11 Puerto Rico Mountains to Explore (By a Local)

Planning a day (or many) in the beautiful Puerto Rico mountains is guaranteed to be a highlight of your island trip. 

The mountainous region home to the Cordillera Central, a line of mountains that goes from west to east, encompasses over 15 towns.

And even if it’s hard to explore by car, as a Puerto Rico local who has written an entire Puerto Rico ebook, I can assure you that the central region boasts some of the best places to see in Puerto Rico.

So, if you’re into breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and finding new places, then you can’t miss these 11 mountains in Puerto Rico.

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11 Best Puerto Rico Mountains

Cerro de Punta

Elevation: 4,389.7 ft

🥾 Moderate | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: Free

Cerro de Punta is Puerto Rico’s highest peak and is located in the municipality of Jayuya.

Jayuya sits in the central mountainous region known as Cordillera Central, where the roads are mostly thin and curvy, adapting to the geography of the place. 

To drive to Cerro Punta’s peak, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle as it’s steep and there are a lot of potholes.

Most visitors decide to park on the main road and then hike for 45 minutes uphill. But, to be honest, the road to Cerro de Punta is not for anxious and nervous people.

Once in town, don’t miss out on the multiple Puerto Rico coffee plantations located in Jayuya.

Cerro Mime

Elevation: 2,080.05 ft

🥾 Difficult | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: $10 for parking

Cerro Mime is one of the more popular peaks in Orocovis, a city located in the Cordillera Central.

The first part of the trail is easy, but as you continue to advance, the grass is somewhat outgrown and there are a lot of insects. You might also find cows and bulls on the way.

However, the view from Cerro Mime’s peak is a delight for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts searching for great hikes in Puerto Rico.

The drive to this mountain peak is challenging as the roads are curvy and narrow – depending on your route, you might even need a 4×4.

Cañon San Cristóbal

Elevation: 2,140 ft

🥾 Difficult/Expert | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Costs: Depends on the tour

Cañon San Cristobal, located between the Puerto Rico towns of Aibonito and Barranquitas, is one of the most unique sights on the island. 

While the land is protected by Para La Naturaleza, it’s possible to visit with reservations and private tours.

Once a dump site, the San Cristobal Canyon now boasts beautiful scenery with multiple waterfalls, a river, and forests with flora and fauna that nature lovers rave about.

Keep in mind that conditions on the roads depend highly on the season you’re visiting Puerto Rico. During the winter, prepare to experience a colder climate and limited visibility due to the fog.

Rainfall in Cordillera Central is also common, especially between May and October, so drive carefully through the curvy roads.

Cerro El Rodadero

Elevation: 2,864.17 ft

🥾 Difficult | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

Located in the mountain region of Yauco, Cerro El Rodadero is one of the most popular stops for Puerto Rico’s adventurous types. This famous mountain features a rock that thrill-seekers climb to feel at the edge of the world. 

The view from the Caribbean Sea is picture-perfect. You can also see Lago Lucchetti from this spot. Although the hike is about 20 minutes, the route is strenuous because of the inclination and the heat. 

Take PR 375 instead of PR 378 to get to Cerro El Rodadero. Both have curvy and narrow roads but, the latter has deep drop-offs, and calls for a 4×4 vehicle. On that same route, you’ll find Charco Piazza, a hidden Puerto Rico waterfall.

👉 Pro Tip: The reception is poor, so download your maps offline before visiting.

Monte Guilarte

Elevation: 3,950 ft

🥾 Moderate | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

Monte Guilarte is located in Adjuntas, one of the coldest cities inside the Cordillera Central Mountains of Puerto Rico.

Classified as one of the highest peaks on the island, Monte Guilarte, also known as Monte Guaraguo, takes its name after a Spanish conqueror. 

The moderate hike to the peak from inside the Guilarte State Forest takes around an hour. But the trail can get muddy and slippery with rain, which is not uncommon in Adjuntas for the altitude.

