Though Puerto Rico, as a tourist destination, is generally associated with tropical weather, sand and the beach and outdoor recreations along its beautiful natural resources, many people do not know that this Caribbean island has abundant sport climbing routes. A great advantage is that Puerto Rico’s rock climbing spots are not too far away from any point in the island. For instance, one of the sport climbing spots is around one hour away from the Capital City of San Juan and around two hours away from the western side of Puerto Rico. Some climbing routes are even less than half hour away from San Juan.

Rossano Boscarino, a rock climbing guide with around 30 years of experience in this recreation, shared with us his knowledge and enthusiasm about Puerto Rico’s rock climbing attractions. Though his passion for rock climbing encompasses different types of climbing, Rossano recognized the advantage of sport climbing. As opposed to traditional climbing, sport climbing entails climbing a rock or rocky cliff where bolted hangers have already been placed, resulting in a preestablished route. Such protection has fostered internationally a boom in sport climbing, as stated by Rossano.

This rock climbing instructor emphasized that most of the routes in Puerto Rico’s sport climbing spots, which are well known among Puerto Rican climbers, have been established by him and other route developers who are part of Rossano’s Climbing Clan (the group of climbers who have been Rossano’s sport climbing students or buddies, and who apply sport climbing standards similar to Rossano’s). These rock climbing routes are suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers, as stated by Rossano, the founder and owner of Rope & Rescue School, a division of Aventuras Tierra Adentro, Inc. Most of the routes in these spots are graded 5.9-5.12; however, other routes are graded 5.6-5.8. Two elite climbing routes (5.13) are also found in one of these spots. +

The wide variety of climbing routes, closely spaced bolted hangers, good rock conditions and opportunity to perform interesting acrobatic movements while climbing contribute for Puerto Rico to be an attractive place for sport climbing, according to Rossano. Climbers may enjoy ravishing countryside and sea views while climbing on single-pitch or multi-pitch routes in this island. Even though people may take advantage of Puerto Rico’s tropical climate all year round for purposes of rock climbing, Rossano believes that the best season to engage in this sport is during February and March when less rain is expected and is not too hot.

Rossano’s favorite crag in Puerto Rico is a cliff on a conical hill with an elevation of over 2,000 feet above sea level, an average temperature of 70° F, and the longest multi-pitch routes. This experienced climber loves the mountain scenery, sea view and tranquility in this crag’s secluded area. One of his preferred routes on this crag is a partially airy multi-pitch route that he describes as a classic.

Climbers as well as those adventurers interested in exploring rock climbing for the first time are welcome to visit Aventuras Tierra Adentro store for guidance about Puerto Rico’s sport climbing routes, or to purchase climbing equipment or Aventura Tierra Adentro’s sport climbing mini guides with more information about the climbing routes.

Those who wish to take basic or advanced rock climbing lessons may also contact the Rope & Rescue School, Aventuras Tierra Adentro. Specialized courses such as tower climbing, maneuvering and positioning, and vertical access are also available. Aventuras Tierra Adentro is also known for an extreme caving adventure that involves cave exploration, rappelling, body rafting, free falls, and flying by means of zip lines, among other activities. T: 787-766-0470. W: aventurastierraadentro.net

+ For detailed information about these routes, you may purchase Aventuras Tierra Adentro’s mini guides, which provide, as reference, ratings for the climbing routes based on consensus among climbers and the Yosemite Decimal System. However, climbers engage in this sport at their own risk and are responsible to take the necessary measures to access the spots, subject to availability, and to choose the route according to their climbing skills and knowledge. Rock climbing is a risky sport that may result in serious injury or may be fatal. Do not depend on the information provided herein for your safety.