If you're craving adventure and jaw-dropping scenery, hiking in Puerto Rico offers the perfect way to explore the island’s diverse natural beauty. From coastal cliffs to lush rainforests and dramatic canyons, Puerto Rico hiking trails promise unforgettable views and bucket-list-worthy experiences.
Whether you're an experienced trekker or a casual explorer, this guide to the best hikes in Puerto Rico will help you plan your next outdoor adventure. Lace up your boots—these are the trails you'll be talking about long after your trip.
Top Hiking Trails in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s hiking trails span rainforests, coastal cliffs, dry forests, and dramatic canyons—each offering a different side of the island’s breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, panoramic views, or hidden beaches, these top-rated hikes in Puerto Rico belong on your itinerary.
La Zanja
In Spanish, the name of this cave means "The Trench." La Zanja is a unique natural swimming pool protected from the Atlantic surge and one of the most unique coastal hikes in Puerto Rico. Popular among locals, this trail is a bit of a trek. Begin at Seven Seas beach and walk along the beach until you reach the coastal cliffs. Eventually, you will come to a volcanic rock projection that you ascend before descending into the cave. La Zanja is located in the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, which is managed by Para La Naturaleza. Visit their website for more hiking options in the reserve.
Trail type: Out & back
Estimated duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Entry fee: Free
Highlights: Volcanic rock formations, natural pool, ocean views
Tips: Wear water shoes or hiking boots, bring snacks and plenty of water, and wear a swimsuit under your clothes.
Survival Beach
To reach Survival Beach, you begin at Surfers' Beach, then follow a trail that is difficult yet short, since it requires climbing over large rocks and along sometimes steep coastal embankments. In the end, you reach a secret beach scattered with giant boulders that create elaborate rock sculptures and sea caves. The waves can be rough, and the undertow dangerous, depending on the time of year (things are calmer during the summer and more severe during the winter), so it's best to enjoy the scenery from the shore.
Trail type: Out & back
Estimated duration: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Entry fee: Free
Highlights: Giant boulders, rock formations, sea caves
Tips: Best enjoyed during summer. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. Avoid swimming during winter due to strong currents.
Peering over Guánica Dry Forest from historic Fuerte Caprón.
Fuerte Caprón
This is a relatively short trail within the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve (about 5 kilometers each way), but the heat and some short uphills make it challenging. This trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Bay of Guánica and a stone fortress perched atop a hill.: a picturesque vision composed of bright blue cays framed by rolling hills. This is one of the best hikes in Puerto Rico for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Trail type: Out & back
Estimated duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Entry fee: Free
Highlights: Ruins of Fuerte Caprón, scenic overlook, dry forest ecosystem
Tips: Start early to avoid the heat, wear light clothing, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Cañón San Cristóbal
Deep in the central mountain range of Puerto Rico is the Cañón San Cristóbal, one of Puerto Rico’s most dramatic landscapes. A literal crack in the Earth caused by tectonic movements. It's 5.6 miles long, and at the bottom, there is a flowing river as well as swimming holes and waterfalls. The trail there requires hikers to be in excellent physical condition, and if you want to reach the bottom, there is a fair amount of climbing and a spot or two that may require rappelling.
Trail type: Out & back (guided recommended)
Estimated duration: Half-day to full-day
Difficulty level: Challenging
Entry fee: Varies (guided tour required)
Highlights: Waterfalls, swimming holes, climbing & rappelling
Tips: Book with experienced outfitters like Go Hiking Puerto Rico or Para La Naturaleza for safety and access.
Outdoors activities in Puerto Rico
Visit the Cabo Rojo salt flats and head to the nearby trails.
Cabo Rojo Salt Flats
The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats offer a surreal hiking experience. Stroll past rose-colored lakes and climb the observation tower, from which you'll enjoy panoramic views of the bright pink lakes where salt is harvested. From there, you can choose several different trails to explore, including some that extend to the Los Morrillos Lighthouse, which is atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Or you can take a detour to one of Cabo Rojo's famous beaches. This Puerto Rico hiking trail is Ideal for both nature lovers and photographers.
Trail type: Various loops and out & back options
Estimated duration: 1–2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Entry fee: Free
Highlights: Salt flats, observation tower, Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Tips: Pack water and sunscreen; terrain can be hot and exposed.
Vereda Caimitillo is ideal for families with children or people who visit with their pets.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, is the crown jewel of Puerto Rico hiking trails and the home of the coquí, the loudest frog in the world. Even for locals, this tropical rainforest contains certain magic with trails that range from short and sweet to challenging and adventurous. If you want to swim in some hidden natural pools, explore the La Coca trail, which starts behind the roadside waterfall. Or trek up El Toro trail to the highest peak of El Yunque, which is designated a cloud forest. There are a handful of options for tour companies that can lead you to some of the best locations within the park if you’re staying in San Juan but are looking to make a day trip to see more of the island.
Trail type: Multiple trails (loops and out & back)
Estimated duration: 1–6 hours depending on trail
Difficulty level: Easy to challenging
Entry fee: $2–$8 (some areas require reservation)
Highlights: Rainforest canopy, waterfalls, hidden swimming holes
Tips: Check weather before hiking. Trails can get slippery after rain. Tour operators offer guided day hikes from San Juan.
Hiking trail at Guajataca Forest.
Guajataca Forest
One of the most underrated Puerto Rico hiking trails, the Guajataca Forest is a lush, inland hiking experience filled with limestone caves, panoramic lookouts, and forested serenity. It 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. Ideal for casual hikers and cave explorers alike.
Trail type: Loop and out & back options
Estimated duration: 2–3 hours (for both trails and cave)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Entry fee: Free
Highlights: Cueva del Viento (cave), limestone formations, observation tower, Interpretative Trail
Tips: Wear shoes with good grip for uneven terrain and carry a flashlight for cave exploration. Trails are mostly shaded, but bring water.
Toro Negro State Forest
Jayuya/Ponce/Villalba/Orocovis/Ciales/Juana Díaz
Home to the highest peaks in Puerto Rico, Toro Negro State Forest offers some of the island’s most diverse and rewarding hikes. 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.
Trail type: Out & back, with optional loops
Estimated duration: 1–4 hours depending on trail
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Entry fee: Free (ranger check-in recommended)
Highlights: El Bolo lookout tower, Charco La Confesora swimming hole, cloud forest, Cerro de Punta (Puerto Rico’s highest peak)
Tips: Start early to avoid fog, bring rain gear, and check trail conditions with the ranger station on Route 143 KM 32.4 in Villalba, where most trailheads are located.
Plan a Getaway to Puerto Rico
Discover lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture in Puerto Rico. Start planning your unforgettable island escape today!
Puerto Rico Hiking Trails FAQs
What is the best time of year to hike in Puerto Rico?
The best season for hiking in Puerto Rico is December through April, when the weather is cooler and drier. However, early mornings during the summer can also offer rewarding hikes with fewer crowds.
Do I need permits to access any hiking trails?
Most hiking trails in Puerto Rico are free and open to the public. Some areas within El Yunque or private reserves like Para La Naturaleza may require advance reservations or permits.
Are the hiking trails in Puerto Rico well-marked?
Many popular trails, especially in El Yunque and Guánica, are well-marked and maintained. However, some lesser-known trails like La Zanja or Cañón San Cristóbal may lack signage and are best done with a guide or GPS map.
Are there dangerous animals or insects on Puerto Rican trails?
Puerto Rico does not have dangerous large animals, but hikers should be cautious of mosquitoes, bees, and fire ants. Use insect repellent, avoid disturbing nests, and stay on marked trails.
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