Puerto rico mountains: Ciales | Central Mountains | Discover Puerto Rico — Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

Posted by alexxlab
21 апреля, 2023
0 Comments

Puerto rico mountains: Ciales | Central Mountains | Discover Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Most Travelers Miss? The Mountains

Puerto Rico’s central mountain region is off the beaten tourist path, and perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Photo by Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

The need for solitude is a natural human feeling, and it’s in nature that you can satisfy it. Mountains are especially a go-to for anyone looking for peaceful isolation. Puerto Rico may not come to mind first when contemplating this kind of escape because, of course, beaches. But the diversity of the island is far greater than you might realize—and its mountains are as magnificent as its coastline.

Running east to west through the center of the island is the Cordillera Central, or the Central Mountain Range, which was once largely populated by Indigenous peoples, most notably the Taíno society. It traverses multiple municipalities and encompasses many forests, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural respites. Small farms abound and endemic flora and fauna thrive in these areas, which are among the least densely populated in all of Puerto Rico.

As with anywhere in nature, quiet in the mountains of the island doesn’t mean complete silence; here the background noise includes the chirps of coqui frogs, the perpetual woosh of a nearby waterfall, or the trills of endemic birds like the Adelaide’s warbler. But that organic soundtrack, paired with scenic views and the peace of intentional privacy, sounds as close to total serenity as we can imagine.

Below are a few ideal options for connecting with nature in this especially numinous region. Visitors should rent a car to get to any of these accommodations, some of which include additional (and still remote) attractions that require a short drive to reach. Be prepared for narrow, twisting roads, and take your time on the trek there; an unhurried mood will best set you up for a truly tranquil stay.

Swim in a river and stay at a farm in Utuado

Simultaneously breathtaking and blissfully humbling is the visually striking and historically significant Cañon Blanco, a section of the Río Caonillas that winds through Utuado, a municipality nestled in a valley of the Cordillera Central. The jaw-droppers here are the massive sun-bleached boulders; they tower over and enclose the river, from its belts of gushing waters to its deep and narrow streams of calm, swimmable pools. And many are marked by petroglyphs carved centuries ago by the island’s Indigenous Taíno peoples. Today, the area is distantly flanked by homes—and these neighbors graciously support visitors to their magical, communal backyard.

Stay nearby—above the river itself, actually—at Finca Viernes, a farm that offers fully furnished glamping (a spacious and sturdy casita with two queen beds and a twin) or tent rentals of various sizes for camping on one of its eight lots. Any of these options includes a panoramic view of the river and robust, mountainous forest. While it’s a small operation and therefore always a serene outdoor retreat, you might want to opt for a weekday stay, a time when Finca Viernes is least populated, to more fully appreciate its capacity for quietude.

Hike to waterfalls in the Jayuya region.

Photo by Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

Hike a mountain and find waterfalls in Jayuya

Deceptively named Tres Picachos, or three little peaks, this forest is home to one of Puerto Rico’s highest summits, Cerro Punta, at 3,176 feet. Local guides say the trek requires an intermediate to advanced level of hiking experience: Some plot a journey that takes up to seven hours, albeit with activities and breaks included.

Exploring Tres Picachos State Park at your own pace is, of course, another option. Take the 2.8-mile out-and-back trail at Mario Canales—but again, it’s not a trail for beginners, as rope climbing on a slant is part of the process. Spiders, overgrowth, and fallen trees are other inevitable obstacles; and any recent precipitation means slippery mud is a likelihood.

But along the way? There are waterfalls, sparkling swaths of river, and astounding trees. At the top you get 360-degree views of the Cordillera Central mountains and then some: It feels like you’re looking at the entire island from here. Tres Picachos was a sacred place to the indigenous Taíno peoples; Jayuya is known as the Indigenous capital of Puerto Rico, and there are plenty more Indigenous sites to check out throughout the municipality. But reaching the top of the highest of the Tres Picachos evokes its own special feeling—the achievement feels like a blessing from nature.

Because this area is so remote, most accommodations are beyond the forest itself. But about 30 minutes by car from Tres Picachos is Café Nativo, a coffee farm in Barrio Collores with three cabañas, each decorated with a minimalist and modern yet rustic aesthetic. Naturally, there’s a coffee shop too, open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., where visitors can enjoy breakfast and natural juices, in addition to savoring the coffee diligently cultivated, collected, and processed on-site.

