Cañón de San Cristóbal

The Usabón river has cut a gorge around a hundred and fifty metres deep between Barranquitas and Aibonito, the deepest on the island, with waterfalls dropping into it including one of more than thirty metres. It was used as an illegal dump for years before a conservation trust took it on and cleaned it out. Getting to the bottom means a steep descent with ropes in places, and it is done with licensed guides rather than independently.

What you actually see

• The gorge - a cut around 150 metres deep, the deepest on the island.
• The waterfalls - drops into the canyon, the largest over thirty metres.
• The river - the Usabón running through the bottom with pools.
• The rim viewpoints - lookouts from Barranquitas and Aibonito above.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the safest for the descent. Heavy rain makes the canyon dangerous and trips are cancelled. Tours must be booked in advance.

Honest expectations

Independent descent is not permitted and is genuinely dangerous; people have died in the canyon. The route involves ropes, scrambling and river crossings. Tours are cancelled at short notice for rain.

Nearby

Barranquitas is on the rim, and Aibonito is across the gorge.