Arecibo pr: Things to Do in Arecibo

Things to Do in Arecibo

La Poza del Obispo beach is ideal for families to spend the day having fun with the kids on the golden sand and clear waters.

Limestone caves, unspoiled beaches, and otherworldly attractions.

Just one hour west of San Juan, coastal Arecibo is home to some of the best off-the-beaten-path adventures on the Island. With its dramatic karst landscape — defined by limestone formations, extensive cave systems, and subterranean rivers — the trip to Arecibo is a bit like entering another world. There, you can explore caves, walk in the footsteps of pirates, or just plant yourself on some of the prettiest beaches in Puerto Rico.

Take a look at the top things to do in Arecibo:

The Punta Los Morrillos Lighthouse in Arecibo houses a cultural theme park. 

Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park

This neoclassical lighthouse was built by the Spanish government in 1898, and now houses a cultural theme park that will transport you to the buccaneer days when pirates roamed the northern shore of Puerto Rico.

On your way to the lighthouse, you will find replicas of the three ships the Spanish used to conquer the New World; a re-created Taíno village; and a pirate ship that kids can climb and explore. The park also has a museum, an aquarium, and a mini-water park that’s a serious hit with kids. With food vendors on-site, you can easily make an entire family day out of this visit.

Cueva Del Indio (Indian Cave) offers postcard-perfect vistas. 

Cueva del Indio

Jutting over the turquoise sea and forming a stunning natural bridge, Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) offers many postcard-perfect vistas for a stunning photo op. Soak in the view of sea cliffs, arches, and karst rocks that have been formed into natural sculptures by ocean waves over the years. The cave also contains the largest number of Taíno petroglyphs on the north coast.

Casa Ulanga is the Cultural Center of Arecibo.

Casa Ulanga

If the walls of this circa-1854 colonial building could talk, they’d tell the many colorful tales of Arecibo’s history. Casa Ulanga was originally the residence of a high-ranking Spanish conquistador the building has served as a bank, store, city hall, hospital, courthouse, and jail. It’s now the Cultural Center of Arecibo, which hosts various festivals and activities throughout the year.

Cambalache State Forest has 1,600 acres to explore. 

Cambalache State Forest

See a variety of vivid birds and native flora at this 1,600-acre forest, which extends from Arecibo to Barceloneta. The many hiking and biking trails at Cambalache State Forest make for great day trip; or, reserve a campsite — complete with amenities like barbecue grills and gazebos — and stay a bit longer.

Lago Dos Bocas – located between Utuado and Arecibo – is an ideal lake for boating. 

Lago Dos Bocas

Nestled between Arecibo and Utuado is one of the principal lakes of Puerto Rico. Bring your own watercraft or board the state-operated boat for a relaxing ride. The waters of Lago Dos Bocas are thronged by mountain peaks and tropical foliage, plus a variety of restaurants and local businesses with their own boats to transport you to and from the pier.

Poza del Obispo

This off-the-beaten path beach is one of Arecibo’s hidden treasures. Two limestone outcroppings form a natural pool that’s protected from the waves, with inviting turquoise water and soft golden sand. Because it is generally so calm, Poza del Obispo is a great place for families with children.

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Arecibo, Puerto Rico

(ah-re-SEE-boh)

Arecibo is known as La Villa del Capitán Correa, in
memory of a battle fought successfully on its shores by Captain Antonio
de los Reyes Correa and a handful of Spanish Army soldiers to repel a British invasion by sea lead by
Admiral Whelstone in August 5, 1702.

Settled in 1556, Arecibo became the third Spanish settlement. Founded sixty
years later, in 1616, when the King of Spain granted that section of land and
the Indians on it to Lope Conchillos, under the governorship of Captain Felipe
de Beaumont y Navarra. The leader (Indian chief) of these Indians was called
Jamaica Aracibo, their yucayeque was named after him and ultimately the town
was called by that same name.

The town is also known as La Muy Leal Villa (very loyal).

