Hiking in puerto rico: Popular Hiking Trails in Puerto Rico

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January 22, 2023
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Popular Hiking Trails in Puerto Rico

Hiking trail at Guánica Dry Forest.

Take a walk on the wild side.

Puerto Rico is renowned for its beaches and historic Old San Juan, but what many don’t realize is just how numerous the natural areas are for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. On the Island’s 3,500 square miles there are national and state forests, nature reserves, cave systems, and dozens of different ecosystems spanning coastal valleys, the karst region, wet and dry forest, and the United States’ only tropical rainforest.

If you want to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Island, here’s a handy guide to help you find the perfect trail.

Descubra una gran variedad de rutas de senderismo en todo Puerto Rico, desde el Bosque Nacional El Yunque hasta humedales y reservas en toda la Isla.

In Guánica’s Dry Forest you will find numerous trails.

Guánica

On the south side of the Island, you’ll find the opposite to El Yunque’s rainforest: the Guánica Dry Forest. The southern side of the Island is more arid — with cacti and other plants better suited to the desert-like conditions — and you’ll often see red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures leisurely circling against a perfectly blue sky. There are numerous trails in the reserve and the ranger at the entrance can provide you with a map. Among the most popular: Ballena leads all the way down the mountain to the beach, La Cueva to limestone caves, and Fuerte Caprón to a historic fort overlooking the coast.

Explore the Dry Forest

Aerial view of the Guajataca Forest and the beach.

Guajataca Forest

Isabela

Located in the town of Isabela, the Guajataca Forest has 27 miles of trails, and the two most frequently used are the Interpretative Trail and the trail to Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind). You can easily do both on the same day, as well as explore the cave, which is full of otherworldly stalagmite and stalactite structures (as well as bats!). Follow Trail #1 to the cave then take the Interpretative Trail back to the parking area off of PR-446. There’s even a side trail to an observation tower as a bonus. The trail is easy to walk but bring sturdy shoes with good traction and flashlights if you plan on exploring the cave.

Get to know the town of Isabela

In Toro Negro Forest you can camp and hike while enjoying the waterfalls and rivers.

Jayuya/Ponce/Villalba/Orocovis/Ciales/Juana Díaz

The nearly 7,000 acres of Toro Negro State Forest is spread over six different municipalities and includes four types of forest (tabonuco, palm, Micropholis Buchenavia, and a cloud forest), the three highest peaks of the Island (Cerro de Punta, Cerro Jayuya, and Cerro Rosa), a lake, two natural swimming pools, nine rivers, and numerous waterfalls. To hike and camp there, visit the ranger station on Route 143 KM 32. 4 in Villalba. Most of the trailheads are concentrated in this area, and the most popular (and currently open) are El Bolo, which leads to a stone tower on the top of a mountain, and Charco La Confesora, which has a trailhead at the Toro Negro camping grounds.

Arecibo

Cambalache State Forest is the perfect setting for a leisurely hike in nature (mountain bikes also welcome), or enjoy birdwatching and camping. The facilities are easily accessible and include parking, bathrooms, picnic tables and gazebos, and there’s even an ornithological center that opens on weekends. During your hike you can spot more than 150 types of trees and shrubs, of which 15 are endemic and 10 are rare or endangered. Birding is also popular here since you can spot 45 species of birds, including 12 of the 17 that are endemic to Puerto Rico.

More things to do in Arecibo

The name of the mountain itself is Cerro de los Cielos but the trail gets its name from the solitary mango tree at the top which is visible from the highway

Árbol Solitario

Salinas

Visible from highway PR-52 just past the Jíbaro Monument in Salinas, there is a lone tree on the top of a tall mountain called Cerro de los Cielos. Until 2016, hiking up to the Solitary Tree was very controversial because people would park their cars on the highway emergency ramp, and since the trail wasn’t properly marked many would become lost. Now the “official” trailhead is off PR-1 and takes one hour to 90 minutes to complete via a steep, challenging trail. The view of the southern mountain range stretching all the way to the Caribbean Sea makes it all worthwhile. People have attached swings to the tree and there are also flags near the top making it a perfect place for a photo op.

Cabo Rojo

The Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 in southwestern Puerto Rico and is home to a diversity of flora and fauna that visitors can explore via the park’s hiking and biking trails. Much of the refuge consists of subtropical dry forest, meaning conditions are hot and arid most of the year. It’s a very popular destination for birdwatching, particularly in the park’s unique salt flats. The Wildlife Refuge is open from Monday to Saturday, while the Salt Flats Interpretative Center is open Thursday to Sunday. Bring water and sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, and a camera.

