The Ultimate Cañon Blanco & El Sofá Travel Guide | Rio Caonillas in Utuado, Puerto Rico

In this travel guide, I help you plan your visit to Cañon Blanco! From how to get there to the famous el Sofá, I talk about everything you need to do at Cañon Blanco, including a hidden gem that not many people know about.
VIEW MY VACATION PLANNING SERVICES
30 minutes & 1-hour Consultations: bit.ly/3Sd9VDK
Personalized Travel Itineraries: bit.ly/3Sd9VDK
In-Person Tours: bit.ly/3Sd9VDK
SUPPORT MY CHANNEL - THANK YOU!
www.buymeacoffee.com/brikstravel
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro to the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
1:09 - Getting to the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
2:21 - Parking at the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
3:57 - La Playita at the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
4:13 - The Grotto at the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
4:58 - El Sofá at the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
5:43 - Exploring the rest of El Cañon Blanco in Utuado
6:02 - Taíno petroglyphs at the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
7:30 - Important Disclaimer
8:20 - Bonus Tips when visiting the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
8:54 - Outro to the Cañon Blanco in Utuado
GPS COORDINATES
Utuado Public Plaza: 18.265531, -66.700475
Restaurante Las Tortugas: 18.232819, -66.655976
Exit to Cañon Blanco: 18.220411, -66.642249
Bridge Parking Area: 18.222764, -66.642267
Palm Tree Parking Area & Entrance: 18.228002, -66.638921
La Playita: 18.228032, -66.639898
El Sofá: 18.226862, -66.640746
Boulder With Petroglyphs: 18.224265, -66.642289 (Approximate)
FOLLOW & SUPPORT ME
Buy Me A Coffee: bit.ly/3I0m7kA
Instagram: bit.ly/2X7GtFC
Facebook: bit.ly/3oOwvV3
TikTok: bit.ly/3AiQKjg
Website: brikstravelguides.com/
Twitter: bit.ly/3R2yHEa
If you enjoyed the video, make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the channel!
DISCLAIMER
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with my links, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting me so I can continue providing free content!

[@freddyreyes4217]

Great video. I am going to Puerto Rico later this year and would like to know more about the west side of the island. Ponce, Cabo Rojo, El Combate, Cayo Aurora (Gilligan's island) y also La Ruta del Lechon. I hope you can me some videos of those destinations.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey! Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for commenting! The west side is one of the most amazing parts of Puerto Rico. Lots of history and natural beauty. I’ll definitely make a video specific about Cabo Rojo soon. I lived there for six months and I loved it! Hopefully the video will help you love your visit!

[@JoseGonzalez-ov5ve]

This is the way a travel video should be clear, precise, and informative.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Jose! Thank you so much! I put a lot of though and effort into each video!

[@alfredmurphy9010]

Beautiful video. I would love to go there but I can't, thank you for sharing.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊🙏🏼🇵🇷

[@candidaroman5405]

Antes de morir tengo que ir a ese lugar tan espectacular!!! No sabía que existía, adoro Utuado!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Tienes que ir! Es increíblemente bello! De mis lugares favoritos de Puerto Rico por ahora. 🇵🇷

[@rocummings]

Perfectoooo

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Gracias por tu feedback, Roberto! Espero que logres visitar Cañon Blanco pronto! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@kcargueta]

I'm going through all of your videos to prepare for my trip to PR next week! I'm loving your detailed guides from a native point of view. Some other spots I want to visit are the Bioluminescent Bays, Cueva Ventana, and Old San Juan. Can you make videos about those in the future? Maybe a Puerto Rico Beach Guide too!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hi Kiara!! Thank you so muchhh! I’m preparing a video of Cabo Rojo that is full of amazing beaches, history and other natural wonders! Again, thank you so much for the support! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷🙏🏼

[@denicecarlagordon611]

Absolutely stunning place, my mother is Boricua from Utuado, Puerto Rico Boriken one of the historic indigenous ancestors place. Excellent video 🇵🇷❤️