Points of Interest

You can visit La Cueva del Indio, an archeological site, the cave is
located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, in Bo. Islote. It is called
The Cave of the Indian, because drawings of the Indians that lived in this
area in the Prehistoric Era were found in the walls of the cave. It is one of Arecibo’s most popular destinations,
located just few miles east from the Arecibo lighthouse on Route 681 Km 7.8. The area provides wonderful views, you’ll
find cliffs, arches, caves, and a natural bridge made of natural limestone. Inside the cave walls you can find a
collection of Taino Indians petroglyphs, considered one of the largest collections in the area. Since 2017, access
to the petroglyphs was removed.

Radiotelescope

The town has an official U.S. port entry. It is also home of the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope,
located 16 km (10 mi) south of
Arecibo. The Arecibo Observatory is an
astronomical observatory, which is one of the world’s most powerful
radar-radio telescopes. This instrument, inaugurated in 1963, employs a 1,000-foot
(300 meter) spherical reflector consisting of perforated aluminum panels
that focus incoming radio waves on movable antenna structures positions
about 500 feet (168 meter) above the reflector surface. The antenna can be
moved in any direction, making it possible to track a celestial object in
different regions of the sky. It collects radio astronomy, terrestrial aeronomy,
and planetary radar data for scientists around the world.
The telescope was featured in the movies GoldenEye (1995) and Contact (1997).

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center
developed the observatory and it is operated and owned by Cornell
University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science
Foundation. Conceived in 1958 by William E. Gordon, a Cornell professor of
electrical engineering, the radio observatory has been operated, since
its completion in 1963. The Arecibo Observatory is powerful enough to receive signals transmitted by a comparable
telescope located 1,000 light-years away.
Scientists from all parts of the world come to this national observatory to carry out research projects.
Open to the public for self-guided tours. The facilities are open to the
public Wednesday-Friday noon-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4pm.
Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors. Route 625, Bo. Esperanza, (787) 878-2612.

The Cambalache Forest Reserve
located between Arecibo, Manati and Berceloneta, and covers an area of 1000 acres with an elevation
raging from 5 to 50 meters above the sea level.
IT is known as “vivero” (nursery) because it contains plantations of eucalyptus, teak, and mahoe
trees. Camping allowed in two areas. Water and showers, 8 trails and nearby beach. Rd #682 km
6.6., (787) 724-3724.

The City Hall built in 1866, served as jail to “El Grito de
Lares” participants in 1868. In 1918, the frontal section of the
building was destroyed by a earth tremor. Repairs were made and a tower and clock were
added to the building. In 1978, the building was restored to its original form.

The Antonio Nery Juarbe Airport is located five miles southeast of the
central business district of Arecibo and 50 miles west of San Juan.
Originally utilized for military purposes, today, the airport is utilized for the general
aviation, with a daily average of eight takeoffs and landings. On March 31, 1947, the airport
and all its installations were transferred by the Navy U.S. to the Authority of the Ports
along with the Airport of Mayagez and the old airport of Santa Isabel.

Cueva Ventana

Cueva Ventana (window cave) is a large cave located a top a limestone cliff, overlooking the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley.
Filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Route 10, Km 75. Guided tours $19, no children under 5 allowed. Open daily, 10:00 AM –
4:00 PM. 787-322-3554.

The Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park built by the Spaniards in 1898, the
lighthouse still in use and was automated in 1964. In the premises, you’ll find a museum with
exhibits, a recreation area featuring a special area for children with replicas of ancient sailing ships and a pirate’s island,
a restaurant and sports facilities. Open Tue-Fri 9am-6pm,
Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. Admissions: Adults $9, Children $7 and Parking $2. Carr. #655 Bo. Islote
Sector El Muelle, (787) 880-7540.

The Dos Bocas Lake is a reservoir created in 1942, adjacent to the Río
Abajo Forest, located 12 miles (19km) south of Arecibo. Free ferry ride across the lake are available, (787) 878-7279.

