Published on Jan, 2025
The adventure was with Jerry himself and his son Gabriel. We started out at Mirador Gavillan overlooking Old San Juan and more.
We then drove narrow, paved mountain roads where the views were pretty and the homes were authentic. Jerry is very personable, congenial, accommodating and knowledgeable about the area, flora and fauna, and Puerto Rico. He taught us about a tree that is the only one that blooms year round.
Having grown up in NJ and worked in high end hospitality, customer centric in his prior career, he moved to PR when he was older, to have a family.
We stopped at a hilltop cafe for drinks, snack and bathroom break. He knows the owners and the coffee and sweets were good. My son played connect 4 with his son. After our short break, we piled back into the van and drove down a very narrow driveway which led to a very steep gravel hill, to some level area. From there, we threw on our PFD. the land was owned by a friend of his. We hiked to our first water fall and pool. We were happy to stop here and swim because it was so beautiful with lush greenness around and cool water, but this was just the first waterfall. He led us up the waterfall. That’s why it’s important to wear closed toed shoes and ones that you’re willing to get wet and dirty. We began wading through the refreshingly cool water and up in the running water. He guides us where to put our feet and hands for the safest footing. Hint in the white and green lichen growing on the rocks in the running water. So cool. When we reached the top, I felt like what an explorer might feel seeing this beautiful river with richly covered forest on the banks.
Each of us found our way through the river, stumbling but never falling on the rocks under neath and the water rushing at our ankles sometimes, hip deep pools, or scrambling over boulders. The adventure of finding my own path and dealing with the safe consequences was wonderful.
We arrived at another waterfall after about what felt like a lot longer than the 15 minutes river walk. This one was bigger and higher than the first one. Jerry told us he wouldn’t push us to leave. Whenever we were ready to go he’d take us back.
The cool spray of water hitting me from the waterfall was refreshing after the workout of walking the river.
Next to the pool were different level natural jumping platforms ranging from 1-10 meters (3-30 feet).
I’m over 60 and I was able to jump from the highest platform. I worked my way up and know how to swim pretty well, but standing there trying to concentrate on the landing and not listening to your head and heart was stressful and exhilarating. As my son put it “acute stress is emotionally when in a safe place.”
We spent our time exploring the area, sitting in the rushing water on the rocks and under the falls, climbing the waterfall, and swimming in the pool.
Though he said he would not push us to go, when clouds began to form Jerry advised us that when it began to rain water from the mountains would be rushing down the water and into the river we’d have to walk through again on our way back. We had been there for close to an hour and it was time to leave.
The warm rain water mixed with the river water as we picked our way back through the forest and river, climbing up some rocks, down others, and in the rivers. I was acutely aware of the oneness of the universe and how much nature mixes between weather and human spirit.
When we arrived at the van, he threw our PFDs into the back and he covered the seats with towels for us.
We drove with us in the back and talked with the giddiness of an adventure. We talked about what we did, how exciting it was and beautiful. We stopped for lunch at a typical PR restaurant and we ate so much and so delicious— the oils with the lemon on the yucca, the smoothness of yaotia, the tenderness of the ripe plantains, the saltiness of the chicharon, the fried chicken, the combo of rice and beans, with the shredded meat on top. Whew we ate like kings.
They didn’t have something I really wanted. You’ll have to ask him what it was. So he literally went across the street and bought 2 for me. That’s customer service you really don’t get on a regular tour, but with Jerry he will do whatever it takes to give you an adventure.
On the drive back we all were in a food coma and exhausted from our adventure. Jerry and I talked like 2 old friends at a bar opining on Life, kids, Time and of course Puerto Rico. He loves his Isle of Enchantment and wants to share with you. If you’re up for an adventure book it.