2024 Update: Several trails in El Yunque remain closed. Check the National Forest Service website for the most up-to-date information.

Over one million people visit El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico every year, many to experience the forest’s incredible hiking trails and waterfalls. As one half of a pair of traveling introverts, I am always looking for opportunities for us to get away from crowds and have what feels like an private experience. If you’re willing (and able) to venture slightly off the beaten path, you can find yourself at a secret waterfall. This post provides a step-by-step guide to a lesser accessed waterfall along Juan Diego Creek in El Yunque. You will not find this hike on AllTrails or the U.S. Forest Service website.

First, a caveat: I suspect this waterfall is less crowded partly because it is lesser known and partly because it is challenging, at points very, to reach.

You should be prepared to encounter steep rock scrambles, muddy roots, and wet slippery rock. I would not recommend this for children, anyone who does not have sure footing and excellent balance, or who may have trouble recovering from a slip or fall. There are two more easily accessed and beautiful waterfalls on the trail if this doesn’t sound like it’s for you. If it does, read on for a complete guide and, for legal reasons, attempt at your own risk.

If you haven’t already, check out Day Trip into El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico for a guide to visiting the forest, including how to make a reservation online and what to bring with you.

When to Go

Like most places, the forest has fewer visitors during the week than on weekends. We visited on a Monday in early May around midday and there was a regular flow of people on the trail but not what I would consider busy. Also, the trails can become very muddy and there is the potential for flash flooding. I would avoid visiting in August, which is Puerto Rico’s wettest month with 7 inches (18 cm) of rain on average. The “rainy season” is from April-November, so you can expect at least some rain if you visit during that time. We did experience rain on our trip, including while we were at the waterfall. It was generally light and passed quickly.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead to Juan Diego is located just before kilometer marker 10.0 on Road 191. If you haven’t already, check out Day Trip into El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico for a guide to visiting the forest and accessing Road 191, including how to make a reservation online and what to bring with you. The trailhead is marked by a sign that says Juan Diego Creek. There is parking along the side of the road here, there are also two gravel lots around kilometer markers 9.0 and 9.5 if you can find space there. Signs ask that you limit parking to 30 minutes. We were there for about 1.5 hours with no problem, but this could have been an issue if the trail had been busier with less parking available.

First Waterfall

At the trailhead you’ll see rough stone steps upward. Follow these a minute or two and you’ll reach a fork, with the left path leading down. Follow this short path to reach the opening act of Juan Diego Creek. This waterfall is 6-8 feet high and ends in a shallow pool. The rocks are slippery, so watch your footing.

Second Waterfall

Continue upward along the trail for another 10 to 15 minutes. The trail will open up in front of you and to your left and you will see a larger waterfall and small cave with water flowing over it, emptying into a much larger pool. This is the most popular spot on the trail, there were between 10 and 20 people, including little ones, hanging out there at various points while we were there.

Secret Waterfall

Now for the tricky part. From the second waterfall, turn back toward the path you were on. You will see a path going upward to your left, follow that. The path is cleared, but steep in places with plenty of mud and exposed roots so pay attention to where you put your feet.

Follow this path upward for 10-15 minutes until you reach a fork. To your right will be a narrower and more overgrown path going upward, to your left a steep path downward (you should hear the sound of flowing water in this direction). Take the fork to your left, it may require grabbing a tree for balance or taking a small jump down. Shortly after this, you’ll reach the creek.

From here, you need to cross over the water and the slippery rock to the other side, where the path continues downward. This involves a small jump down, and is probably the part of trail where you need to be most careful due to the wet rock and no real cushion if you slip. Once across, follow the path downward and to your left, and you’ll arrive shortly at a secluded pool. You have arrived! From where you just were, water flows at a slant over 40 feet of rock into the pool, which then flows off another cliff to the waterfall you saw previously.

We had this pool to ourselves for about 15 minutes at a time. Another couple arrived about 15 minutes after us and then a couple of individual hikers passed through. There’s enough room to spread out and give each other space. The view at the end of the pool where the creek drops off to the next waterfall offers some truly spectacular views of the rainforest. We just sat and enjoyed the view, as rain fell softly. It felt like a very special, even sacred moment.

When you’re done, go back the way you came. Be safe, and happy travels!