Plan your visit to Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Visit an adventure park, beaches and centuries-old caves at this historic port town on the northern shores of Puerto Rico Island.
Enjoy a blend of colonial heritage, prehistoric landmarks and tropical beaches in Arecibo. Settled by Spanish immigrants in 1556, Arecibo is Puerto Rico’s third-oldest colonial town. It sits on land once occupied by the Taíno tribespeople and takes its name from their chief, Jamaica Arecibo. The town played an important part in the Spanish defense of Puerto Rico when it thwarted a raid by British sailors in 1702.
The center of Arecibo attractions can be covered in an afternoon. The town revolves around tree-shaded Plaza de Recreo. Note the bandstand and the star-shaped mosaic floor pattern, which surrounds a central obelisk. Admire the neoclassical and Renaissance decorations of the late18th-century San Felipe Cathedral. Spot well-preserved colonial buildings such as Arecibo City Hall and Edificio Oliver.
Breathe in fresh ocean air while walking on Paseo Victor Rojas, a waterfront promenade. Jump in a taxi and cross the Arecibo River to Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park at Punta Morrillos. Inside the Arecibo Lighthouse is a small museum with maritime artifacts and objects rescued from shipwrecks. Nearby El Muelle Beach and Balneario Morrillos offer opportunities to swim and try watersports.
Travel east along the coast for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) to gaze up at the 413-foot-tall (126-meter) Birth of the New World statue by Zurab Tsereteli, depicting Christopher Columbus navigating the Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly TerraVista Parkland amusement park has a beachside village, nature trails, restaurants and a zip-line course. Follow a boardwalk to Cueva del Indio, caves decorated with petroglyphs created by the Taíno people.
Find other interesting attractions inland from the town center. Go stargazing at Arecibo Observatory, hike to impressive limestone caves in Camuy River Cave Park and spot colorful birds in Cambalache State Forest.
Arecibo is a 1-hour drive west of San Juan. Getting around Puerto Rico Island is easiest via rented car major agencies have offices located across the island. Continue your vacation at beach towns such as Luquillo and the celebrated surfer hangout of Rincón.
Arecibo Observatory - This gigantic radio telescope has contributed to scientific discoveries since the 1960s, and has appeared in many movies and television shows.
La Poza Beach - Why not spend a carefree afternoon at La Poza Beach during your travels in Arecibo? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Arecibo Lighthouse - You can find out about the history of Islote when you stop by Arecibo Lighthouse. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Cueva Ventana - Explore the great outdoors at Cueva Ventana, a lovely green space in Hato Viejo. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Cave of the Indian - Explore the great outdoors at Cave of the Indian, a lovely green space in Islote. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Playa Caza y Pesca - Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Playa Caza y Pesca during your trip to Islote? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Cano Tiburones Nature Reserve - Explore the great outdoors at Cano Tiburones Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Arecibo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.
Bosque Estatal De Cambalache - Explore the great outdoors at Bosque Estatal De Cambalache, a lovely green space in Garrochales.
River and Waterfall Adventure - During this tour we will visit two waterfalls. After a short walk along the bamboo canopies next to an emerald river, we arrive at the waterfall where you will have time to plunge yourself under the waterfall, take a dip in the refreshing, restorative river, and cool off in a shady, movie-like scenery.
Tanama Eco-Adventure - our tour is offered at the heart of a subtropical forest through private access and completely away from crowds. Following old trails left by our ancestors, we will arrive at the majestic Tanama River.
San Juan: Caves & Waterfall Adventure Full-Day Premium Tour - We will leave the traditional way of visiting sculptures, old houses, city, to live an experience in nature with a sightsee around the north coast. We will have a day full of landscapes, ecosystems, history, caves and adrenaline.
From San Juan: Caves & Waterfall Adventure Full-Day Premium Tour - First Stop: Taino Cave, Arecibo These ancient caves are a fascinating testament to the island's pre-Columbian history, having been inhabited by the Taíno people, the island's indigenous inhabitants.
Lighthouse and Aquarium Tour in Puerto Rico - Enjoy some locally grown coffee at breakfast with your guide before embarking on a journey filled with history, adventure, and incredible sights including the tallest statue in the western hemisphere! This is your chance to get a better understanding of the lore and history of the Taino people and their first interactions with the European explorers and merchants.
Indigenous Roots Tour with Farm-to-Table Meal and Transport - If you were to search for “Off the beaten path” in the dictionary, this excursion would be displayed next to it! This journey into Puerto Rico's Indigenous roots is a one of a kind experience for not only those seeking to learn more about the origins of the Caribbean, nature, and sustainable living, but also anyone looking to experience Puerto Rico's nature without other tourists around, without lines, or the ruckus of travelers.
Utuado Canyon, River & Waterfall Adventure in Puerto Rico - Enjoy a unique full-day experience and immerse yourself into the lushness of the central mountain region of the island. Prepare for a scenic drive through the countryside roads, spectacular mountains, and panoramic views to find one of the most unique and mystical places on the island.
The New Taino Route - Journey into the past on this full-day tour of Puerto Rico's human history. Your small group (no larger than 6 people) will be guided by an archaeologist through the 5000 year human history of the island, where you will learn firsthand about the culture and mythology of Puerto Rico's indigenous past.
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
Redbox
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Max Amazon Channel