Watervalwandeling in het afgelegen gebied van het El Yunque-regenwoud; San Juan

We booked this El Yunque tour because it was described as a small group, off-the-beaten-path, and a bit challenging. It definitely delivered on the challenge, more than my husband and I expected! We hiked down to a water pool in our socks (yes, socks). When Sarah, our guide, said shoes wouldn’t work, I thought, “You do you, but I’m wearing my hiking boots.” One step on a rock and it was immediately clear, shoes weren’t going to cut it. The rocks were slippery, and socks actually gave better grip. I kept thinking, "this is bonkers and so unsafe." Climbing down was tough, and the way back up wasn’t much easier. I had wanted a challenge, but I was also on vacation and didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. My husband was completely unfazed and seemed to be loving it. He and Sarah chatted happily while sitting in the natural pool. Honestly, I wasn’t a happy camper for most of the hike. I’m the kind of person who needs to be mentally prepared, and I just wasn’t. I finally relaxed a bit more during the second hike to another water pool. Though this wasn’t what I expected, what turned it from a difficult experience into a meaningful one was Sarah. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, confident, and clearly knows the terrain inside out. She guided us every step of the way, showing exactly where to go and how to navigate the rocks safely. It was just the three of us, and she made us feel supported the entire time. Sarah is only 29 but has already lived a full life. She’s bright, confident, grounded, and truly knows what she’s doing. We had great conversations during the drive and by the water pools. When we travel, it’s not just the places or activities that stay with us, it’s the people we meet. Sarah is one of those people. If I ever do something like this again, it’ll be with someone like Sarah, and with a waterproof bag instead of a backpack! I recommend this tour if you're up for a real adventure, but definitely ask for all the details in advance so you know what to expect.

This was an amazing experience! The waterfalls and rainforest were breathtaking. The tour guides were very helpful and assisted us when needed on the adventure. They made us feel safe, comfortable and supported while swimming and climbing! I would recommend this tour to everyone who is capable of doing physical activities.

My bestie and I met our incredible tour guide, Fabiola, on a Friday afternoon, and from that moment on, we were off on an unforgettable adventure. She was not only super friendly and easy to talk to, but she also shared fascinating historical insights about the island, making the journey just as interesting as the destinations. We reached our first stop in about 45 minutes — and honestly, there’s no way we would’ve found this place on our own. Once we turned off the main road, we didn’t see another car. It’s a true hidden gem. Our first stop? A breathtaking, secluded waterfall—absolute paradise. We had the whole place to ourselves, swam in the crystal-clear pool, and even climbed up the boulders with Fabiola guiding us every step of the way. She also took amazing pictures for us so we could just soak in the experience. But the adventure didn’t stop there! We visited a second waterfall, where Fabiola shared stories about the indigenous history still present in the area, adding such a special layer to the experience. And to top it all off, on the way back, she was so thoughtful and dropped us off at our Airbnb, saving us an Uber ride. If you’re thinking about booking this tour—do it. You won’t regret it!