Top Things to do in Arecibo
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Top 10 Things to do in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Discover the best top things to do in Arecibo, Puerto Rico including Bosque Cambalache National Park, Rio Tanama, Cueva Ventana, Arecibo Observatory, Cueva del Indio, Aventura Cueva Ventana, La Poza Del Obizpo, Catedral San Felipe Apostol, Rio La Planta, Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park.
Restaurants in Arecibo
1. Bosque Cambalache National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
This beautiful forest was established in 1943 in the city of Arecibo. The forest that was once known as the Experimental forest of Cambalache, is now owned by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) and is now named the Bosque Estatal de Cambalache. It is now open and features trails and other attractions available for the public like camping areas, gazebos, and barbecues. On ocasions special events such as cycling marathons occur in the area.
2. Rio Tanama
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By AliBug - Charlotte, United States
This place is gorgeous! I read a review that Waze won't take you there, but we used Waze and plugged in Rio Tanama Waterfalls and it took us there. You can also plug in Rio Tanama to Google Maps and it will direct you there. Parking is tight, but there's a nice lady who directs everyone where to park. She charges $3. We walked to the first fall right off the road and it was beautiful. Then some very kind local folks came up to us as I was setting up a tripod to photograph and they showed me photos of the second waterfall. You need to walk up the river about 10 minutes. Wear proper water shoes because the river is full of rocks. The second waterfall did not disappoint at all. However, a local did tell us that if the water changes colors to brown, get out of the river. It means that rain fell up on the mountain and water is rushing down to the river with anything else that's gotten in its path. We did not experience this event. We did, however, experience two gorgeous waterfalls and some very nice people.
3. Cueva Ventana
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Cueva Ventana sits atop a limestone cliff in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. This cave located in the town of Arecibo holds one of the most beautiful sights of the island. To reach the stunning view, there is a bit of a hike to get to the opening of the cave.
Reviewed By Dannie311 - Kansas City, United States
Did an early tour (90 min) and had a great time with our guide Misael. He did a wonderful job of doing everything in English and Spanish. Even if he spoke Spanish to others he would explain their question and tell us what he said in English. This was nice because it was usually about things we wanted to know as well. Learning about the caves and bats was good, but of course the “window” and photos with that were fantastic! He gave us plenty of time to take all the photos we wanted. Tips: wear closed shoes (uneven ground, rocks and stairs), hair a way that a hard hat will be comfortable, and take good camera.
4. Arecibo Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,015 reviews
Explore the wonders of the universe at the world's largest radio telescope located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Here, scientists from throughout the world use the 305 meter dish to gather radio signals from regions of star formation, planets, distant galaxies and the atmosphere. Visit the Angel Ramos Foundation Science and Visitor Center which includes interactive exhibits. Enjoy the amazing view from the observation deck and don't forget the auditorium and souvenir shop.
Reviewed By X975TUstevem - Providence, United States
I specifically wanted to visit here and planned a day around it. It is easy to do this along with the Cuevo del Indio and the Cueva de la Ventana if you plan it (I only half planned it and missed the Ventana because the tours were overbooked by the time I got there). If you come here by yourself and are not familiar with "island driving" on narrow roads where you have to be mindful all the time, often have to pull a little off the road to let oncoming traffic pass, etc., then the drive is going to be a little harrowing. There is no alternate route. If this doesn't sound like something you want to do, then I suggest using a tour company. Second thing - do the right thing and just put your phone in airplane mode before entering the observatory area. You can deal without getting texts for an hour, and since so many people use cameras on their phones it would be a shame if so many people ignored the rule not to talk or text that they had to ban all cell phones from the place. I really enjoyed my visit here, though I didn't really have a lot to learn in the "museum" area there are a few interactive displays that are really cool even if you already know the information, and the film about the construction and usage of the telescope is worth seeing. You get nice views of the dish and collector, and afterward you can watch James Bond Golden Eye, or the movie Contact and recognize things you were just looking at.
