hole with chilly water flowing (great after a hike on a hot day). On the edge of the pool, there are multiple cliff-jumping platforms of varying heights and a rope swing.
Further up the river, past the swing and cliff jumping, you’ll find natural water slides and a beautiful rocky area away from the crowds. This requires climbing up some rocks, but it’s not difficult. The further you climb, the further you get away from the crowds. We saw a few people relaxing on the rocks here—you’re surrounded by nature, and all you can hear is cascading water and the sounds of the rainforest.
Things to know about Las Tinajas Falls:
- The water is cold!
- There’s a large swimming hole, natural water slides, cliff jumping and a rope swing
- Climb up the rocks past the rope swing to get to the slides
- Keep climbing even further for a more relaxed, less crowded experience
How to Get to Las Tinajas Falls
Ok, so you can’t get to Las Tinajas Falls without a hike, and they aren’t the easiest, but we’ll get into that in a second because there are two options, and your hike will be decided by where you park.
If you’re going with a tour, it’s worth checking which hike you’ll be doing and if it will be appropriate for your fitness level.
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Parking Spot 1
The first parking spot is on the right side of the road as you approach the above Google Maps pin. It costs just $3 to park here. However, this is a longer and more sketchy hike. There are river crossings, a few rocks to climb over, and parts of the trail can get slippy. It’s probably not too suitable for small children.
If you’re an avid hiker, this is a more adventurous and fun route. However, we’d only recommend going this route if you have more time on your hands and you love hiking.
Once you’re at the falls, you can take the easier route back (see parking spot 2). However, if you haven’t parked here the owner of the land will make you pay.
Things to know:
- Cheaper parking at $3
- A longer and more strenuous hike: {INSERT HOW LONG HIKE TAKES}
- Have to hike up the river, cross the river and climb rocks
- Not suitable for small children
- The hike is wet and muddy
⭐ This 5-star guided hiking tour will take you through the beautiful El Yunque rainforest, culminating in a refreshing dip in Las Tinajas Falls.
🎒 Don’t have a rental car? This popular guided tour offers the option to upgrade and include transportation to and from your preferred location.
Parking Spot 2
The second parking lot is located on private land behind a large gate at the end of the road (almost exactly where the Google Maps pin is). So, this parking costs $10 per car and $2 per adult, but the hike is shorter and easier, taking approximately 15 – 20 minutes along a well-marked trail.
When you arrive, the gate might be closed, but give your horn a honk, and the owner will make his way over and let you in (as long as you’re there within opening hours).
Be warned though, the hike does get incredibly slippery, muddy and wet in places, so be sure to wear hiking boots or shoes with good grip. It would be very difficult in sandals or flip-flops. We saw a few people walking barefoot which is less than ideal because it was like walking on an ice rink in trainers. Some people fall victim to a broken flip-flop when they get stuck in the mud.
The added bonus of parking here is when you return, there are showers and powerful hoses to clean all the mud off your body, clothes and shoes. Do not underestimate how muddy you will get, especially if you’re one of the unlucky few who fall over! But, this is all part of the fun and you shouldn’t let this put you off this amazing adventure.
Things to know:
- More expensive parking: $10 per vehicle, $2 per adult
- Shorter hike on a well-marked trail: 15-20 minutes
- The trail gets incredibly muddy and slippery, so come prepared
- Showers, hoses and bathroom available to clean off
Does Las Tinajas Falls Get Busy?
Las Tinajas Falls is a popular spot for tour groups, meaning it can get busy. We saw a couple of groups of around 15 – 20 people. They all looked like they were having a great time, their local guides were super friendly, and it was one of the few times we didn’t feel overwhelmed by the presence of tour groups. It probably helped that we arrived late in the day.
Top Tip to Avoid the Biggest Crowds:
As much as we love an empty beach or tourist-free spot, Las Tinajas surprised us hugely. As always, we recommend getting there super early or not long before closing time.
When we arrived at the car park, the owner initially wouldn’t let us in because it was around 2-2 hours 30 minutes before closing time, but we convinced him we’d easily be able to do the hike, enjoy the falls and get back before he locked the gates. While it was still busy for our taste, we were essentially the last ones allowed in.
Las Tinajas Falls Tips
- Arrive super early or as close to closing time as possible
- Wear hiking boots or comfortable shoes with a lot of grip: it gets wet and slippy
- Wear clothes and shoes you’re prepared to get muddy
- Use the parking lot at the end of the road behind the large gate: it’s more expensive, but the hike is easier and shorter
- It gets incredibly busy – it’s a tour group hotspot
- Weekdays are a lot quieter
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Is Las Tinajas Falls Worth Visiting?
Overall, we had a great time at Las Tinajas. Yes, it does get busy, but you can avoid the crowds if you come at the right time. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the crowds, you’re in for a great time either way!
If you’re prepared to endure the slippy (but fun) hike, we’re sure you’ll enjoy a visit to Las Tinajas Falls – we certainly did!
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