If you're looking for a semi-free family friendly adventure, Las Paylas in Luquillo, PR is where it's at! This hidden gem is just that, hidden. If you feel like you've pulled up to someone's private residence then you have arrived. With chalk drawn parking lines for parking spots and a local homeowner requesting $5.00 per car in Spanish, this local natural adventure park can not be missed!!
Our family of 5 with children ages 7, 14 and 18-years of age there's fun for everyone. When you arrive you park at any open spot, walk to the homeowner and pay the parking/admission fee, as this is his property. You will follow the inclined, rocky path behind his home down to the first "water slide" on your left. Now this first slide is the fastest, longest, more extreme of the two slides and can not be skipped. My 7-year old son was able to navigate with little effort and loved every bit of it. To the right is a cavern of river rocks to climb and navigate in order to get to the second slide that is shorter and more mellow. This slide dumps you into a large pool of water safe enough to swim. Be warned there is a rushing current that will sweep away the youngest of adventures so please be mindful of weak swimmers. There is a "baby pool" off to the right of the main pool. You will also find a rope swing if you are daring enough. Although we watched locals climb and swing into the big pool, our family opted out of this experience. After getting up to the top and holding the rope, this seemed a little too daring for this momma bear and her cubs! All in all the whole family loved the natural experience and can not wait to head back on our next trip!
Using Google Maps:
PR-983, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico read more