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San Cristóbal Canyon has been named one of the top 10 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico. Forests that end at sheer rock walls that rise out of rivers with beautiful waterfalls. It is not the easiest place to get to (being at the bottom of a 500+ foot descent), so it does require some planning and, for best results and safety, a guide!
Located in between Aibonito and Barranquitas, the San Cristóbal Canyon is the deepest canyon in all of the Antilles Islands. It is a naturally occurring split in the central mountain range called the Central Cordillera. The Río Usabón runs through the bottom of the canyon, some 500 feet below the surrounding area, cascading over rocks in a number of places.
The canyon had been used for years (from the 1950′s through 1974) as a dumping site for everything, including metal and machinery of all types. In 1974, the dumping was outlawed and the EPA started clean-up of all this toxic stuff, but evidence of this dumping site still remains embedded in the rock.
Today, the Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Conservation Trust) owns the land surrounding the canyon, with the hope of preserving the area for future generations.
It is not an easy place to find or hike into, and that a guide is recommended. Having done it, I think that is good advice for all but the most experienced/prepared hikers. Once you find the trail (a task unto itself), it is slippery and steep. Also, the river can rise rapidly and extremely high, and the trail can become unusable during & after heavy rains. Having a knowledgeable guide (especially one with safety ropes and other safety equipment available) can be a life saver (literally!).
Even with the guides, you are totally responsible for your own safety. They give you helmets and life jackets. Though they did require you to wear them at certain times, they were not as strict as other tour companies (who might require you to wear them all the time). They tell you the rocks are slippery, but if you want to go close to the edge and risk it, it was your choice. You need to use common sense on this tour.
This is a physically demanding tour. You should only sign up for this tour if you are physically fit. Also, the route behind the waterfall is narrow; people might not fit through the spaces between the rocks and there is no other way back to the top of the falls.
Overall, is a breathtaking adventure. Please keep all green areas clean, make friends, enjoy and have fun!
For more information, call: (787) 857-2094 or email: sancristobalcanyon@hotmail.com
Source: puertoricodaytrips.com
Pictures: Manny Nieves Photography