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Denice!! Thank you so much!! I’m happy that my video helped you connect to that part of your heritage! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@lilamayoral1031]

Te digo sinceramente Brik que yo encontré tu canal buscando videos de los rios de Puerto Rico para enseñarle a mi hijo aquí en Cleveland, y te monte un tripeo por lo aburrido que te escuchas en los comienzos.. pero la verdad ya estas listo para tu propio show en el travel Channel! La experiencia hace la diferencia! Te felicito has mejorado muchísimo estas mucho mas seguro y mas confidente . .. energy full ! Saludos Canovanenses desde Cleveland , Ohio

[@BriksTravelGuides]

😂😂😂 Hola Iila! Aprecio mucho ti honestidad haha Como tu misma dices, la practica hace la diferencia. Creo que con cada video que hago voy aprendiendo cosas que necesito mejorar y poco a poco lo voy implementando. Me alegro que se vaya notando! Mil gracias por ver mis videos y por dejarme un comentario! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@emiliewilson3630]

Thank you for your clear and informative video. We had a wonderful time at Cañon Blanco. The tip to download Google Maps was perfect.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Emilie! Thank you for your comment! I try hard to be as helpful as possible in my videos! Downloading that offline map on Google Maps is KEY! haha I've used it when traveling to other countries when I have no phone coverage so I knew it would be helpful in Cañon Blanco where you rarely get coverage.

[@sassytpotts]

Awesome video, it helped me on our visit today. Stunningly beautiful.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Terrie! So glad my video was helpful! Cañon Blanco is for sure on the too of my list of natural wonders in Puerto Rico! 😍🇵🇷

[@pinkyrose6307]

Well done. Can't wait to see that.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey!! Thank you for the support! Hope you have a great time! Make sure to check the weather. It’s been raining A TON these past couple of days so it’s not safe to visit rivers. Hopefully you’ll go on a great day! 😄🙏🏼🇵🇷

[@pinkyrose6307]

@@BriksTravelGuides thanks for the tip pal. Would never want to be in any type of flash flood or the likes. Lol🌴🌻😍🐾🐾

[@clintsimmons3122]

Wow, a lot of fun things to do and see outside of the touristy area of San Juan. Thanks!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Clint! Thanks for your message! For sure! There are so many awesome things to see and do outside of the metro area! Stick around to see even more! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@jasonjasper1223]

The river is Rio Caonillas. The place is called Canon Blanco or white canyon. FYI.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

I started using the term “river spot” after this to refer to an area on a river that didn’t share the name of the river. I just hand’t thought about doing that for this video which is why I just called Cañon Blando a “river” instead of a “river spot”.

[@jmyguardado6007]

Looks beautiful!❤️ I'd love to go there in the future!✨

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hola prima! Yesss! It is amazing!

[@m.a.cm.a.c9308]

Great job Brik! Any updates to this informative video?

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey! Thank you!! So far, no updates on this one. However, I did discover an area with petroglyphs close by that is much easier to get to than the one I mentioned in the video so I might do a video about that in the future! 😄🇵🇷🙌🏼

[@L.Frank2000]

Thanks for sharing, greetings from Brazil.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Luiz! Amazing to have people from all over the world watch my videos! Hope you get to visit Puerto Rico and Cañon Blanco! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@andrewdavis3029]

Really enjoying the channel. Suggestion for another video: Cueva Ventana. I had been told to go there when visiting PR, but never made it.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Andrew! Glad you’ve enjoyed the channel and thanks for the comment! Cueva ventana is breathtaking! I’ll definitely make a video about it and other things to do in Arecibo in the future! Next time you visit the island make sure to check it out!

[@Pupeyes]

I sincerely hope people are respecting this beautiful place and aren’t doing dumb stuff for Insta post. And I truly hope visitors are keeping it trash free

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Yes!!! So do I! I’ve visited Cañon Blanco many times and I have to say it’s one of the rivers I’ve least seen trash. Hopefully it stays that way and that other river spots stay clean as well. 🙏🏼🇵🇷

[@msrjorge1805]

Excelente vídeo 👏👏👏‼️

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Mil Gracias Michelle!

