This is another POST card stop , park on the side road in the first spot available and walk ,well worth a stop for pictures and refreshing under the water
I covered most of this in a review of El Yunque but the falls deserve their own review. We hiked in from the top. The trail down is uneven and slippery as others have mentioned. We also encountered some large groups along the trail and since it is quite narrow in places, it's kind of awkward letting them pass. There are some pretty cool spots on the way down for photos and such as well as some other " pools" along the way that you could swim in. I must admit that Sarah and I were totally unprepared, no swimwear, didn't really wear the right shoes for the hike, but hey, that's part of the adventure. We arrived at the falls and realized that people were swimming and it looked like great fun ( it is). Not to be outdone after sitting on the rocks and enjoying the view for a while, Sarah just jumped in, clothes and all. Well, I couldn't be left out so I stripped down to my shorts and followed. The water is cold but it was great fun. I must admit that the hike back out (all up hill) wasn't the most pleasant in soaking wet clothes but it was all well worth it! So, I guess my advice is go but take swimwear and wear hiking shoes. Have fun!
在雨林深处的瀑布,有两个入口,可以走一段30分钟路程的trail 到达,一路都是雨林,路在不下雨时非常好走,准备好泳装吧,到了瀑布可以洗天然浴
We took the 45 minute or so drive from San Juan. It was worth it. We were lucky that we had a U.S. Military pass from the National Park Service = FREE! We walked around at the visitors center-interesting and staff helpful. Then we drove up to La Mina Fall's parking area. The hike isn't very strenuous, but you can't be in poor health either. The Falls-fabulous. There is a bridge right in front of them. We brought our bathing suits and carefully walked/crawled over to the water and got in. Cold, 60-65 degrees. It was awesome to be under the water cascading down on us. A great opportunity to take some pictures. It was well worth the drive and walk! Check out the gift shop and the restaurant at the Welcome Center.
Definitely get in the water, and definitely bring something to wear or a towel for when you get out. You won't be the only one. It is a bit chilly and the current is deceptively strong, but how often can you get that close to a waterfall? This is a lovely sight
From the Colorado parking area, it's about 30-35 minutes to hike to the falls over a very narrow, slippery path. If you get behind a large tour group, it's difficult to pass them. Perhaps the hike from the lower parking area is less difficult. The falls were disappointing--not very large at all. It is over-run by people swimming in the pool at the base. There is no seating, except on the rocks. The water is very cool and refreshing, however.The climb back to Colorado is strenuous--they list it as "challenging," and we agreed.
Nice cool shaded trail (like most in El Yunque), some elevation change but made easier with much cemented surfaces. The falls were quite crowded which elminated my zen experience. There is a shorter trail (quite a bit more rugged definitely no cement or nature markers) just before you get to the La Mina trailhead that is found on the right hand side of the road and you are going up. This trail head is marked but not well (I think I saw either on a map or small sign that is says you can stop to see pools alongside the road) and there is a post just like the others that mark trailheads but no other sinage. This trail takes you up to two different waterfalls that were less crowded and more relaxing.
The way down is treacherous. Slippery, uneven, and narrow, you definitely do not want to rush your hike down or up. And it is quite a hike - it can take more than an hour round trip (and that's if you don't linger too long at the base). So budget your time accordingly - at least 90-120 minutes for this stop. And it's true - the falls are not that big, especially when crowded. But what I loved was the nature flanking the trail. I frequently allowed people to pass me up as I stopped and just breathed in the scenery, from the canopy to the roots of the towering trees and ferns, just in awe of the sheer amount of life that surrounded me.So, for me, the falls themselves were not the highlight. It was on the way there and on the way back (which while faster for me, was also more physically demanding) that made this attraction worth it.
Highly recommend this trail! Wear sneakers and go past the big tree trail to palo Colorado info area. This is the other way to la Mina falls and it's less crowded. Wear sneakers and be warned it is all uphill on the way back, you must be in average shape at a minimum for this trail. It's all paved in concrete surprisingly.
La Mina falls, is located in El Yunque rainforest near Luquillo. The turn off from the main road is a little confusing so pay attention to signs and your directions. The restaurants that are located in the park are expensive and only average tasting. I would eat before you come to the park or bring your lunch. The parking at La Mina falls is very crowded, we got there about 12:30 on a Thursday and had a little bit of a hard time finding a place to park. There is a fruit stand right at the start of the trail. The trail is paved the whole way to the falls and the hike is pretty low key. Our 8 year old had no problem with this hike. The waterfall is crowded but it didn't bother us. There is natural waterslide and it is located somewhere in the same area of the falls there is a turn off before getting to the falls so do your research so you can do both on the same day. There are also places you can zipline on the way into the park. We went to Luquillo and walked along the kiosks and didn't find them to be all that great but we did like the beach behind them. There are a few jet skis that you can rent by the hour.