Since there isn’t any public transportation from San Juan, the easiest way to get to the mountainous interior is by renting a car in Puerto Rico. You can use Discover Cars to find 4×4 vehicles that can conquer even the steepest streets in the region.

El Toro Peak

Elevation: 3,533 ft

🥾 Expert | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Costs: free

Located in El Yunque National Rainforest, El Toro Peak is the highest point of the rainforest.

The hike to the peak is only for hardcore adventurers, as the round trip takes between 4 and 6 hours among trees, high grass, and knee-high mud. Once at the top, you’ll see both the north and east coastline.

In comparison with other mountainous areas in Puerto Rico, it’s easier to drive to this area of El Yunque, but PR 189 road is still narrow and curvy, so you should take precautions while driving.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit El Yunque or any of the mountains in the Cordillera Central region, Sierra de Cayey, or Sierra de Luquillo early morning to avoid getting caught in the afternoon showers.

Cerro de Los Cielos

Elevation: 1,860 ft

🥾 Difficult | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: $5 for parking

Cerro de Los Cielos is located on the mountainous side of Salinas and it boasts a picturesque view of the highway and the mountains of Salinas and Cayey.

The trail is known as El Arbol Solitario for the lonely mango tree with a swing that sits on the top. You’ll also see poles with multiple flags at the end of the trail.

Although short, getting to the peak of Cerro de Los Cielos is challenging as it has a steep incline and there isn’t much shade along the way.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t park at PR-52 Highway, you’ll get a ticket. Instead, you can park at Hacienda Los Maldonado for $5 and ask for directions to the trailhead.

Cerro Las Tetas

Elevation: 2,759 ft

🥾 Easy | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

Cerro Las Tetas de Cayey is a popular two-peak mountain located in the Sierra de Cayey in Salinas.

These mountains are popular for their unique shape and they have multiple attractions around them including rock climbing companies, Puerto Rico farms, and restaurants.

While you don’t have to walk more than 5 minutes from the main road to Cerro Las Tetas, and the trail is family-friendly, you will have to transit many small and curvy roads to get there.  

Check out my guide to driving in Puerto Rico, to learn tips to drive in the mountains.

Cerro Doña Juana

Elevation: 3,471 ft

🥾 Moderate | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

The city of Orocovis is home to a beautiful forest, waterfalls, and rivers, but it’s also difficult to explore if you’re driving in the central mountains for the first time.

If you’re up to the challenge and like the peace of remote nature locations, then I recommend driving to Cerro Doña Juana inside the Toro Negro State Forest. 

The hike to Cerro Doña Juana takes about 2 hours at a slow pace. The journey itself doesn’t feature much scenery, but it’s great for birdwatching and enjoying the quiet solitude.

At the top, visitors will find a viewing tower with a view of the surrounding towns and valleys. After your visit, stop at Doña Juana Waterfall nearby, one of Puerto Rico’s top waterfalls.

Tres Picachos

Elevation: 3,894 ft

🥾 Expert | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for something more challenging, then Tres Picachos between Ciales and Jayuya is for you.

Like many of the mountains in Cordillera Central, Tres Picachos boasts a hiking trail, except this one feels more like climbing. 

The route is so steep and muddy that there are ropes installed on the trail to get through it. But if you take on the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with an unmatched view of the region’s natural beauty.

While Tres Picachos is officially in Ciales, you’ll have to access the trailhead through the city of Jayuya, which is one of the most difficult central Puerto Rican towns to move around in.

The streets are steep, and curvy, and can easily make anyone car-sick.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re climbing Tres Picachos, make sure to bring along gloves.

Cerro Morales

Elevation: 3,214 feet

🥾 Difficult | 📍 Google Maps | Costs: free

Hiking Cerro Morales is one of the most fun things to do in Utuado and is the highest peak of the city.

Known for coffee, agriculture, rivers, and nature, Utuado is one of the top cities for people seeking to connect with nature in a remote location. 

The hike to Cerro Morales takes about one hour but the natural beauty and the mix of curves and colors seen from the top is the perfect reward for hiking lovers.