Other places worth exploring include:

• La Casa Ulanga Sede del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña – Open Mon-Fri 8am-noon, 1pm-4:30pm.
  7 Gonzalo Marin St., (787) 880-8020.
• Las Tunas Beach
• Los Negritos Beach
• Morillo Beach
• Museo de Arte e Historia de Arecibo – 8 Santiago Iglesias St.
• Plaza del Atlantico – Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm. 50 Stores. Rt 2, Km 80.1, (787) 878-0886

Arecibo
Photo: Santo Soto

Economy

Arecibo produces agricultural machinery, clothing, plastics, paper and
sporting goods.

Geography

Arecibo is the largest city in geographical size on the island.
Located in the Northern Coastal Valley region, adjacent to karst zone
characterized by the presence of caves and wooded hills.
Arecibo is bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of
Utuado and
Lares; east of
Hatillo; and west of
Barceloneta and
Florida.

The city is bathed by two rivers, Grande de Arecibo, which runs through the middle of the
city and the Tanamá River.

Arecibo is made up of 19 barrios (wards/districts):

• Arenalejos
• Arrozal
• Cambalache
• Carreas
• Domingo Ruiz
• Dominguito
• Esperanza

• Factor
• Garrochales
• Hato Abajo
• Hato Arriba
• Hato Viejo
• Islote
• Miraflores

• Pueblo
• Río Arriba
• Sabana Hoyos
• Santana
• Tanamá

Arecibo City Hall

Climate

Arecibo annual precipitation is around 53. 01 inches and the average temperature is
77.8°F. June is the warmest, February is the coolest, and May is the wettest month.

10
Day Forecast

Notable People

There are many well-known “arecibeños”, among them:

• María Cadilla de Martinez, writer
• Luisa Capetillo, Puerto Rico’s most famous
  labor organizers
• Cayetano Coll y Toste, historian
• José Gomez Brioso
• Francisco Gonzalo Marín, poet and politician
• René Marquéz, dramatist
• Antonio de los Reyes Correa, Captain of Infantry of the Spanish Army
• Victor Rojas
• Manuel Zeno Gandia, writer

Restaurants

• Alamar Restaurant (Sea Food), (787) 878-5658

Accommodations

• TJ Ranch (Guest House),
  (787) 880-1217

Festivals and Events

• Carnaval del Capitan Correa – February
  It’s held in the Arecibo central plaza, where salsa groups and other groups mingle.
  (787) 879-1625
• Festival del Ceti – November
  The festival it’s a tribute to fishermen.
  (787) 878-2500
• Festival Folklorico – September
• Festival Playero – July
• Fiestas Patronales de San Felipe Apostol – May
  Every year, Arecibo celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions.

Symbols

Flag
The flag of Arecibo derives its composition and colors from the Shield of the City. It is
divided vertically in two equal parts. The left side is blue having a belt that stands for
“Captain Correa”, a local military hero from Spanish times. The right side is made up of
blue and yellow diamonds alternating in a checkerboard pattern.

Coat of Arms
The shield is divided by diagonal lines in golden and blue rhombuses with a blue stripe in the superior part,
in which resides an opened five-point crown and which is adorned with drawings characterizing the art of the
Tainos. This combination of symbols represents the Indian Cacique (Chieftain) from whom the population’s name
derives, the governor that erected the town and the hero Captain Correa who defended it.

The anthem of Arecibo was written by Jose A. Monrouzeau. The title is Arecibo.

Demographics *

Population
87,754

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 125.95 sq mi

Density: 691.2 per sq mi

Median Age: 45.1

Sex: 52% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$11,199

Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $19,266
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 47%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
32,405
Housing units density:
343.4 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.55

High school grad or higher: 77.5%

Marital status: 31% married

* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted – Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.

** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020

Map References

Coordinates: 18.3442° N, 66.7528° W

Zip Code: 00612, 00613, 00614, 00616, 00652, 00688

Driving Distance from San Juan: 54.5 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes

Other Resources

• Some facts (and a little history) about
  Arecibo

The 10 Best Arecibo Puerto Rico Hotels (From € 79)

Our Recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

Discovery Inn & Suites at 681 Ocean Drive

Hotel in Arecibo

With sea views, Discovery Inn & Suites at 681 Ocean Drive has accommodation with a kitchenette set in Arecibo. All units feature air conditioning and a TV.
At the center of the Arecibo Beach life. convient location. private.

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7.4

Good

157 reviews

Price from

€168

per night

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Oceania Apartments at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive

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Hotel in Arecibo

Ocean Front Suites by City Inn is located in Arecibo, 1.1 km from Poza del Obispo Beach. It offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden.
The entire place was beautiful, clean and the staff was very friendly.

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8.2

Very good

71 reviews

Price from

€243

per night

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The Hill Inn at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive

3 stars

Hotel in Arecibo

Located in Arecibo, North Puerto Rico, Hill Inn at 681 Ocean Drive is 400 meters from Poza del Obispo Beach.
Angel is a great host. Friendly and very communicative when providing eatery recommendations, taxis, pastry shops, market etc. The place was quiet, clean and just what we needed. AC works great, comfortable bed & pillows, Smart TV, full kitchen plus pots, plates and utensils.

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5.7

Review score

26 reviews

Price from

€136

per night

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Ventana al Atlantico Boutique Hotel at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive

2 stars

Arecibo

Ventana al Atlantico Boutique Hotel is located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico North. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, free private parking and a hot tub.
Espectacular and bello todo. La vista!!!!

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6.9

Review score

387 reviews

Price from

€136

per night

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Arecibo Inn

Arecibo

Arecibo Inn is located on the outskirts of Arecibo. It features an outdoor pool for adults and a small children’s pool, as well as free Wi-Fi.
love the cold room and the pool peaceful and clean

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7.2

Good

1,863 reviews

Price from

€ 86

per night

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Coastal Express Inn & Suites #1 at 681 Ocean Drive

3 stars

Arecibo

Situated in Arecibo, North Puerto Rico, Coastal Express #1 at 681 Ocean Drive is 1.8 km from Poza del Obispo Beach.
The only plus is that is next to a beach

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6.1

Review score

48 reviews

Price from

€135

per night

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Casa de Campo Rio Arriba

Arecibo

Situated in Arecibo in the North Puerto Rico region, Casa de Campo Rio Arriba features a balcony and garden views. The apartment is 41 km from Isabela.
The hosts were extremely gracious and welcoming. The apartment was spacious, clean, and cozy, with a great shower and fresh coffee to make in the morning. The beds were very comfortable and a/c kept the room cool. The sounds of coqui frogs and birds at night was unforgettable. We even rented a Canoe for traveling on the river.

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9.5

Superb

37 reviews

Price from

€158

per night

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Oceania

Arecibo

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, a patio, and pool views, Oceanía Apartment is located in Arecibo. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness centre, garden and free Wi-Fi.
I don’t have one complaint about the place. The penthouse beautiful. It had a beautiful view. It was amazingly relaxing. The service is unmatched!

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9. 1

Excellent

15 reviews

Price from

€417

per night

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Las Olas Beach apartments

Arecibo

Boasting garden views and a terrace, Las Olas Beach Apartment provides accommodation with free WiFi, around 1.7 km from Poza del Obispo Beach. It offers a balcony, free private parking and free Wi-Fi.
The location couldn’t be better. right in front of a beautiful beach. very quiet and private. even tho the apartment was a studio it was very comfortable and a very relax atmosphere.

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6.9

Review score

124 reviews

Price from

€99

per night

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New Remodeled Ocean view, Beach Front Apartment

Arecibo

Set in Arecibo, within 100 meters of Caza y Pesca Beach and 1. 3 km of Poza del Obispo Beach, New Remodeled Ocean view, Beach Front Apartment offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an…

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Price from

€ 353

per night

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See all 8 hotels in Arecibo

The Arecibo giant radio telescope collapsed after more than half a century of operation