Cueva camuy: Camuy River Cave Park, Puerto Rico – 2022 Update

Camuy River Cave Park, Puerto Rico – 2022 Update

Be ready to be wowed as soon as you enter this wondrous natural attraction, tucked into the karst region of the north coast.  Rio Camuy Cave formally named Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy (Cavernas de Camuy)designated the First Natural Delight of Puerto is “one of the world’s largest cave networks”.  This is an excellent day trip that you can do on your own, about a 1 hour and a 20-minute drive from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Update:  We are happy to inform you that the Rio Camuy Cave Park has re-opened after a long wait since its closing since Hurricane Maria.  See hours and reservations number below under “Visiting Information”.   

Top Rated Tours to Camuy River Cave Park

Rio Camuy This cave is the third largest underground cave system in the world, Rio Camuy runs through it.  The main part of the cavern is massive, with a ceiling over 10 stories high.  Photos can’t capture the beauty of this world-class wonder, Camuy River Cave Park is among the top ten attractions you can’t miss in Puerto Rico.  Parques Nacionales (Puerto Rico National Parks) manages this 300-acre park, offering walking tours in both English & Spanish, through this enormous cave.  This day will be part of one of the best day trips you can enjoy during your vacation in Puerto Rico, see our Best Things to Do in the North Region for more interesting activities and places to visit.

The Rio Camuy Cavern Tour

Note: This new tour offers a full-day Cave adventure that includes Camuy River Cave.

You will be given a set of headphones, available in Spanish and English.

Currently, the trolley is not being used or in working condition.  You’ll have to walk down to the entrance, a ride is offered for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and parents with small children.  As you walk down, the temperature gets cooler as you get near the nest of the mountain covered with a lush canopy that glistens to the rays of the sun. 

There are a few steps before heading through the tunnel that leads to the entrance of the cavern.   The rest of the way you’ll be walking on concrete walkways with side rails.  Please read the suggestions below for tips on recommended attire and care when touring the cavern.

You’ll enter through Cueva Clara, you’ll walk through diverse tunnels, some reach as high as 170 feet and span as wide as 200 feet.  Depending on the time of day, heavenly sun rays come through the window pictured below.  As you go deeper into the cavern you’ll be wowed by the size and magnitude of this place.  Again, photos can’t really capture the splendor of the cavern, you have to be here to experience it.

Natural works of art such as spectacular stalagmites and stalactites were carved and formed by waters of the Camuy River, which is estimated to be approximately 45 million years old.

At one of the highest points of the cavern, you’ll see the largest stalagmite in Puerto Rico, an impressive sight.

As you walk, you’ll see nature at work, water streaming down the walls, forming more spectacular structures right before your eyes.   During your exploration, you’ll feel the heat of hundreds of sleeping bats and hear the sounds of Camuy River running underneath.

One of the best parts of the tour is Sumidero de Empalme (Empalme Sinkhole), a breathtaking magical spot where the sun rays shine through the sinkhole entrance 450 feet above.

This sinkhole feels more like an enchanted room.

Wellsprings gently flow down the walls to create a mesmerizing melody, you can’t help but think that perhaps this is the source of the fountain of youth Ponce de Leon so desperately sought.

The rays of sunshine radiating through the opening above make the waterfalls sparkle, the foliage glisten and the trees are perfectly lit by the true master landscape architect.  There’s so much beauty to take in at the Empalme Sinkhole.

Your tour guide will take you through the last part of the tour, a party for your senses if you’re into caves.  You’ll be able to observe more stalagmites and stalactites and hear some cool sounds.  You’ll walk through a tunnel and then over a concrete walkway suspended over the underground river, where the sounds of the water and bats seem to be right out of a Batman movie scene.  As a matter of fact, the sounds of bats used in a Batman movie were recorded at the Camuy Cave.

Park Hours

• Monday – Closed
• Tuesdays – Closed
• Wednesday-Sunday    9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour at 3:30 pm)

Ticket Prices

• Adults – $18.00
• Children  Ages 4-12  – $13.00
• Seniors Ages 65 + $9.00  (With ID)

Reservations

• For reservations email: [email protected]
• Reservations are not required.
• 787-898-3136 / 787-898-3100

Tour Requirements

• Proper walking nonslip closed-toe shoes
• A safety helmet is provided and must be worn at all times.

Medical Warning

• If you have any medical conditions such as cardiac or asthma or any other, please consult with a park tour guide before the tour.

