Las Bocas Canyon
Las Bocas Canyon, or Cañón Las Bocas, is a steep gorge carved by the Frío River on the boundary between Barranquitas and Comerío in central Puerto Rico. It lies between the Cordillera Central and the Sierra de Cayey and is known for its nearly untouched forests and many kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra). Along with the nearby San Cristóbal Canyon to the south, it is part of the La Plata River basin.
The canyon is protected as Las Bocas Canyon Protected Natural Area and Nature Reserve, covering 1,170.98 acres (1,205.68 cuerdas). It was established by the Las Bocas Canyon Natural Reserve Committee across parts of Barranquitas and Comerío.
Las Bocas faces threats from nearby urban and water development, especially near Comerío Pueblo, and from pesticide use in Barranquitas agriculture. Guided hiking tours are offered by groups such as the Sierra Club.
The canyon is famous for its ceibas (kapoks), including La Ceiba Acostada, a tree with an F-shaped trunk and at least 300 years old.
Plants common to both primary and secondary forests of the Cordillera Central—such as moca (Andira inermis), bucayo (Erythrina fusca), yagrumo macho (Didymopanax morototoni), and yagrumo hembra (Cecropia peltata)—are found here.
The area is a natural haven for birds and hosts a high population of the Puerto Rican boa, especially along Piedra Blanca and the steep cliffs where they hunt bats and small reptiles.
Bioluminescence appears in the canyon as bioluminescent fungi and the luminous click beetle, Ignelater luminosus.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:49 (CET).