San Cristóbal Canyon Protected Natural Area

San Cristóbal Canyon is the deepest land canyon in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, located on the boundary between Barranquitas and Aibonito municipalities in the Central Mountain Range. Approximately 9 km long and up to 250 meters deep, it was carved by the Usabón River over millions of years. The protected area encompasses 6,881 acres and features impressive waterfalls including La Vaca (~90 m), El Negrón, La Niebla, and El Ancón, as well as numerous natural pools. It harbors approximately 695 plant species and 144 animal species, many endemic to Puerto Rico and several listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Designated a protected natural area in 2013, it is managed by Para La Naturaleza and the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. Access points include Finca Don Félix in Helechal (Barranquitas), the Cañón San Cristóbal Recreation Area in Barranquitas Pueblo, and Finca Los Llanos in Aibonito Pueblo.