Cavernas del Camuy, Puerto Rico - Things to See and Do

What to see and do at Cavernas del Camuy, Puerto Rico

Visited September 2023

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The Cavernas del Camuy is a natural wonder located in northwestern Puerto Rico

The Cavernas del Camuy, also known as the Camuy River Cave Park, is a natural wonder located in northwestern Puerto Rico. It is the third largest river cave system in the world and a popular tourist attraction in the region. The Cavernas del Camuy is approximately 75 miles west of San Juan.

This Caribbean cave system is incredibly vast and comprises numerous chambers and tunnels. While over 200 caves have been documented in the area, the main attraction is Cueva Clara, which is approximately 700 feet long. Its main chamber is 215 feet wide, and 200 feet high. The south opening of Cueva Clara is a sinkhole that drops from ground level down the the Rio Camuy river 415 feet below.

We first visited the park many years ago. At that time, they had a tram that took you to the cave and back and the cave was also lit at that time.

We recently visited the Cavernas del Camuy on 9/13/2023. It is difficult to make reservations to visit the park. They recommend you simply arrive early at the park and register at the entrance. We emailed the park (at cavernasdecamuy@drna.pr.gov) requesting a reservation and then followed up with a phone call (to 787-898-3100) on the morning of our visit to confirm it.

The Camuy River Cave Park offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore a portion of the cave system. During these tours, visitors are led on pathways through the Cueva Clara cave and provided with information about the geology, history, and ecology of the caves. The tours also showcase the impressive underground river that flows through some parts of the cave system.

The tours provide you with a helmet and audio tour headset. The trams are no longer operational, so you must walk down the path to the cave and back. Highly recommend that you bring your own flashlight as the pathways through the caves are not lighted.

The caves were formed by the Camuy River, which carved its way through the limestone karst terrain over millions of years. Stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations can be found throughout the caves, making them a geological wonder.

Cavernas del Camuy was officially discovered in 1958, although it had been known to locals for many years prior. In 1976, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust (Para la Naturaleza) designated it as a natural protected area.

Due to the delicate nature of the caves and the surrounding environment, there are strict regulations in place to protect them. Visitors are required to follow guidelines to minimize their impact on this unique ecosystem.

While the cave system is open to the public, it's essential to check the status and accessibility before planning a visit. Sometimes, heavy rainfall can cause flooding, leading to temporary closures for safety reasons.

Camuy was also home to the Arecibo Observatory, which was once the world's largest radio telescope. The town of Camuy offers various dining and shopping options for tourists.

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When visiting Cavernas del Camuy, it's important to respect the natural beauty of the caves and adhere to all rules and regulations to help preserve this incredible underground world for future generations to enjoy.