Stargaze and camp in luxury in Aibonito

Find calm at La Cuchilla, a 90-acre camping property on Cerro Verdún, a mountain in the barrio of Cuyón in Aibonito, one of the southernmost municipalities in the Cordillera Central (reservations Thursday–Sunday; book through Airbnb or reach out directly via its Instagram). Options include glamping-style setups (canvas tents with comfy full-size mattresses) as well as a DIY area where campers bring their own tents. For optimum solitude, though, book La Receta de Toño, a tiny home for two built at La Cuchilla’s highest elevation. Thirty-five miles of coastline are visible from here: If the skies are mostly clear, you can even see Caja de Muertos, an uninhabited island a few miles from Ponce, off the southern coast.

La Cuchilla offers plenty for anyone looking for total respite: quiet space for a night of stargazing, an onsite lake primed for fishing, kayaks for paddling, and plenty of forested area to explore. But if you’re seeking a little something extra, head over to Las Escaleras de Cuyón, a natural pool tucked inside the same barrio as Cerro Verdún. The swimming hole is about a 15-minute walk from the entrance, so it remains a somewhat overlooked gem. This makes it all the more special, though, as it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people there; especially on a weekday, you’ll probably have its waterfall all to yourself.

>>Next: The Best Costa Rica Surf Camps for Every Type of Surfer

THE 10 BEST Puerto Rico Mountains (with Photos)

Traveler favorites

Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Traveler ranking

Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.

All things to do

Category types

Attractions

Day Trips

Outdoor Activities

Concerts & Shows

Food & Drink

Events

Classes & Workshops

Shopping

Transportation

Traveler Resources

Types of Attractions

Nature & Parks

Sights & Landmarks

Nature & Parks

Beaches
Bodies of Water
Mountains

Traveler rating

Good for

81 places sorted by traveler favorites

Clear all filters

1. El Yunque Peak

Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Open now

By EJW3

The road to the peak is smooth and paved, and the distance is shorter, but it is very, very steep. The trail to the…

2. Cerro de Punta

Mountains

By aaronrA1243XH

The road is pretty slick and gravel-ridden, so if you’re going up in the rain (or going to go down in the rain) 4-wheel…

3. El Toro Peak

Mountains

Open now

By Chutuoc

Love to comeback again to this place! Recommend for anybody wanna join with family of your wife/husband!

4. Luquillo Mountain Range

Mountains

Open now

By O8292NLingridm

OMG! You can not go wrong in Liquillo. The area is amazing, hiking the rain forest. Or the best beaches for swimming or…

5. Monte Guilarte State Forest

Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Open now

By michaelsR7082YK

I hiked to the top of Mt. Guilarte Feb. 20, 2020. I am a healthy 60 year old, the hike took about 50 min. The view…

6. Cerro Mime

Mountains

Open now

By Tumba0

The first third of the hike is fair and easy to manage and the views are arguably as gorgeous as the top and the path…

7. Cerro El Rodadero

Mountains

Open now

By brodriguezcaraballo

From the top you can see Guayanilla, Yauco, Guánica and the Caribbean Sea. Absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!

8. Tres Picachos

Mountains

9. Cerro Miraflores

Mountains

Open now

10. Cerro Morales

Mountains

Open now

11. Cerro Las Tetas

Mountains

Open now

12. Cerro Gregorio

Mountains

Open now

13. Cerro Maravilla

Mountains

Open now

14. Cerro de los Cielos

Mountains

15. Cerro Boca del Infierno

Mountains

Open now

16. Cerro La Pena

Mountains

Open now

17. La Torrecilla

Mountains

18. Cerro El Indio

Mountains

19. Cerro Palma

Mountains

Open now

20. Cerro El Bolo

Mountains

Open now

21. Cerro Santo Domingo

Mountains

Open now

22. Loma Pelagatos

Mountains

Open now

23. Cerro Piedra Gorda

Mountains

Open now

24. Cerro Farallon

Mountains

25. Cerro Amoldadero

Mountains

26. Cerro El Pico

Mountains

Open now

27. Cerro Presidio

Mountains

Open now

28. Cerro Piedra Hueca

Mountains

Open now

29. Cerro La Monteria

Mountains

30. Cerro Pulguillas

Mountains

Open now

Showing results 1-30 of 81

EJW3

Southold, NY738 contributions

Great Hike, Amazing Views!