5. Cueva del Indio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 739 reviews
Located at Arecibo, the Cueva del Indio is an area where the Taino Indians held tribal meetings and made numerous carvings in the walls of these natural limestone caves. To get to the impressive location there is a bit of a hike. Once you get through the trail, you will get to see multiple rock formations, in one of these formations lies the cave. To get to the cave there is a long wooden ladder at about 25 feet from the surface. Inside the cave you will be able to admire over 80 indigenous petroglyphs from our taino ancestors. these artifacts seem to date all the way back from 1200 to 1500 A.D. You will also be able to admire the beautiful ocean waves crashing on the rock formations. There is vast parking space and in the same location the attraction "Los siete arcos" is available.
Reviewed By torresconsultinggrof - Chicago, United States
These Caverns, Once inhabited by the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico, The Taino Indians. The Area is lava rock which is porous and jagged, Take your time walking up, The high winds and rough rock terrain can be treacherous is you are careless. I honestly wouldnt recommend you taking small children. There are caverns deep inside this rock formation that the Indians used as a home and have actual carvings by the tiano Indians themselves. But be careful there are treacherous holes located in various areas so be vigilant. Bring good hiking shoes, not sandals and have a open mind for a adventure. The views are Breathtaking and Beautiful. This is one of the best attractions I found in Puerto Rico and definitely worth a Visit.
6. Aventura Cueva Ventana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
Cueva Ventana means Window Cave. Take a hike to and through this cave (bring a flashlight!) for a view that is out of this world.
Reviewed By J6269LYheatherf - San Jose, United States
Such an amazing experience! I was expecting a rigorous hike to get up to the cave but it was actually a very doable downhill hike. We were able to see carvings made by the Taino people thousands of years ago and explore a cave before going through to the Window Cave. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the area, including the plants and animals to be found nearby. He pointed out bats on the ceiling of the cave and even a boa hiding in a hole! My daughter was excited to spy a Puerto Rican black racer snake after we left the caves. I highly recommend this excursion if you’re in the area
7. La Poza Del Obizpo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By AliBug - Charlotte, United States
We kept trying to visit during high tide to see the crashing waves, but our schedule just did not permit. The area is absolutely gorgeous and the lighthouse towers above. It's a great location to spend the day with soft sandy beaches and those gorgeous rocks with the crashing waves.
8. Catedral San Felipe Apostol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle is an antique catholic cathedral located in the town of Arecibo. It was built mid 17th century and was damaged by earthquakes on three different occasions. The structure that stands today as the cathedral was completed on 1846. It features neoclassic ornamentation and renaissance-style windows.The beautiful cathedral is the second largest church in Puerto Rico.
9. Rio La Planta
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Rio La Planta also known as Rio Tanama is a beautiful river located in Arecibo. It has two impressive waterfalls that you can go see once you spend your day in the river. Parking space is available for a small fee and the space is limited. This waterfall is perfect if you don't want to hike too much to get to your location of interest. The river was named after a hydroelectric power plant built in 1923 that used to provide electricity to the towns close by. If you visit Arecibo, you won't regret your visit to this stunning river and waterfalls.
Reviewed By chooheisc - East Longmeadow, United States
You need a car to arrive there, parking is tight, someone collecting money but I didn’t give him any, I think he was trying to scam us for $5 parking. The 1st waterfall is only a 2-3 minute hike keep hiking past the smaller waterfall stay left and you will have to walk in shallow water 3-4 minutes (best if you have water shoes) short walk and over rocks and you will see the large waterfall. You can swim/walk/climb up on it. I jumped off the big rock in front several times. Beautiful sounds and views. Water was very clean. I went in late March 2021 live it here.
10. Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 301 reviews
Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, offers to the general public The Morillos Lighthouse from 1898, last Lighthouse built by Spanish Government in the island just before the Hispanic-American War. It was totally restored and opened to the public in 2001. In the surrounding areas, some replicas of elements of Puerto Rico history like Taino Village, Spanish Conquest with 3 ships, African Hut, Pirate Ship and the only salt-water aquarium in the island. Also Decks with the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can access the "Splash by the Lighthouse" a wading pool area for kids and adults.
