Top Things to do in Arecibo
The 10 Best Things to Do in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Discover the best top things to do in Arecibo, Puerto Rico including La Cueva del Indio, Aventura Cueva Ventana, Arecibo Observatory, Playa Poza del Obispo, Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, Catedral San Felipe Apostol, Rio La Planta, Birth of the New World Statue, Bosque Cambalache National Park, Arecibo River.
Restaurants in Arecibo
1. La Cueva del Indio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 656 reviews
This cave on the water along the rugged coast in Arecibo contains a number of Taino petroglyphs. The views of the north coast are amazing.
Reviewed By Baltzer - Halifax, Canada
When you think of a cave, you think of a wet hole in the ground, inhabited by bats, and if nothing else, batman. Nothing special, but can be cool on occasion. I am fairly confident this cave with exceed these expectations.
Finding this location isn't too difficult. We read that parking isn't great in the area and you should pay to park since the streets are narrow. We didn't realize beforehand you could simply park onsite. There is a sign indicting the entrance to the cave. From what I understand, this is private property, so they can charge what they want for parking - depending on how they feel that day. There seemed to be a lot of space, and I believe we ended up paying $5 or $10 for us to park and see the cave (2 people).
The cave can be a little tricky to find once you arrive, as once you get into the area, there are no signs to guide you. There is however, a path to follow. Once you reach the end of the path you come to a lava field and ocean. There is a nice arc rock on the water if you go right (great for taking pics) but the actual cave is to the left. It doesn't appear to be there as the whole area is relatively flat. You actually have to climb down a series of natural stairs to find a ladder to get into the cave. The ladder is held on by a rope tied to a rock (felt sturdy), but wouldn't be good for the faint of heart.
The caves themselves are amazing! Lots of Petroglyphs. I've never seen anything like it. It was truly amazing. Touching and seeing history placed there from the Taino Indians was unreal. There are several sections to the cave. Most of the cave floor is sand but has sections where you need to cross water. The cave has parts where it's open to the air above, so you never felt like it was indeed a cave.
I would recommend this anyone going to Puerto Rico. There really is nothing bad I can say and was an experience of a life time. I read that other people took a tour. Didn't even know this was an option and we went around ourselves which I enjoyed. We took our time and had a great visit!
If you want to see this area, I have two videos up about it on my YouTube channel. Just visit Josh the Travel Guy to check them out!
2. Aventura Cueva Ventana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 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 StravaG71 - Edmonton
Experiience guides take you through the caverns with bats, cave swallows and other creatures. The view when you get to "window" of the cave to the outdoor scene below is unforgettable. Underplayed in the tour was the very interesting cave carvings. some were faces and others were three-dimensional shaman-like carvings. If you're into exploring historic caves add this one to your list. You need a medium level of mobility to do the tour. Guides emphasize safety and provide hard hats.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 908 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 ReadyForThisJelly - Washington
The Observatory is stunning and the landscape is gorgeous, but the tour is pretty ho-hum. The museum is geared towards kids and the guides were not especially informative. But I would nonetheless recommend this tour because the viewing platform over the dish is pretty amazing. Hurricane Maria nearly destroyed the Observatory, so I'm grateful to have visited. The in-depth VIP tour might be better, but they hadn't restarted that when I visited.
4. Playa Poza del Obispo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By 27Ruben27 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Best beach in Arecibo area. Local Beaches are dangerous because they have deep water, undertow, strong currents and a lot of rocks in the edge. This one is a natural, small pond. Safe for children and adults. It is free and open to the public with adequate parking space. Bad news- there is nothing else at premises. Some entertainment and food nearby. Like a natural sea water pool.
5. Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 270 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.
Reviewed By Jasmin B - Dorado, Puerto Rico
We went to Arecibo Lighthouse with my son's summer program for a field trip (kids 3-5), and everyone had a great time. This place is educational but also features a playground, water/splash park and aquarium as well as pirate ships. Definitely worth a visit. The kids had a great time!
6. Catedral San Felipe Apostol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Ana1967 - Puerto Rico
The San Felipe Arecibo Cathedral is second in size Cathedral built by the Spaniards after the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. was built beginning in the late 18th century. The first church, built in the middle of the 17th century, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787. Construction of its replacement began soon after, although it was not completed until 1846. Four days after its dedication, an earthquake seriously damaged it. Repairs were not completed until 1882.
It is very well preserved by the Church and is actively used so we ask that you enter with the dress and decorum suitable to a religious site. The place beautifully expresses traditional Catholic churches both outside and inside.
7. Rio La Planta
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By kjromero67 - Warwick, New York
Easy to arrive at location however get ready to hike, cross the river holding on to rope to get to the second waterfall. Lots of laugh, few scratches as we bumped rocks in the river and climbed down mountain holding on to rocks. Don't look down and over think climb worth the scare! We went with a group of 8 including teenagers who loved it. Visit cut short when skies opened up and rain and thunder began. Then the real fun started as we decided to walk through river under storm to get back. Would recommend .
8. Birth of the New World Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Marviech - San Francisco, California
While near Arecibo Puerto Rico we were told about a Christopher Columbus statue that was previously in the Cataño City area near the water. It was supposed to be raised there for the People and cruises can see it from the San Juan area. But the Cataño Mayor El Amolao could not do it and another person bought it and raised it in Arecibo.
It is about 350 feet high and is a very very huge statue. Very beautiful for its different meanings
In the elaboration.
The place is not ready yet for the public but you pay $2.00 and can park and take photos meanwhile.
Some said it is bigger than the Statue of Liberty in NY. But I realized it is huge because the palm trees looked like small sticks below the statue and at the sides.
You have to travel thru a very narrow road near the ocean coast to find the place.
Plan to visit when done. Will recomend.
9. Bosque Cambalache National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Pacomoll - Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Excellent for birders, many beautiful species on easy trails to move around. There's a building dedicated to exotic animals runned by knowledgeable Rangers.
10. Arecibo River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By george3232015 - Jupiter, Florida
The guide was excellent, started out with a rain forest tour, went down to the river did some body rafting, explore some caves, and went back into the rain forest for our return trip.
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