Cascada La Mina (El Yunque)

This is a beautiful waterfall and I think it is one of the most popular ones in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately it has been shut down since the Hurricane. It is located at the end of the most popular trail in the El Yunque National Forest. The trail follows the course of the La Mina river, passing many tiny Cascades and tiny pools filled with cold and clear mountain water. The trail begins at the Palo Colorado Information center located at PR 191, 12.2 KM mark. You will need special permission from the authorities to get there since it's the trail is closed down due to the hurricane.

This waterfall is in the EL Yunque National Park, a tropical rain forest in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. El Yunque is a must see item in my view as part of any trip to Puerto Rico- its really a unique place. Many of the trails in El Yunque are still closed because of Hurricane Maria which occurred about two years ago. However I saw many people at or near the La Mina Falls. It is right off the side of the road. Many people climb the rocks near the falls. I wouldn't recommend it as the rocks are quite wet and you can easily break an arm or injure yourself. However many of the people on our tour were doing this and were having a great time. El Yunque and Cascada La Mina are amazingly beautiful places that everyone should get to at least once in their lifetimes.

Worth the hike down to see it. Water is cold but refreshing. A must see if you go to the Yunque Rain Forest

Beautiful waterfall... Even though the walk can be a little long.

Take a refreshing dip in clear rain forest water. Swim under a waterfall. It sounds like a dream. But it is actually a very popular and fun thing to do during a trip to El Yunque National Forest. The waterfall is called La Mina Falls, and it can be accessed by either of two trails: La Mina trail or Big Tree trail. These are both beautiful trails, but different in many ways. This article will describe La Mina trail. The La Mina trail is probably the most popular trail for a few reasons it is the shortest trail to get to the falls (0.7 miles) it is accessible directly from the main Ranger Station – Palo Colorado it is extremely beautiful, as it follows the La Mina River and the sights and sounds of the water are wonderful La Mina TrailHowever, I will mention some of what I consider its drawbacks it is the most popular trail! it is not the easiest trail, in that it is pretty steep and has many steps up and down, so your knees need to be in good working order it is a narrow trail, and you will have to step off the trail a number of times to let people pass you There are two parking lots here, and a good amount of designated parking along the road. There are also clean bathrooms at the Palo Colorado visitors center. If you think you want to swim, change into you bathing suit here because there are no changing rooms down in the Falls area. La Mina trail is rated "Moderate to Difficult" due to it elevation changes – almost 500 feet in a little over a half mile. It should take about 30 minutes to go down, but longer on the way up, depending on how well you can walk up stairs. Luckily the trail has a number of rain and picnic shelters where you can sit and rest. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes, the trail is paved, but it can be slippery. La Mina trail follows the course of the La Mina river as it makes its way to the Falls. The river is full of large rocks, which makes for beautiful sights and sounds. The forest all around is also very lush due to the water, and the way the sun comes through the openings in the trees is just beautiful. There are lots of different trees, plants, flowers, birds , lizards and insect life all around. This trail is very "alive" and a pleasure for (most of ) your senses. Can you tell I really enjoy this trail? La Mina FallsAll this walking will lead you to the big pay-off — the La Mina Falls (Cascada La Mina). The water cascades over a cliff into a pool. There are two ways to enter the pool. The easiest way is to turn left just before the little bridge, so you’re facing directly into the falls. Make your way (carefully!) over the rocks, and just wade straight in. This way looks more difficult, but trust me, it the easier route. The second way to enter the water is to cross the little bridge, turn left, and then follow the steps down to the water. This way looks easier, but it’s not due to big rocks under the water and unexpected drops. The pool is not large, and it is popular, so it can fill up with people, which does take away some of the wonder of it. But I still think it is pretty and fun. There are no benches here, so you need to find a step or choose a rock if you want to relax and enjoy the waterfall. The best pictures are from the bridge that connects Big Tree trail to La Mina trail.