The Dreamy Waterfalls In Puerto Rico For Pristine Swimming With A Rope Swing And Cave

How do you get to Gozalandia? If you don't live in Puerto Rico, you'll first have to fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. From there, you'll probably rent a car and drive two hours west, parallel to the island's northern coast, until you reach the town of San Sabastián. When you find the trailhead, take your first steps into the rainforest, where paths and staircases will lead you toward Las Cascadas de Gozalandia, known in English as the Gozalandia Falls. The whole route is only about a half-mile. But if you appreciate nature, you may want to stay here all day — and you'll see why Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean destinations you should visit at least once.

The name "Gozalandia" translates roughly as "Land of Pleasure," and the grounds are actually private property that have been generously opened up for public use. Near the entrance, you'll find Sha's, a family-friendly restaurant and bar where many visitors grab lunch before or after their jungle journey. Gozalandia has two major waterfalls; the main cascade is about 60 feet tall, with a natural pool and refreshingly cold water. The banks can be slippery, but you can climb right up to the water and — if you're careful — jump off the surrounding rocks.

If this all sounds a little far afield to arrange on your own, don't worry: There are several Gozalandia Falls tours on Viator that will organize the trip for you and may even provide historical and cultural background along the way. Most tours start from San Juan, sparing you the task of renting a car or plotting an overland bus trip.

The second waterfall at Gozalandia descends as a single column of water; its small gully has high walls and looks like a giant, rocky bowl. Not only can you swim in these waters, but an overhanging rope allows you to swing and hurl yourself into the emerald pool. The atmosphere can feel wild and carefree, but remember to be a considerate tourist while visiting Puerto Rico.

Also known as "Robles," Gozalandia occupies a special nook on the island. With its colorful colonial center and mountainous environs, the town of San Sabastián is a great excuse to explore the land's interior, far from the busy capital of San Juan. Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and attracts as many as 6 million tourists per year, the geography is largely unknown to many Americans; visitors may imagine salsa-infused nights in the neighborhood of Viejo San Juan or relaxing on a beach on the tiny islet of Vieques, but they may be hazy about what else "the Island of Enchantment" has to offer. There are so many sights and experiences here that travelers to all-inclusive resorts never realize exist. To dig a little deeper, familiarize yourself with these essential travel hacks when visiting Puerto Rico.