Things to see and do Arecibo

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.

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.

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