El Yunque: Natural Waterslide, Waterfall & Luquillo Beach Tour

4.71

(1207 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so hard on a hike, but that’s what happened about twenty minutes after we left San Juan. Our guide, Luis (who everyone seemed to know by name), pulled the van off a narrow road where the air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. We followed him through a tangle of trees — not a long walk, maybe fifteen minutes — until you could hear water rushing over rocks. That sound got louder and then there it was: a natural waterslide, smooth stone slick with river water. I watched some local kids zip down first. Honestly, my heart was thumping when it was my turn.

The slide itself? Fast and cold — way colder than I thought for Puerto Rico in June. I came up sputtering and grinning like an idiot. Luis just handed me a towel and said “bienvenido” with this huge grin. After that we walked downstream to a waterfall where the light came through the leaves all green and gold. Some folks jumped from the rocks (not me — maybe next time). There were little fish darting around my ankles in the swimming hole, which made me laugh out loud for no reason except it felt good to be there.

After we dried off, everyone piled back into the van — still damp, hair sticking up everywhere — and drove out toward Luquillo Beach. The beach itself is wide and bright, with rows of kiosks selling fried things I couldn’t pronounce (Luis tried to teach me; I failed). We ate alcapurrias and drank something cold while watching people play dominoes under palm trees. It’s funny how quickly you can feel at home somewhere new when you’re sharing greasy snacks with strangers who just saw you wipe out on a rock slide.