We hiked to El Yunque Peak from the Mt. Britton Tower Parking area. It is a very scenic and enjoyable hike and the views from the peak on a clear day are amazing. From the top you can get a great view of the peaks and valleys of the National Forrest, see the Atlantic to the north, San Juan to the west, and the Caribbean to the south.
Although from the parking area El Yunque Peak looks far away and high up, the trail is well marked, well maintained, and comfortable, and the climb and change in elevation is easily manageable. When you reach the fork for the Mt. Britton Tower, the trail to the tower is to the right. It is a short hike on a spur trail and the tower is worth the visit. The service road to El Yunque peak is to the left, and the hiking trail to the peak is straight ahead on the left. I recommend that you take the trail. The road to the peak is smooth and paved, and the distance is shorter, but it is very, very steep. The trail to the peak is longer, and rocky and uneven, but it is much more scenic and the change in elevation is much more gradual.

Review of: El Yunque Peak

Written April 3, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glorimar G

4 contributions

Breathtaking view

long walk if you decide to park down by the main street. about a mile hike up the mountains. Once up there, totally worth it!

Review of: Cerro de Punta

Written October 19, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fiona

5 contributions

Unique experience

My husband and I just went today, and reached to the peak. .
We went with our crocs as we were told by the local they were right shoes to wear. We made it but I would suggested wearing hiking boots, since the trail was really muddy, and slippery.
It took us 7 hours go back and forth, and we started after 12:30 pm which put us 1 hour in the dark hiking back. The good thing is the beautiful creep followed us along

Review of: El Toro Peak

Written April 12, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ingrid M

3 contributions

Luquillo Mountains!

OMG! You can not go wrong in Liquillo. The area is amazing, hiking the rain forest. Or the best beaches for swimming or snorkeling or surfing!

Review of: Luquillo Mountain Range

Written September 21, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael S

Brewster, MA3 contributions

Hike to top of Mt. Guilarte

I hiked to the top of Mt. Guilarte Feb. 20, 2020. I am a healthy 60 year old, the hike took about 50 min. The view from the top was worth the trip. The path was well worn, but there was some scrambling and climing involved near the top. I had hiking shoes, think hiking boots and gloves would be a good idea. There weren’t too many markings but the path was well used, it would be hard to miss the trail. There was absolutely no litter along the trail and greenery and occasional birds were pleasant to see, bring a camera.

Review of: Monte Guilarte State Forest

Written March 1, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lizakq

Naguabo1,073 contributions

Amazing views

This is a must place to visit if you are in Orocovis and love nature. Beware: the GPS location won’t take you there but just follow it and ask around once you are close enough. I would say the level of difficulty is medium if you are in good condition and are not afraid of heights. Dress comfortably, wear shoes with good grip and take snacks and water. There’s a guy at the entrance of the street blocking the way with cones and charging 5$ for parking . He is also very helpful if you need anything. I would recommend going early in the morning to avoid extreme heat. Feel free to message me if you have more questions.

Review of: Cerro Mime

Written January 30, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Luis D. Ghigliotti

Ponce, Puerto Rico281 contributions

Breathtaking view!!!

If you want to feel like being in the Mount Everest of Puerto Rico, you should visit El Rodadero…. the view is GEEAT !!!. .. and the scenery out if this World.

Review of: Cerro El Rodadero

Written April 15, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dayna

210 contributions

Intense hike, unobstructed views at the top! Not for beginners or unfit people

As reviewed on Google and AllTrails, this hike is difficult and for advanced hikers. It is 2.8 miles from the start of the trail to the top and then 2.8 miles back to the car. The incline is steady 45-60+ degrees with many parts requiring use of ropes that are installed there already. I am an active 35+ year old person and I found it to be intense. Going up needed to stop and rest multiple times. Not many places to sit and break, just put my foot on a high rock and doubled over to catch my breath haha. I have never fallen before and I fell multiple times on this hike. Conditioned for the island we’re great that day, mud to be expected in the tropics. The ropes were fun at first but then never seemed like they were going to end. The peak at the top was amazing and totally worth the trek. Coming back down was east on the cardio but was really dangerous if you didn’t pay attention and properly use the ropes. One slip and down the mountain without control over jagged rocks you go! Or without loosening your grip at the right time, you could easily get rope burn. Going up took us 2.5 hours and down 1.5 hours. I was so happy to do (and survive) this hike! Went home with bruises and scrapes galore. An adventurist’s delight!

Review of: Tres Picachos

Written January 28, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.