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Puerto Rico is a beautiful little Caribbean island that offers a wide range of experiences, and will truly captivate you. On the map, it’s such a small island, but in reality, it has many serene hidden bodies of water, ancient caves, stunning waterfalls, and a world-famous rainforest – El Yunque. In this post, I’ll take you on a photographic – and informational – tour of some of the hidden gems of Puerto Rico, specifically La Poza de Las Mujeres in Manati, Charco Hondo waterfalls in Arecibo, the caves and mountains in Barceloneta, and Survival Beach in Aguadilla.
My Inspiration to Write About Hidden Gems of Puerto Rico
Although I was born in Puerto Rico and visited yearly to see half of my family, I didn’t get around too much. I mean, yes, we certainly went to many beautiful sites all over the island, but I never knew the places I’m covering in this post existed until 8 years ago, and I’m in my late 30s! When I first visited these sites, I was in awe and captivated by their stunning beauty. That said, I’m sharing them here with you so you can add them to your bucket list 🙂
Visiting La Poza de Las Mujeres in Manati, Puerto Rico
La Poza de las Mujeres is located in Manatí on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. For my history buffs, it was named La Poza de las Mujeres because it was a private beach for high society women during the Spanish colonial era. After all, the name translates to “Women’s Pool” in English. Indeed, my friends, this place truly qualifies as one of the prettiest hidden gems of Puerto Rico. Check out its stunning natural beauty in the photos below. Notably, I captured these photos standing on one of the tall rock formations. This is a more secluded and natural beach experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility (as a busy wife and mother of 3, I always seek tranquility!). The waves here are gentle, making it a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Furthermore, the water here is clear, with natural rock formations creating a protected swimming area. You can snorkel and explore life underwater. Additionally, it’s a perfect spot for photography lovers.
Tips for Visiting La Poza de Las Mujeres
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience
- Arrive early to secure parking
- Be prepared for a short walk to the beach
- Consider visiting nearby beaches on the same day (see: Nearby Attractions below)
- Safety: While the waters are generally calm, always be cautious of changing tides and currents. Don’t venture too far out into the open ocean.
- No Amenities: There are no restrooms, lifeguards, or facilities at the beach. Bring everything you need for your visit.
- Leave No Trace: Help keep this area beautiful by taking all your trash with you and being conscious of the environment and local community 🙂
Nearby Attractions
Las Palmas Beach: Adjacent to La Poza de Las Mujeres
Playa la Cueva de Las Golondrinas: A short walk away (and pictured right below)! The beach is both outside and inside of the cave. I took this photo standing inside of the cave.
Mar Chiquita: A crescent-shaped beach known for its dramatic landscape and strong waves. It’s a popular spot for photographers.
Cueva Ventana: A stunning cave with a natural window that offers breathtaking views of the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley.
Visiting Charco Hondo Waterfalls in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
The Charco Hondo waterfalls in Arecibo are truly two of the most beautiful hidden gems of Puerto Rico. The trek to reach these falls may be a bit challenging and wet (wear sturdy water shoes) but every step is worth it. I trekked here with my then 5 year old daughter, teenage son, and a childhood friend of mine. There are two main waterfalls. The first you’ll encounter on your trek is smaller than the second – so keep on going until the end (once you arrive at the first waterfall, it’ll seem like the end of the trail, but keep walking forward on the left side until you reach the second fall). Once you arrive at the second waterfall, there’s a crystal-clear pool of water at the base of the fall that you can swim in and cool off. For my adventure seekers, there’s a small cave inside the waterfall that you can climb into from the side of the waterfall, and then jump out into the water! I’ve done it plenty of times; the water is deep enough and there are no rocks below. However, important disclaimer: this was years ago and nature does her own thing, so be sure to assess the area first for safety. Check out those stunning photos below. I placed a little inconspicuous white arrow above the cave entrance on the photo of the second waterfall so you can see what I mean. Also, notice how few people there are? We were literally the only ones there. This hidden gem is absolutely gorgeous, secluded, and tranquil.
This is the first waterfall below:
This is the second waterfall below. Check out that little cave to the left:
Here's a better perspective of the size of this waterfall.
