Into the Mountains-Hiking, Waterfalls & Coffee-Full Day Adventure from San Juan

I came to Puerto Rico for the bad bunny concert thinking it would be the highlight of my trip and even though my concert is a couple days away I feel like nothing is going to top this experience. I unknowingly signed up for what I can describe as a life changing experience. Here’s what you need to know about this trip, yes you must be physically CAPABLE of walking up steep hills, jumping, pulling your weight up and down muddy hills, balancing and awareness of your limitations. I’m a 5’7 220lb male who works out maybe 1-2x a week and even though I was able to do it, I have to admit it was not easy. During this tour according to my Apple Watch I did 100 minutes of work out, 9,631 steps, 4.01 miles and burned over 1,160 calories. This is what you need: pair of shoes with grip that you don’t mind getting went and muddy, gloves when pulling yourself on the ropes, you will get went right away so wear your water clothes so you don’t have to change into it. Take sandals for the end of the trip when you change, waterproof cases and a small backpack. If you don’t have one Andre has two extra ones that he will lend you. Your backpack will not get wet or anything else you don’t want to wet you can leave on the trail while you dip into the water. Andre provides water bottles, fresh fruit, and great attitude. Here’s how the day starts: Andre will meet everyone (small group) at the Double Tree starting at 6:20am and will leave from there at 7am. He will drive you to a coffee restaurant owned by a family and explains the history of its authenticity. After you have delicious breakfast and coffee you will drive out to into the mountains to the location. Note: take some motion sickness meds if you tend to get car sick. It’s a lot of up hill turning and more turning. Once at the location you will hike to the first waterfall , and I was very impressed but that wasn’t even the best waterfall for the day. You hike further up the mountain and stop at multiple waterfalls and you get to take pictures and dip into the water. Andre doesn’t rush you at all. When you arrive at the huge waterfall he cuts fresh fruit and shares with everyone. On your way back down it’s also not as easy, we had someone fall and scrape their leg and arm and other saying their legs were shaking from being tired(me) but Andre motivates you to keep going and believe in yourself. The conversations are what you bring to the table, if you’re negative the energy will drain everyone, if you have a positive outlook on everything the conversation will bring you memorable moments in your life. And the end back to the Van he sets up pop up canopies for you to change your clothes and dry. We then drive to a local Puerto Rican BBQ restaurant where they have coffee, alcoholic non alcoholic drinks, bakery, and delicious food. All for $8 per person. We paid with credit card but it’s best to pay cash, cash is king. Again, it’s important to bring a great friendly attitude. Know what you’re signing up for this experience is amazing and worth every penny. You will appreciate life and possibly cry if you’re going through something in your life. The views just breathtaking and all the pictures you see do not do justice for the beauty in front of you.

Best experience in PR, one of the best guides I’ve seen in a long time. He was very attentive and helpful. Hike was very challenging but worth it every second of it!

Andre was an incredible guide. He shared his knowledge and his love of nature and the island, from coffee to the plants and waterfalls. The hike was challenging at times, but he set a pace that made it enjoyable and rewarding. What made the tour really special was how personal and intimate it felt: just us, exploring places off the beaten path, far from the crowded, cookie-cutter tours. It was the perfect way to see Puerto Ricos mountain rainforest in an authentic and memorable way. Bring water and comfortable hiking gear. An extra set of clothes to change into at the end is a must.