[@DeniceCarlaGordon-kd1kg]

Spectacular Views of the Cañon Blanco in Utuado (Otou) my mother is from Utuado (Otou) Puerto Rico (Borikén) 😍🇵🇷❤️

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Denice!! Thank you!! The Cañon Blanco might be one of my favorite places in all of Puerto Rico. There is no other place like it on the island. Breathtaking! 😍🇵🇷🙌🏼

[@DeniceCarlaGordon-kd1kg]

@@BriksTravelGuides Truly true El Cañon Blanco is a magical beautiful ancestral place, el Cañon San Cristobal is another amazing place to visit in Puerto Rico (Borikén) El Cañon de San Cristobal the biggest one in the greater antilles island of the Caribbean

[@BriksTravelGuides]

@DeniceCarlaGordon-kd1kg I’ve always wanted to go to el Cañon San Cristobal. It looks intimidating, yet amazing!

[@joannebravo40]

Your awesome. Perfect instructions. Ty

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey! Thank you so much! Glad my videos were helpful! 😄🙌🏼

[@bernardomedina5943]

Buen trabajo hermano! Suerte y Bendiciones!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hola Bernardo! Mil gracias por tu comentario y por tus buenos deseos!

[@bernardomedina5943]

@@BriksTravelGuides Así se hace Patria Hermano! Éxito y Bendiciones....

[@BriksTravelGuides]

@@bernardomedina5943 Mil gracias!!! Igual a usted! 😄🙏🏼🇵🇷✊🏼

[@ricardosantaigo4350]

Bring back the sexy jacket

[@BriksTravelGuides]

I can’t wear the same thing on every video 😂😅

[@dafoosball13]

Eaaa Bryant el obeli'co!!!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Wepaaa! Long time no seee, bro! El obeli’jcoooooooo! 😂😂😂

[@onlybeautiess]

❤

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Thank you for your comment! 😊🙏🏼🇵🇷

[@esmeraldaalvarado7623]

Hi thanks for sharing this video!! I have a question about how far you have to walk from the entrance to the sofa?

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Esmeralda! Thank you for your comment! From what I call La Playita to El Sofa it would be about 5 minutes or less. Hope that helps! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@dariashar4995]

We really enjoyed Cañon Blanco! Our favorite place in Puerto Rico so far. But we had some troubles following your instructions and finding things. Since we are literally doing your El Yunque guide today, here’s some feedback which might help newbs to PR like us😄 GPS coordinates of the parking areas that you mention in video would really help a lot, or even just a close up of a map with red dotted line of where we are supposed to go and where to turn. Also some visual guides would be great, like a picture of a place where you supposed to park/hike, what to look for. We also 100% passed the El Sofa but we didn’t recognize the sofa shape on any of the rocks 😀 so may be also a picture with a red line outline on the rock for dummies like us. Also didn’t find the big drawings stone but we might have needed to hike for longer. So a GPS or a map picture would be helpful here too. Also Las Tortugas’ kitchen closes at 6-6.30 pm :)

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey there!! Thanks so much for the detailed feedback! I’ll definitely add the coordinated to the places I mention in the video inside the description so people don’t get lost. I also think the map in the video would be great, so I’ll try to implement that in future videos. Again, thanks for the feedback and I hope the videos have helped in some way have an amazing time in Puerto Rico!

[@julesgouton945]

Hi, I’m going to Puerto Rico next week and I am wondering how would you compare the utuando region(white canon and Tanama river) and El Yunque? I’m guessing that Utuando is not a rainforest.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Hey Jules! Exactly, Utuado is not a rainforest area. It’s located in the center of the island which is mountainous. You will find that the area around el Yunque is a lot more developed than the municipality of Utuado. Also, el Yunque is pretty close to many beaches in the east, while Utuado does not have a coastline and may take you around 30 min to get to a beach, most likely in Arecibo.