Tour Details

• It is a walking tour, it takes approximately 1.5 hours
• Tours are in groups of 30 people
• Tour is not affected by rainy weather
• Tour is only affected by a hurricane warning
• Take water to stay hydrated
• Snacks available at the welcome center
• You’ll have to walk about .93 miles from the welcome center to the cave.
• An ATV park vehicle offers a free ride from the welcome center to the entrance of the cavern to the elderly, parents with a child, and individuals with a disability.
• The cavern is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Level of difficulty of the walking tour:  We feel is moderate but the park rates it difficult.
• Smoking is not allowed.  No food may be consumed inside the cavern.
• Although the handrails get cleaned, there may be bat soil on the rails.  If you have children please hold their hands to keep them from touching the rails.  If you have a physical challenge that requires you to hold the handrails at all times, we advise bringing disposable gloves, you can easily find these at a pharmacy.
• Wear non-slip closed-toe shoes. Although you’ll be walking on a concrete walkway through the cavern, it is uneven and wet.
• Please Note: There are some travel guides published that state you’ll visit the underground river, this is not accurate information. The river is underground and not accessible to the public.  In the town of Utuado, there are some tour companies that will take you to the Tanama River, where you can go rappelling, caving, and tubbing on the underground river.

Top Rated Cave Adventure Tours

Address:  Carretera 129 Km. 18.9, Camuy, P.R.

Directions: Drive from San Juan is about 1 hour, 20 minutes.  Camuy River Cave Park is located on Carr. (Carretera) 129 Km. 18.9 from Arecibo to Lares.  To get there from PR22 take Exit (Salida) 77B which connects with Carr. 129 towards Lares.

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy – InfoCity Turismo

Be ready to be wowed as soon as you enter this wondrous natural attraction, tucked into the karst region of the north coast.  Rio Camuy Cave formally named Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, designated the First Natural Delight of Puerto is “one of the world’s largest cave networks”.  This is an excellent day trip just about 1 hour an 20 minute drive from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Rio Camuy This cave is the third largest underground cave system in the world, Rio Camuy runs through it.  The main part of the cavern is massive, with a ceiling over 10 stories high.  Photos can’t capture the beauty of this world class  wonder, Camuy River Cave Park is among the top ten attractions you can’t miss in Puerto Rico.  Parques Nacionales (Puerto Rico National Parks) manages this 300 acre park, offering walking tours in both English & Spanish, through this enormous cave.  This day will be part of one of the best day trips you can enjoy during your vacation in Puerto Rico, see our Puerto Rico North Region Attractions guide to see the suggested itinerary.

Visiting Tips 

• Arrive before 10am
• Dress in comfortable clothing, bring an additional shirt just in case you get wet during the tour.
• Wear non-slip closed toe shoes. Although you’ll be walking on concrete walkway through the cavern, it is uneven and wet.
• Last trolley goes out at 3:30, weather permitting.  Give yourself enough time to buy tickets and make it for the last group so you don’t waste a trip. Get there no later than 3pm and that’s cutting it close.
• Please Note: There are some travel guides published that state you’ll visit the underground river, this is not accurate information. The river is underground and not accessible to the public.  In the town of Utuado, there are some tour companies that will take you the Tanama River, where you can go rappelling, caving and tubbing on the underground river.

The Rio Camuy Cavern Tour 

You will be given a set of headphones, available in Spanish and English.

Your tour begins with a fun trolley ride down the steep rolling mountainside that children will love.  The adventure begins as the trolley zig zags down the mountainside, deep down to the cave entrance where the amazement of the cavern awaits.  You’ll wish the ride took longer…the temperature gets cooler as you drop down into the nest of the mountain covered with lush greens that glisten to the rays of the sun.

Hours of Operation

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8am – 3:30pm
Thursday: 8am – 3:30pm
Friday: 8am – 3:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 3:30pm
Sunday: 8am – 3:30pm

Call your concierge

Category: Where to Go

• Location

Quebrada, Camuy 00669

El Tuque | vv-travel.ru

Not to be confused with La Tuque, Quebec. For homonymy, see La Tuque (disambiguation). El Tuque Beach as seen from Puerto Rico Highway 2 (PR-2) at the Barrio Canas in Ponce, Puerto Rico

El Tuque Beach and family fun and tourist complex in the Punta Cucharas sector of Ponce, Puerto Rico. It was designed in the early 1960s by Luis Flores, an architect from Cayey, Puerto Rico. [1] It is located on PR-2, km 220.1, in the El Tuque sector of Barrio Canas in Ponce. [2] The El Tuque sector is considered to be Puerto Rico’s largest populated sector. [3]

Contents

1 History 2 New complex 3 Today 4 Links

History

The name El Tuque comes from the name of a farm that was located in this area in the early 20th century. [4] The once deserted beach was developed as a Balneario (Waterpathic or Bathhouse) by the Commonwealth government of Puerto Rico in the mid-1960s, as part of an attempt by the central government to provide a network of such recreational spaces throughout the island. [5] It included gazebos and fire pits next to the beach, a restaurant, changing rooms with showers and lockers, and a children’s pool, as well as two adult Olympic-sized swimming pools with snack bars.

By the mid-1980s, however, the area had fallen into disrepair, starting with pools and parking, due to a lack of proper maintenance. As a result, the beach will only be open occasionally. The complex was eventually closed permanently in late 1980.

