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Site Temporarily Closed

Baño de Oro

Baño de Oro is a former swimming hole that is now a popular spot for photo opportunities. It was built in the mid-1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in pits previously excavated by Spanish gold seekers. During construction, pieces of iron and pottery were found.  It is a registered National Historic Property. This water hole takes its name from the Río Baño de Oro, which feeds the pool. Meaning ‘bath of gold’, Spaniards gave the river this name because they mined it for gold during the 16th century.

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Baño de Oro es una antigua piscina que ahora es un lugar popular para hacer fotos. Fue construido a mediados de la década de 1930 por el Cuerpo de Conservación Civil (CCC) en fosas previamente excavadas por buscadores de oro españoles. Durante la construcción, se encontraron piezas de hierro y cerámica. Es una propiedad histórica nacional registrada. Esta piscina toma su nombre del Río Baño de Oro, que alimenta la piscina. Los españoles le pusieron este nombre al río porque de él extraían oro durante el siglo XVI.

Current Conditions
Temporarily closed during re-construction of the trail and bridge that were damaged during Hurricane Maria. The historical site is also being restored by Forest Heritage Staff. / El sitio está cerrado temporalmente durante la reconstrucción del sendero y el puente que fueron dañados durante el huracán María. El sitio histórico también está siendo restaurado por el personal del Patrimonio Forestal.

Getting There

Directions

From PR 3 Drive South on Carr. 191 11.8 km to a developed parking area. From there follow a short path to the site.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restroom information is not currently available for this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

People swimming at Juan Diego

Most of the recreation facilities on the El Yunque National Forest are on Road 191 North in Rio Grande.  The road and most of the recreation sites and trails were cons

Last updated April 1, 2025