Charco Azul, Natural pool in Patillas, Puerto Rico.
Charco Azul is a natural swimming hole in Patillas, Puerto Rico, surrounded by rocky cliffs and fed by two mountain streams. The water reaches considerable depth in its center while shallower areas along the edges provide easy entry points.
The pool formed naturally over time through erosion caused by mountain streams carving into the surrounding rock. Though facilities in the surrounding area have been updated over the years, the swimming hole has retained its original character.
The natural pool serves as a meeting place where locals come together for swimming and share meals outdoors, especially on weekends and holidays.
The site sits within a protected forest area and requires driving on an unpaved road, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended. The best time to visit is early in the day when the area is less crowded and climbing on the rocks is safer.
Two mountain streams meet above the pool to create a waterfall that feeds into it, providing a natural shower on hot days. This constant flow keeps the water fresh even though the pool is surrounded by rock.
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