Cuevas Arenales & Charco Azul Guided Hiking Tour

Guided

Duration: 6 hours

San Juan • Manatí

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

$100 Person

(All ages • Price per person)

Description

Explore Caves & Rivers - Hiking Vega Baja, Puerto Rico!

Explore the true beauty of Puerto Rico on this personalized adventure, perfect for the heart of an explorer. This guided hiking tour takes you to two of the island’s most stunning hidden gems—Cuevas Arenales and Charco Azul—in a small-group experience that blends natural wonder, adventure, and local insight.

Start your journey with a scenic walk through the north-central region, where you’ll encounter a waterfall at the entrance of the Arenales cave system. From there, venture into a massive cavern and through a dramatic canyon, surrounded by towering limestone walls and striking rock formations carved over thousands of years. You'll have the chance to swim, cliff-jump, and wade through crystal-clear waters, all while learning about the geological and cultural history of the region.

Afterward, head to Charco Azul, a local favorite known for its vivid turquoise pool nestled in the forest—a perfect spot to cool off and relax. You'll travel in comfort in a new air-conditioned van, accompanied by a local guide who ensures your safety and enriches the experience with stories, insights, and good vibes. This is the kind of off-the-radar Puerto Rico most visitors never get to see.

Duration of Adventure

6 hours

Location / Where to Meet

Pick up times in San Juan vary, depending on the pick up location.
Please put in the address where you would like to be picked out in the box at checkout! This can be from your hotel, airbnb, or a different meeting place if you prefer!
Pick up time will be texted the day before the tour.

Ages & Requirements

All ages are welcome but keep in mind guests must have a moderate physical fitness level and have basic swimming skills.
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Minimum of 4 people are required for a tour to run.

What’s Included

Experienced Local Guide
6 Hour Hiking Tour
Transportation from San Juan
Life Vest
Drinks & Puerto Rican Snacks
Stop for Lunch (Meal not included in cost)
Digital Photos

Not Included

Gratuity - Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
Cost of Lunch
You can add a t-shirt at checkout for an extra fee.

What to Bring / Wear

Swimsuit & Towels
Sturdy Hiking Shoes - Broken in/Used before with closed toes and grippy tread! If hiking in rainforest or wet areas, please wear comfortable water shoes with good tread!
Hiking Socks & Gaiters - Comfortable socks to prevent blisters and small shoe gaiters are helpful to keep rocks and sand from getting into the shoe and causing blisters or cuts!
Comfortable Clothing - Make sure the clothing is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and fast drying!
Sun & Insect Protection - Rimmed hat, sunglasses, neck covering (may attach to hat), and UV deflecting long sleeve shirts can all help to combat the harmful and strong sun rays! Don’t forget some insect repellent or mosquito head coverings!
Required Paperwork & ID Cards- Signed medical form if required, waivers, license, etc.
Restroom Essentials - Extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a good idea!
Trekking Poles - These can help on uneven ground or strenuous hikes!
Cameras & Binoculars - Catch amazing pictures of the scenery and binoculars to spot wildlife from far away!
Dry Bags - Recommended anywhere you might get rained on to protect valuables like your phone and cameras.
Snacks - These are provided but consider bringing your own if you have a food allergy, stomach issues to certain foods, or are particular about your food preferences!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Mariex Adventures

FAQs

When is the best time to hike in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico?

The best time to hike in Vega Baja is during the dry season, from December to August. These months typically offer sunny weather, lower humidity, and more predictable trail and river conditions—perfect for hiking, river trekking, and swimming in clear natural pools. The peak months for ideal weather are January through April, with warm temperatures and minimal rain. While hiking is possible year-round, the rainy season (September to November) can bring muddy trails, higher river levels, and increased chances of flash flooding, so tours may be rescheduled for safety.

How difficult is the hike and river trek?

The hike is moderate and includes uneven terrain, river walking, and some scrambling over rocks. Participants should be comfortable walking on slippery surfaces and being in the water for extended periods.

Do I need to know how to swim?

While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you should be comfortable in water. Life jackets are available upon request, and your guide will be with you throughout the river portions.

Will we get wet during the tour?

Yes—expect to be fully wet for most of the tour. You’ll be river trekking, swimming in pools, floating through canyons, and possibly jumping into the water.

What is special about Arenales Cave or Charco Azul?

Arenales Cave, located in Vega Baja, is a hidden gem known for its dramatic limestone formations, crystal-clear river, and natural rock canyon. What makes it truly special is the chance to hike, swim, and wade through ancient cave passages, all while surrounded by stunning scenery far from the typical tourist path. You’ll even pass a small waterfall at the cave entrance, adding to the wild, untouched feel of the area.

Charco Azul, meaning “Blue Pool,” is a beautiful natural swimming hole tucked into the forest. Its vivid turquoise waters and peaceful jungle setting make it a favorite spot for locals to cool off and relax. Together, Arenales Cave and Charco Azul offer a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, showcasing Puerto Rico’s lesser-known natural wonders.

Cancellation Policy

Mariex Adventures reserves the right to cancel or modify the trip for the safety of
Participants or where conditions make the tour unfeasible in its advertised form. Where
the cancellation or modification is the result of circumstances outside of Mariex Adventures
direct control (including, but not limited to, unseasonably bad weather, civil protests,
an accident, or road closures or blockages), we will not provide ANY REFUND.
- Guests can cancel up to 3 days before the experience start time for a full refund, or within
24 hours of booking if the booking is made more than 48 hours before the start time.
- If you cancel less than 48 hours before the experience start time, we will only refund 80%
- If you cancel 24 hours or less before the experience start time, we will issue NO refund.

Availability

July 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

2420 ave Albizu Campos #175

Rincon, PR,

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