15 Best Hikes in Puerto Rico (By a Local)

If you’re an outdoors lover, you’ll be happy to know Puerto Rico is home to some great hiking destinations. You can find everything from chill seaside treks to challenging routes hidden in the mountains regardless.

I am a Puerto Rico local and I’ve hiked in many of these places on the island. In this post, I’ll spill the beans on all the best hikes in Puerto Rico, so you can choose your next hiking adventure.

Let’s dive in – but first, could you bookmark my guide to the best activities to do in Puerto Rico?

Table of Contents

15 Best Puerto Rico Hikes & Hiking Trails
- El Toro Trail in El Yunque
- Cueva del Viento in Guajataca State Forest
- Lluberas Trail in Guánica Dry Forest
- El Bolo in Toro Negro State Forest
- Tres Picachos
- Cambalache State Forest
- Arbol Solitario
- Los Morrillos Lighthouse
- La Zanja
- Survival Beach
- Cañón San Cristóbal
- Puerto Ferro
- Charco Azul
- Charco Prieto Waterfall
- Cerro Mime
FAQ’s About Hiking in Puerto Rico
- Is hiking in Puerto Rico safe?
- Can you hike in El Yunque?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

15 Best Puerto Rico Hikes & Hiking Trails

El Toro Trail in El Yunque

Rio Grande

El Toro Trail is one of the different trails you can find in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the National Forest System. The climb is challenging for how muddy it is, and takes 3-5 hours to finish the route but reaching the top “Cloud Forest” makes up for the trip.

👉 Local Tip: If you’re visiting El Yunque, wear swimwear underneath or bring an additional set of clothes so you can bathe in one of the waterfalls. Read my list of the top things to do in Puerto Rico to learn about other amazing activities.

Cueva del Viento in Guajataca State Forest

Isabela

Moderate | 2. 6 miles | Google Maps | 2-hour Drive Time from San Juan | Cost: free

The Guajataca State Forest in Isabela offers multiple trails for hiking lovers. Trail #1 takes you to Cueva del Viento, and trail #9 leads you back to the entrance. For warming up, take the side trail to the observation tower, where you can enjoy the panoramic views.

👉 Local Tip: Keep in mind that the stairs to get inside the cave are in bad condition, so you should use them cautiously. Drink lots of water as the forest is hot and bring a flashlight to explore the cave. The ALIPRET headlamp is great since it helps you to keep your hands free.

Lluberas Trail in Guánica Dry Forest

Guánica

Moderate | 10 miles | Google Maps | 2-hour Drive Time from San Juan | Cost: free

The Lluberas trail is the longest trail in Guánica Dry Forest, but what makes it a difficult route is the heat you’ll be experiencing. This trail takes you down to Ballena Beach where you can enjoy the Caribbean Sea views. Make sure to stop at the ranger station next to the parking lot to get your map.

While you are in the area, be sure to check out the many fun things to do in Guanica.

👉 Local Tip: Guánicas State Forest is hot, especially during the summer. Make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated during the hike. The Mubasel Insulated Hydration Backpack stores up to 2 liters of water, plus it sports space for snacks and a waistband for your important items.

El Bolo in Toro Negro State Forest

Orocovis

Difficult | 3.9 miles | Google Maps | 2-hour Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

Home to a cloud forest and Cerro de Punta, one of the highest peaks in Puerto Rico, the Toro Negro State Forest stretches between different cities and offers multiple trails for hikers, camping areas, and some of the best Puerto Rico waterfalls.

Trail #1 known as El Bolo, leads to an observation tower from where nature lovers can admire the view.

Tres Picachos

Jayuya

Expert | 2.8 miles | Google Maps | 2-hours Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

The Tres Picachos is a challenging trail in Jayuya full of fallen trees, spiders, overgrown grass, and around a dozen rope climbing sections that can take up to 5 hours to complete. The trail gets muddy when it rains so it’s advisable to go with dry weather.

👉 Local Tip: Wear hiking boots with grip for muddy routes like Tres Picachos. These Columbia boots are waterproof and have a slip-free rubber sole.

Cambalache State Forest

Arecibo

One of the birds you can see in Cambalache Forest

Moderate | 5.09 miles | Google Maps | 1-hour Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

The Cambalache State Forest in Arecibo offers well-maintained and identified hiking and biking trails, plus areas for camping. You can choose your trail and the distance you’ll be walking according to your taste, and enjoy the variety of species of birds and trees.

