Things to see and do North Coast

It is one of the largest radio telescopes in the world. You will learn a lot about the solar system, but also about other galaxies. This giant telescope has allowed the detection of the first indirect evidence of gravitational waves (1974) and the discovery of the first exoplanets (1992). The observatory is hidden in the green hills of northeast Puerto Rico. Despite its collapse in 2020, the telescope has received the necessary funds for its reconstruction, it is open to visitors again since March 2022.

Despite its small size, this reserve has many trails. About forty species of birds make their home here. It is also in this area that the endangered Puerto Rican boa is found. On the flora side, more than 180 different species of trees are represented there. The Guajataca forest also has its share of mogotes (steep hills) and a famous cave, the Cueva del Viento, which houses numerous stalactites. Camping is possible. Bring your own provisions

A good reason to make a stop in Manatí. The so-called Playa Mar Chiquita is a magnificent beach with a unique character, thanks to its half-moon shape, almost closed by rocky barriers. This makes it a kind of lagoon, a natural pool, in which the intense waters of the Atlantic Ocean flow happily. A real sapphire suitable for swimming, when the conditions are right. Magnificent seen from the sky. There is not much shade, but umbrellas and chairs are available for rent, as well as food stands on weekends.

To reach it from Arecibo, take the PR-10, then the road 621. It takes about fifteen kilometers. Officially called the Río Abajo Forest, this park is a real wonder for all nature lovers. Opened in 1943 after a massive reforestation of the region, it is located halfway between Arecibo and Utuado, and from west to east, between the Tanamá River and the Dos Bocas Lake. Visitors go there mainly to admire the geological formations of karst. According to park employees, it is located right in the middle of the region that Puerto Ricans call karst country. But the mogotes, bamboo forests and tropical plants contribute greatly to the unusual landscape. The highest point in the park rises to 424 meters, promising sometimes strenuous hiking. However, many of the 24 trails are often closed to the public due to rain or strong winds. But here, the efforts made will often be rewarded by the beauty of an originally well preserved nature.

WARNING: the forest suffered significant damage during the passage of Hurricane Maria, in 2017. It took nearly five years for nature to come back to life. At the time of writing this new edition of the guide, the site is still partially closed. So take the necessary information by calling the numbers above or at the San Juan tourist office before you travel.

This is one of the high places of Puerto Rican tourism: the caves of the Camuy River. You get there early in the morning as a good idea because the visit is made in small groups, formed as visitors arrive. If all the conditions are met for the site to offer all its attractions, then take 3 hours to turn it around. The visit begins with the screening of a small film documenting the history of the reserve. It was in the 1960 s that speleologists had established the caves map for the first time. Then a small bus leads to the cave named Clara de Graneros. In addition to the numerous stalagmites there, the caves have a large population of bats. You may be surprised by the Camuy underground river if you haven't seen it yet. Next, you can take the Tres Pueblos trail to the Cueva Catedral. According to the guides, it houses 42 petroglyphs, these Aboriginal drawings engraved in the rock. A geological marvel that you will not miss if you stay in the region. A small board, caves are necessarily wet and a little slippery, wearing a imperméable and adapted footwear will probably be more comfortable for the visit. Finally, we strongly advise you to call the park offices before you go, the caves are not always open. The site is easily accessible by Highway 129, approximately kilometres south-west of Arecibo.

Located near the port of Arecibo, the "Faro de los Morillos", built in 1898 by the Spaniards, in the style of the time, has been completely restored in the past. The park houses a museum of its history as well as replicas of important themes in Puerto Rico's history: Indian village, Christopher Columbus' ship, slave quarters, ship and pirate's lair... as well as a saltwater aquarium. Good for kids, plus great ocean views.

Ten kilometers west of Dorado is one of the most beautiful beaches of the North Coast, almost wild in some places. The Javier Calderón Balneario , better known as "Cerro Gordo" in Vega Alta, is managed by the Puerto Rico National Parks Program. Be very careful if you swim, the currents are extremely strong, except at the balneario, which unfortunately requires a fee (US$ 3). The site has an equipped camping area (95 sites) with showers, toilets, food stands. Prior reservation is required.

Coming from San Juan, this is the first forest that you will encounter when you leave towards the west. Here you will find a particularly rich fauna and flora of humid subtropical type. Accompanied by a guide, you can explore small natural caves. There are also many mogotes, the typical geomorphic structures of northern Puerto Rico, small rounded towers covered with vegetation. Hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers will appreciate this.

It is on the side of the "Bahía del Ojo del Buey" that you must go. This small bay with crystalline waters, surrounded by sand, rocks, grass and coconut trees, has its own charm. A pedestrian path allows you to walk around it and to go to the point, whipped by the sea spray, much wilder: "El Ojo del Buey Stone". We also go along the Plata River which, where it flows into the ocean, attracts a few solitary kitesurfers. There is a parking lot at the end of Calle 13, before taking the path.

It is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant beaches of the North, because really charming and favourable to the bathe thanks to calm water not very deep. A small corner of dream. Prefer the eastern part of the beach, as many seaweeds cover the western part. The beach is supervised (from 9am to 6pm every day in high season), it has a parking lot, toilets (open until 5pm), public showers, a rental stand, beach chairs and umbrellas, and even a wheelchair service adapted to swimming for the disabled.

The site, from the road, sadly attracts the attention by its huge concrete parking, its games for children and its fences... In short, nothing exciting, except that it hides one of the most beautiful beaches of the area, located below the parking. This long and pretty beach is frequented by surfers. For the others, you will have to be satisfied with the pleasure of the eyes, because the currents are very strong and the swimming is not supervised. The main attraction of Los Tubos lies in its easy access and its coastline worthy of an Instagram shot.

The tourist office is housed in the former feminist house of Trina Padilla.

On Route 466, this very large beach with thick sand is very popular with families. Indeed, it has a small natural swimming pool protected by a rocky bar, which prevents the big waves from rushing in, which proves to be very practical for children's swimming. Little known by tourists, it is mostly visited by locals on weekends, during the summer months, and at vacation periods. There are two possible accesses: at km 9 (more parking spaces with a little more walking) and at km 9.7.

At the bottom of the village of Isabela, at the end of Villa Pesquera, there is a parking lot. You can leave your car, and continue on foot on this immense space, delimited by the water on one side and the cliffs on the other. The beach is quite popular, thanks to its proximity to the kiosks.

The entire coastline along Isabela is called Playa Jobos, and is known as the surfing mecca of northern Puerto Rico. But in reality, Los Jobos refers to a small beach located 3 km west of Isabela, where roads 466 and 4466 meet. It is indicated by a sign. It is without a doubt the most beautiful beach in Isabela. It is a small haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the waves. The water is a dreamy blue, the golden sand caresses the feet, and the piña colada is never far away.

"Blue Hole, also known as Shacks Beach, is a famous beach for snorkeling and diving. It is an exceptional site for observing the ocean floor. In this reef of about 300 meters, which includes water holes and underground cavities, mask, fins and snorkel are already enough to observe a wide variety of tropical fish and corals. The beach is located near the Villa Montaña hotel. The easiest way to find it is to ask at the reception. There are no toilets or showers.