Arenales Cave Charco Azul and Hidden Waterfalls Tour San Juan
4.9 (302 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Overview
This physically demanding guided adventure takes you from Condado in San Juan into the limestone hills of northern Puerto Rico to Arenales Cave, the natural blue pool of Charco Azul and hidden waterfalls. You hike through jungle, swim in underground water, climb and, if you wish, jump into a pool. Transport from the meeting point in Condado, an English-speaking guide, snacks and cold water are included. It suits fit, adventurous adults who enjoy getting wet and away from the crowds.
Highlights
- Guided adventure to Arenales Cave, Charco Azul and hidden waterfalls away from the tourist crowds
- Hike through the jungle and swim through cave water in the dark
- Swim in the bright blue natural pool of Charco Azul
- Optional cliff jump for confident swimmers
- Transport from the meeting point in Condado, San Juan, included
- English-speaking guide, snacks and cold water included
- About five hours in total, best for adventurous, physically fit adults
Full Description
Arenales Cave, a swim through the dark
The limestone hills of northern Puerto Rico are full of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers, and Arenales Cave is one of the places where you can enter this hidden world with a guide. Inside, the passages are cool and dark, and parts of the route involve swimming and wading through water.
An Arenales Cave tour is an adventure rather than a sightseeing visit. You will get wet and muddy, so wear clothes and shoes you do not mind ruining. The guide leads the way, explains the cave and keeps the group together, and the experience is not recommended for anyone nervous about dark, enclosed spaces.
Charco Azul, the blue natural pool
Charco Azul means blue pool, and the name suits the colour of the water: a deep, bright blue that stands out against the green jungle and grey limestone. It is a natural swimming hole with cool, clear water, perfect after the hike and the cave.
Charco Azul tour visitors often ask how to get there, and the answer on this trip is simple: the guide leads the way from the meeting point, and transport is included. Take care on the rocks around the pool, which can be slippery, and always follow the guide's advice about where to swim and jump.
Hidden waterfalls and the jungle hike
The route also visits hidden waterfalls, small cascades that run through the forest and are far from the main tourist trails. Getting there involves hiking on uneven, muddy ground, climbing over rocks and crossing streams, which is why good physical condition is required.
The reward is a quiet corner of the island where you can swim under falling water and look up through the trees. A hidden waterfalls tour near San Juan is best in the drier months from December to April, although rain can come at any time and the water level changes with it.
The day: transport, snacks and what to expect
Transport to and from Condado in San Juan is included, together with snacks and cold water to keep your energy up. The full trip takes about five hours, including the drive, the hike, the cave and the swim, so wear your swimwear under your clothes.
This is a demanding trip with real physical effort and some risk, so please read the requirements and follow the guide at all times. Bring dry clothes for the return journey and a bag for wet items. Hotel pickup is not included, and gratuities are extra.
Itinerary
- Meeting point in Condado, San JuanMeet your guide in Condado, check in and board the transport.
- Drive to the hillsTravel by road into the limestone hills of northern Puerto Rico with a briefing from the guide.
- Jungle hikeWalk through the forest on uneven, muddy ground, climbing and crossing streams.
- Arenales CaveEnter the cave with your guide, wading and swimming through dark water.
- Charco Azul and hidden waterfallsSwim in the bright blue pool, visit the hidden waterfalls and try the optional jump.
- Snacks and return to San JuanEnjoy snacks and cold water, then ride back to the meeting point in Condado after about five hours.
What's included
- Transport to and from Condado in San Juan
- Live English-speaking guide
- Snacks and cold water
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Not suitable for
- People who are not physically fit
- Pregnant women
- People with back, joint, heart or breathing problems
- People with claustrophobia or fear of the dark
- Non-swimmers
- Young children
Meeting point
Meet at the meeting point in Condado, San Juan, where transport to the cave and waterfalls departs. The exact location and your departure time are shown on your voucher. Hotel pickup is not included.
Important information
- Wear swimwear under your clothes, and shoes with a good grip that you do not mind getting wet and muddy
- Bring a towel, dry clothes, a bag for wet items and a small waterproof pouch for your phone
- This is a physically demanding trip, and good physical condition is required
- You should be comfortable swimming in the dark, and anyone nervous in enclosed spaces should not book
- Follow the guide's instructions on rocks, in water and when jumping
- Heavy rain can change the route or the water level and may cancel the cave
- Hotel pickup is not included, and gratuities are not included
- Check your voucher for the exact meeting point and time
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Arenales Cave tour cost?
The price depends on the date and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Transport is included from the meeting point in Condado, San Juan, to the cave and waterfalls and back, but hotel pickup is not part of this option.
How long is the Arenales Cave and Charco Azul tour?
The tour lasts about five hours in total, including the drive, the hike, the cave swim and the time at the waterfalls.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It is a physically demanding adventure with swimming in dark caves, so it is not suitable for young children. Please check the booking panel for age limits.
How difficult is the hike?
It is demanding, with uneven muddy ground, rocks, stream crossings and swimming. Good physical condition and comfort in water are required.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear and shoes with a good grip, and bring a towel, dry clothes and a bag for wet items. Snacks and cold water are provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can book when the calendar in the booking panel shows availability. Short-notice dates depend on free places.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable swimming, including in the dark water of the cave. The guide leads the group, but non-swimmers should not book.
Is the cliff jump compulsory?
No. The jump is optional, and you can skip it and enjoy the pool and waterfalls instead.
When is the best time to visit Charco Azul?
The drier months from December to April are popular, but rain can come at any time. Heavy rain can change the route or the water level.