With the pressures of getting to class on time, submitting assignment after assignment, and trying to maintain a social life, it’s easy for UPRRP students to feel like the campus is their entire world. However, Puerto Rico has so many nature spots that can provide a reprieve from academic stress without having to get on an airplane. Whether you’re longing for the serenity of a slow river, the adrenaline rush of a thrilling natural water slide, or the salty air at a secluded beach, these locations will take you away and remind you that balance is essential, not just doable.
Here are six outdoor getaways I’ve been to (and loved!) that I believe everyone should add to their bucket list:
- Charco El Hippie, Naguabo
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On Puerto Rico’s east coast, this river is like stepping into a postcard, at least early in the morning. Nothing beats the peace and quiet if you’re one of the first ones there. However, it does start to get crowded at around noon. The walk to the river is both relaxing and brief, and there’s even a sign that reminds visitors: “This was the Taíno’s sacred land, don’t sh*t on it.” The parking lot is managed by locals (the fee is $5 or so), and from there, you can choose your own adventure: jump from the giant rock if you dare, or just float in the gentle current. There’s also a rope swing that’s basically an open invitation to just play and let go of adult worries. Make sure to check the weather first, since the river can be unpredictable after the rain. This is definitely my personal favorite place to escape from San Juan.
- Las Pailas, Luquillo
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Think of a natural waterslide carved into the rainforest itself. That would be Las Pailas. When my friends and I went for my birthday, we ended up going down the slide seven times in a row while screaming the whole way down. Las Pailas feels like a nature-built amusement park, with its rock slides and waterfalls. Here’s the catch: The rocks are slippery, so you’ll need to sit up straight when going down, engage your core, and use your arms for balance with your hands against the sides. You can also climb higher upstream to encounter more secluded pools where it feels good to just float in silence.
- Charco Azul, Vega Baja
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Charco Azul is easily one of the most photogenic rivers in Puerto Rico. A 10-minute walk leads you to a deep natural pool surrounded by high rocks. The water is beautiful, but also very deep; so make sure you’re a strong swimmer, as there aren’t many places to rest once you’re in. The cliffs themselves are high, and making the jump certainly isn’t for the faint of heart (I had to build myself up quite a bit before finally taking the leap). Consider that you can also swim through caves and hidden nooks and crannies in this river, making it a natural playground. Just FYI: don’t attempt to park at the bottom of the cliff, next to the river, unless you have a 4×4. There’s a paid parking lot not so far from it on the trail.
- Playa Tocones, Vega Alta
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After packed beaches like Condado wear you out, Playa Tocones is the remedy. Tucked between houses along a residential street in Vega Alta, it’ll lead you to a secluded bay with golden sand, rocky borders, and crystal-clear water. I loved how it doesn’t get crowded at all, as if it belongs just to those who’ve discovered it. If you’re interested in snorkeling, you’ll encounter coral and tropical fish near the mouth of the bay. More than anything, though, it’s a beach for lounging, reading a book or a novel on your phone, talking with friends, or just letting the waves set the rhythm of your afternoon.
- Zanja Fría, Arecibo
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Puerto Rico is known for its warmth and that’s exactly why Zanja Fría feels like such a relief. The water is cold here — so icy it practically shocks you awake in the best kind of way. This natural spring in Arecibo is a bit smaller than other rivers, but it has crystal-clear water that makes it stand out. I’ve been here with my family and I’ve seen people bring a snorkel to see the many fish that are swimming around, especially next to the big pipe that used to connect to some old structure. The pool is four to five feet deep, which is enough for a cool dip on a hot summer afternoon. The path to get to Zanja Fría is brief, and while the spring isn’t huge, it feels like a hidden oasis.
- Cayo Aurora (Gilligan’s Island), Guánica
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You can’t discuss getaways to Puerto Rico and not mention Cayo Aurora. Named by many as Gilligan’s Island, this cayo is a short boat ride away from the coast of Guánica. The water here is otherworldly, as you will encounter fluorescent blue-green channels that wind through healthy mangroves. These are shallow enough to float across, but deep enough to snorkel. The line for the ferry can be long, especially on weekends, but paradise awaits once you’re there. The final boat departs at 5 p.m., so be sure to arrive early if you want a full day of sun, sand, and saltwater. In between kayaking and snorkeling, or just drifting in the gentle currents, you forget that deadlines and exams even exist while on this island.
Puerto Rico’s landscapes offer so much more than just beauty; they offer a sense of restoration. These six locations invite students to slow down and reconnect with the outdoors, even if only for an afternoon. A brief escape into nature can renew your energy in ways that make returning to campus life feel a little lighter.