One fantastic place you can add to your holiday itinerary is the Las Paylas or Las Pailas natural waterslide that can be found in none other than our feature of interest, Puerto Rico.
Holiday season is fast approaching. Are you looking for holiday spots where you can make great memories? If that is the case, then Puerto Rico is the perfect place for you. It is one of the most popular tourist hubs that is characterised by its jaw dropping beauty. It is home to numerous natural attractions and fun activities. There is always something to do here and you will never have a dull moment, no matter your age.
Las Pailas is located in Luquillo, on the outskirts of El Yunque National Forest. This is a fun place to enjoy a picnic and spend some time watching others slide and splash about in the pool.
The history and characteristics of Las Paylas or Las Pailas
Las Paylas is a hidden Puerto Rico natural water slide tucked away on the outskirts of the El Yunque National Forest . The waterfall runs through the rocks making natural pathways for visitors to follow in its route, ending up in a rewarding warm pond at the bottom.
Over many years the rivers have smoothened the rocks, turning them into a natural playground complete with slides and pools.
Las Paylas natural waterslide is about 30 feet long. It is made up of two areas with two different water slide features. The water flows down the larger water slide first but if you continue down the river, you will find a smaller natural water slide and a deeper pool for swimming. There is also a rock for jumping although it is not particularly deep so use caution. There is an area behind which is mainly just some houses, but is still a part of the forest.
The smaller slide is downstream from where the trail meets the river. This requires a walk down the rocks. The larger slide is upstream of where the trail meets the river. For this one, you have to climb up the large rocks to the starting point. This slide is about 30 feet long and has some twists and turns.
The best time to visit is during the spring or summer, and make sure you avoid going there when its raining or recently rained. Expect to see a lot of people as it is a popular site of attraction. There is a bathroom and a little store where you can buy some basic items that you may need.
How to plan a visit to Las Paylas or Las Pailas in Puerto Rico
Here are some directions to help you get there smoothly. If you are coming from San Juan, take Route 3 until you get to the Sabana exit which is the second exit for Road 992 you come to traveling east on Route 3. There is a sign just before the exit, but none right at the exit. It is the exit after Playa Azul corner. Take Road 992 and then make a left onto Road 991. Continue until you see a sign for Sabana and turn right onto Road 983. Follow Road 983 for a while. You will see a house with a chain link fence around the yard and the words Las Paylas on a sign and mailbox and “Finca Privada” sign on the fence. Here, you will see two gated areas for parking. There is a path down to the river at this house. You can pull in and park in this lot at a rate of $5 per car, or you can park along the road and walk into this property and pay 50¢ per person to use the path.
If you do not have a car, you can opt to to book a tour. There are several tours that travel through El Yunque and stop at this natural waterslide . All you have to do is visit their pages and book online.
It might be a good idea to avoid weekends or middays as they tend to be the busiest periods. The rocks can be quite slippery so always make sure you tread carefully. Dress comfortably and bring a change of clothes and a towel to dry off.
Things to do and see at Las Paylas or Las Pailas in Puerto Rico
As mentioned before, this natural waterslide is a fun place to picnic and spend some time watching the people slide, or just to play in the water pools. You can hike and climb the rocks that are there. You can also take a dip in the refreshing pools or slide down the waterslides if you ever get the hankering for a little exhilaration.
To get the most of you visit, make sure you ask the locals to guide you on where the best spots are to get to the slides. That way you can avoid bumping into more people than you bargained for. Come along with your picture or video taking device so you can capture the memorable experience you will have. Most importantly, climb carefully and be safe. The rocks can be exceptionally slippery especially after rain. Be sure to do your bit to prevent any holiday casualties from occurring.
Other natural attractions in Puerto Rico to try
As you may know by now, Puerto Rico is a cornucopia of popular natural attractions. There are so many other natural attractions in Puerto Rico that you can try. Here are a few of them. Look through, they will definitely intrigue you.
- El Yunque National Forest
- Flamenco Beach
- El Patron Waterfalls
- Luquillo Beach.
- Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
- Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park.
- Caja de Muertos.
- Cueva del Indio.
- Cueva Ventana, trailhead.
- Gilligan’s Island, and many others.
In conclusion, an amazing option to consider when you are on holiday at Puerto Rico would be Las Paylas natural waterslide. It is fun, exhilarating and not to mention easy on the eyes. Come, discover the beauty of Puerto Rico and have a good time at Las Paylas. You will not be disappointed.