[@virgieila8973]

🇵🇷👍🏻

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Wepaaa! 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷

[@denicecarlagordon611]

Are you Puerto Rican Brik's ?

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Wepa! Hola Denice! Si lo soy. 😄🙌🏼🇵🇷 He vivido toda mi vida en Carolina.

[@denicecarlagordon611]

@@BriksTravelGuides Cuando mis padres se divorciaron mi madre dos hermanas nos fuimos a Carolina, Puerto Rico los gemelos se quedaron con mi fallecido indigena Cherokee padre y vivimos en Villa Fontana via 62 casa propia teniamos alla mi mama trabajo como Emfermera graduada en sala de operationes en el professional building hospital 30 años, mis hermanas, y gemelos y yo nacimos aqui en Estados Unidos yo naci en el estado de Philadelphia, Pennsylvania en Hershey donde hacen los chocolates Hershey pero yo me siento Boricua amo Puerto Rico Boriken con todo mi corazon y estoy en las paginas de Puerto Rico en Facebook comparto photos preciosas de mi Puerto Rico Boriken querido y comparto tambien cultura indigena de Puerto Rico Boriken y comidas autenticas de esta tierra hermosa.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Gracias por compartir todo eso Denice! Me alegro muchisimo que a pesar de nacer y vivir en EEUU aun te sientas boricua y te encante aprender mas sobre la cultura tuya y de tu familia! Realmente es algo especial ser de nuestra querida isla 🏝️❤️💙🇵🇷

[@MarkWilliams-uy9ps]

Always wear a helmet

[@BriksTravelGuides]

😂😂😂

[@jfighter9]

Finally, a REAL Puerto Rican that looks like most Puerto Rican males. Good looking, Mediterranean type, like most REAL Puerto Rican guys in Puerto Rico.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

I’m flattered 😂 though I’m not sure what a “real Puerto Rican” looks like because we’re pretty diverse haha that’s one of the things that make us special 😄❤️🇵🇷

[@jfighter9]

@@BriksTravelGuides ¡Déjame decírtelo en castellano! ¡Parece no entendistes! Dije, un verdadero Puertorriqueño que se parece a la mayoría de los hombres puertorriqueños! La mayoría somos blancos de tipo mediterraneo! ¡La supuesta diversidad no es la que nos hace especiales! Lo que nos hace distintos es que nacimos en PR. Nada más! Somos lo "especiales" que son los gallegos o los catalanes. No somos tan especiales, somos gente de ascendencia mediterránea viviendo en el caribe.

[@BriksTravelGuides]

Te invito a que salgas un dia de Condado o Dorado 😂

[@jfighter9]

@@BriksTravelGuides Te invito a que uses el sentido común y la lógica y te des unas vueltas por Lares, Hatillo y Utuado, pero con los ojos abiertos! Si vas a Loiza ves muchos negros. Si vas a Lares ves muchos blancos. En PR hay mas blancos que negros! Esa es la realidad!

[@normagonzalez7470]

Puerto Rico has lot of places to see but remember people live in the country side twon too, so, respect their living places. Don't touch the indigenous carving. The fingers covered with grease, damage the historic memories.

[@user-cq1uo8nm4d]

The beginning was blurry, Y almost stop watching!!!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

I’m glad you didn’t! 😊🙏🏼🇵🇷

[@NM-zl3jy]

Ok first research before you stated that the tainos were whipe out !!! That is absolutely not true !!! You need a serious history correct story about the Taino Indios !!! I have Taino Indian in my DNA and when the count how many were left they were counting only the servants in the hacienda not the tainos that took off to the mountains neither the Taino Indian women that married spaniels!!

[@BriksTravelGuides]

That’s why I say they were “almost completely whipped out”. There are communities still to this day that have very strong connections to taino DNA and heritage, for example in Maricao. I’m glad you feel proud of your taíno heritage.