La Coca Falls
La Coca Falls, known locally as Cascada la Coca or Catarata la Coca, is one of the top attractions in El Yunque National Forest.
Among the best waterfalls in El Yunque, La Coca Falls is right by the side of PR 191, the main access road through the forest. La Coca Falls are the easiest falls in El Yunque you can visit, because you can view the waterfall right from the road.
The waterfall cascades down a moss-covered cliff face, and is framed by lush green vegetation. While the upper two-thirds of the waterfall is fairly wide, it narrows down at the bottom. Boulders fringe the plunge pool. It makes a very pretty picture!
Where is La Coca Waterfall located?
La Coca Falls is located within El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.
La Coca is the first waterfall you see as you drive up PR 191 and it is located on the right side of the road as you approach.
The approximate coordinates for La Coca Falls are 18°19’07.8″N 65°46’16.9″W (see map).
How tall is La Coca Waterfall?
La Coca Falls tumbles 85 feet (close to 26 meters) over a black cliff face and into a plunge pool below.
When is the best time to visit La Coca Falls?
The flow of La Coca Falls is fuller after periods of rain.
While it does rain all through the year in El Yunque, the “rainy” season typically runs from May until November. If you want to see a fuller waterfall, you may want to visit during the rainy season.
But La Coca Falls looks beautiful even when the flow is more sedate and thready rather than a curtain of water. Thus, visiting in the dry season, from December until April, is also fine.
Simply put, La Coca Falls is captivating no matter what time of year you visit.
How do you visit La Coca Falls?
Viewing the beautiful La Coca Falls is very simple. You simply drive up along PR 191, the main road that runs through El Yunque National Forest, and the waterfall shows up on the right side.
Park in a designated parking spot by the falls. Then you can proceed to the viewing area to admire the waterfall and capture photos and video. No need to lace up those hiking shoes!
Adventurous visitors sometimes scramble up the boulders beneath the cascade to get closer to the waterfall, but as of this writing, access to the falls in this manner is closed.
Is there parking at La Coca Falls?
There is limited roadside parking just before and just past the falls as you drive up. Please park in a designated parking spot or you will be ticketed.
If parking spots are all taken, plan to stop at La Coca Falls on your way back.
Can you swim at La Coca Falls?
No, swimming is not permitted at La Coca Falls in El Yunque National Forest. You can only admire the waterfall from the designated viewing area.
Is there a hike at La Coca Falls?
Yes, there is a challenging hiking trail that heads up from La Coca Falls through the Tabonuco forest. You have to scramble up the cliff to get to the start of the trail.
La Coca Trail has an elevation change of 656 feet and the trail involves steep slopes and stream crossings. It is 1.8 miles one way.
The trail is temporarily closed as of this writing, to clear overhanging vegetation and other overhead elements that pose risks.
Watch our video of La Coca Falls!
Planning a trip to see the forest? Bookmark our El Yunque National Forest website for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Top-Rated El Yunque Tours