Tips for Visiting Charco Hondo Waterfalls in Arecibo
- Visit any day; it’s usually a quiet experience here
- Safety: The trek to the waterfalls is on half land and half water. You’ll be walking through roughly 2 feet of water, and some areas can be slippery. Wear non-slip water shoes and be cautious of your steps.
- There are no facilities at the site, so bring what you need to be comfortable.
- Consider visiting nearby sites on the same day (see: Nearby Attractions below)
- Leave No Trace: Help keep this area beautiful by taking all your trash with you and being conscious of the environment and local community 🙂
Nearby Attractions
Arecibo Observatory: This used to be the largest radio telescope in the world. The main dish is no longer operational but the visitor center still offers exhibits.
Cueva Ventana: Another spectacular cave in the Arecibo area with a stunning view over the Río Grande de Arecibo valley.
La Poza del Obispo: A beautiful beach nearby with clear waters and scenic surroundings.
Visiting the Mountains and Caves in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
Barceloneta is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. It is known for its beautiful beaches and industrial heritage. However, it also has its natural wonders including mountains and hidden caves, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. The mountains here are perfect for hiking, and as you trek higher, you’ll discover hidden caves waiting to be explored. Each cave has its own story and unique formations. The caves and ocean views from the top of the mountain are just a few more gems of Puerto Rico. Of course, I had to include photos of these sites too; check them out here:
Look at this view from the top of the mountain! Mother Nature is perfect.
Tips for Visiting Barceloneta’s Mountains and Caves
- Safety: Wear appropriate footwear and (optionally) bring a flashlight when exploring caves.
- Avoid touching or disturbing cave formations, as they are fragile and took thousands of years to form.
- Bring water and snacks, if you wish.
- While not necessary, consider joining a guided tour for a more informative and safe experience.
Nearby Attractions
Beaches of Barceloneta: Playa La Palmita and Playa Puerto de Las Vacas are excellent choices for relaxation.
Arecibo Observatory: This used to be the largest radio telescope in the world. The main dish is no longer operational but the visitor center still offers exhibits.
Camuy River Cave Park: An extensive network of caves formed by the Camuy River.
Visiting Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Survival Beach is a stunning, natural and somewhat secluded beach located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico – on the northwest coast. Have you noticed the trend here? Most of these sites are secluded, hence: hidden gems of Puerto Rico. The views of the ocean here will leave you breathless. Survival Beach is known for its dramatic and beautiful landscapes, and is a favorite among adventurers, hikers, and surfers. Just check out those stunning photos below!
Tips for Visiting Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
- The hike to Survival Beach may be a bit challenging; there are some rocky paths and uneven terrain. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes. The hike is about 20 minutes, give or take.
- Swimming is possible but can be risky because of strong currents and waves. It’s better to stay close to the shore.
- The rock formations and scenic views make it a fantastic location for photography.
- There are no facilities at the site, so bring water and snacks.
Nearby Attractions
Crash Boat Beach: A short drive away, this beach offers swimming, snorkeling, and pier diving.
Punta Borinquen Lighthouse: The ruins of this historic lighthouse offer stunning coastal views.
Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena: This arena offers a fun way to cool off after a day in the sun.
Ramey Base: The former Ramey Air Force Base area includes a golf course, ruins, and some interesting historical sites.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture. Firstly, La Poza de Las Mujeres in Manatí provides a stunning oasis where you can relax in front of the beautiful water and soak up the sun. Charco Hondo in Arecibo offers a refreshing dip in natural pools surrounded by waterfalls. Furthermore, exploring the mountains and caves in Barceloneta is perfect for the adventure seeker. Lastly, the slightly challenging but oh-so-worth-it hike to Survival Beach, which is known for its dramatic and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re hiking through mountains, exploring caves, bathing by the waterfalls, or unwinding by the beautiful beaches, your journey through Puerto Rico will be filled with unforgettable moments and awe-inspiring sights. I hope the hidden gems of Puerto Rico and all of its natural wonders captivate your heart, like they have mine. Safe travels and happy exploring!