Arbol Solitario

Salinas

Moderate | 3.16 miles | Google Maps | 1-hour Drive from San Juan | Cost: $5 for parking

This hike, also known as Cerro de los Cielos, is a popular place to visit among Puerto Rico locals for different reasons. One of those reasons is the Instagramable tree with a swing sitting alone on top of the hill and the view from the top of one of the best mountains in Puerto Rico. You can access the official and safest trail from Hacienda Los Maldonado.

Los Morrillos Lighthouse

Cabo Rojo

Easy | 1.5 miles | Google Maps | 3-hour Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

One of the hikes with more scenery in Puerto Rico, Los Morrillos Lighthouse trail is easy to walk and is fit for any type of hiker. Once inside the Wildlife Refuge, you can check out attractions like the Salt Flats, Playuela Beach, or the Observation Tower close to the visitor’s center.

📚Bookmark for Later: My Guide to the Top Puerto Rico Beaches

La Zanja

Fajardo

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve from above

Moderate | 5. 6 miles | Google Maps | 1-hour 15 minutes Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

This trail runs along the coast of Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo and you’ll be crossing the beach with scenic views until the last section where you’ll go uphill until reaching La Zanja, a natural water pool. Always take into account the tide before visiting.

👉 Local Tip: You should wear swimwear under your clothes and shoes that are good for hiking and dry quickly. The UBFEN Water Shoes are great for both doing watersports and hiking and they’re quick drying.

Survival Beach

Aguadilla

Difficult | 2.7 miles | Google Maps | 2-hour Drive Time from San Juan | Cost: free

Along the coast of Aguadilla, you will find a trail that will lead you to a hidden beach with giant boulders. The trail sports beautiful scenery but has many ups and downs, tree roots, spiky floor, and boulders.

Cañón San Cristóbal

Barranquitas

Expert | 3. 47 miles | Google Maps | 1-hour 15-minute Drive from San Juan | Cost: Private Tours Only

San Cristóbal Canyon features multiple trails that either intertwine with the river or are full of vegetation and rocks. Exploring it can take up to 5 hours if you visit the waterfalls and swimming holes. You can only visit with a private tour you can book either with Go Hiking Puerto Rico or Para La Naturaleza.

Puerto Ferro

Vieques

Inside the Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find the Puerto Ferro trail. Although short, the trail is rocky and challenging under the heat of the Caribbean but it leads to Puerto Ferro Lighthouse Ruins and the best panoramic views of Vieques.

Charco Azul

Patillas

Easy | 1 mile | Google Maps | 1-hour Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

Charco Azul is an easy hike all family members can do. Located in Patillas, this mostly-paved trail leads to a swimming hole and it takes around 20 minutes to get to it. Although the area is a bit neglected, the swimming hole is still open to the public.

Charco Prieto Waterfall

Bayamón

Difficult | 1 mile | Google Maps | 48-minute Drive from San Juan | Cost: free

Located in Bayamón, this hiking trail is difficult as it crosses water pools, fallen trees, and parts of the river until reaching a beautiful waterfall. The trail starts behind an abandoned house and it’s marked in certain areas to guide you.

👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Bayamon

Cerro Mime

Orocovis

Moderate | 1.1 mile | Google Maps | Drive Time from Name | Cost: $5 for parking

Cerro Mime is off the beaten path, but the views the trails offer are worth the visit. Although short, the trail is challenging as it’s uphill and rocky between overgrown grass. Depending on your fitness level, the round trip can take 1 or 2 hours.

FAQ’s About Hiking in Puerto Rico

Is hiking in Puerto Rico safe?

Overall, hiking is safe in Puerto Rico. Visitors should take overall safety measures like staying on existing trails, visiting during daylight hours, wearing the right clothes, staying hydrated, and taking enough supplies for their trip. Hikers should also consider hiking with a partner. Learn more in the Puerto Rico safety guide.

Can you hike in El Yunque?

El Yunque National Forest is one of the popular destinations for hiking in Puerto Rico. The rainforest features multiple trails of different difficulty like La Mina Trail, El Yunque Trail, and El Toro Trail, with great scenery, waterfalls, and a variety of flora, and fauna. Some trails are temporarily closed after Hurricane Maria.

🥾 Read All Our Hiking Guides: Hikes near Seattle, Hikes near Denver, Hikes near Boulder

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You’ve made it to the end of the best hiking trails in Puerto Rico! If you’re looking for more activities to do, you can’t miss my list of popular Puerto Rico destinations.

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