New Complex

More than a decade later, in 1996, the US Corps of Engineers again took over the El Tuque project for the purpose of re-landscaping the beach with new sand. [6] [7] [8] In May 2002, private investors became interested in the area, and entered into a contract with the central government of Puerto Rico to develop the area as a family and tourist and recreation center. Investors have spent $16 million to develop the area at El Tuque Beach Entertainment Center. [9]

Today

El Tuque health complex today includes a water challenging splash water park with three wave pools, high speed water slides and water sports. Some of the activities in the park make available hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, wild paddling, scuba diving, and snorkeling. [10] The complex has a bar and a Quality Inn hotel located on the beach, in a recreational complex facility. Nearby, the Holiday Inn Hotel, which opened a few years ago, provides additional accommodation for beachgoers.

The second addition to the project, which opened in 2003, includes a new speedway called the Ponce International Speedway Park.[11] It includes drag and drop racing track and track closure. The speedway drag racing sections has both 1/4-mile and 1/8th-mile sections, and the full circuit is 1.52 miles long and includes 12 turns. [12] A small marina was also added. Walking and kayaking are promoted as part of the center’s ecotourism activities. [13]

The article was translated automatically. Source: Wikipedia

Country:

• Puerto Rico

OnMap:

Posted on Mon, 04/25/2011 – 18:57 by Valeratal

Coming

• McCabe Memorial Church :
  2.42 km
• Ponce Grand Prix :
  2.69 km
• Cardona (Ponce):
  2.82 km
• Gatas (Ponce) :
  3. 28 km
• Carnival de Ponce :
  3.53 km

★ 16 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico ★

• Playa Mar Chiquita, Manati (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• San Cristobal Fort, San Cristobal Juan (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Old San Juan (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques Island (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Rincon (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Cueva Ventana, Arecibo (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Gilligan Island, Guanica (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Fajardo (Hotel Prices and Photos)
• San Cristobal Canyon, Barranquitas (Hotel Prices and Photos)
• Kamui River Cave Park, Camui (Hotel Prices and Photos)
• El Yunque National Park, Rio Grande (Hotel Prices and Photos) Hotels and Photos)
• Los Morillos Lighthouse, Cabo Rojo (Prices & Photos for Hotel)
• La Parguera Nature Reserve, Lajas (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• Caja de Muertos, Ponce (Hotel Prices & Photos)
• San German (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Puerto Rico Decorated lots of fantastic beaches, year-round sunshine, limestone caves and diving, snorkeling and surfing opportunities, and plenty of cultural experiences, not to mention amazing food and world class rum. If you’re planning to visit this lush US territory (without a passport!) in the Caribbean Northeast, be sure to visit the very best places, including these.

Playa Mar Chiquita, ManatiPlaya Mar Chiquita, Manati

Playa Mar Chiquita, Manati (Hotel Prices and Photos)

Speaking of great beaches, Playa Mar Chiquita, located on the north coast, is another one of the island’s most impressive beaches. The secluded, shallow bay is almost completely closed off from the sea by two massive coral formations. As the Atlantic waves crash against them, the water splashes over the coral, cascading into a thousand miniature waterfalls into the brilliant blue pools below. On a good day, you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the often calm waters of the bay, although you should beware of strong currents.

Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island

Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island (Hotel Prices and Photos)

Flamenco Beach, regularly featured in the Top 10 lists of the best beaches in the world, including the Discover Channel, named it the No. 2 most beautiful beach in the world, located on the island of Culebra. The island is 20 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico and doesn’t offer any luxury resorts, casinos, or fancy restaurants, but it does offer a relaxing getaway minus the traffic, crime, and crowds. The soft white flamenco sands stretch along the entire bay and are lined with palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. The gorgeous, shallow turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the whole scene looks like it came straight out of a Corona commercial. Since the US military has been using it for decades, it has hampered developers by leaving a beach of abandoned tanks now elaborately adorned with colorful Caribbean designs. 9Fort San Cristobal, San Juan , was built to protect the city from land attacks. Although often overlooked in Fort El Morro, it is well worth a visit with its significant history and stunning views. History buffs will love peeking into the dungeon, walking through the tunnels, and just standing in the yard imagining what it would have been like to be there while it was in use. It was the largest military structure built by the Spanish in the Americas and rises almost 150 feet above sea level. The massive structure was built over two decades, between 1765 and 1785, and from an architectural point of view, experts say the project was ingenious. Consists of several layers, each of which is surrounded by a wall and heavily fortified in order to frustrate and slow down the enemy several times.

Old San JuanOld San Juan

Old San Juan (Hotel Prices & Photos)

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old San Juan, dotted with great fortresses and colonial buildings in pastel colors. With 500 years of Spanish history leaving its mark, Old San Juan is full of charm and character. Its timeless magic makes it one of the most enchanting destinations not only in Puerto Rico but throughout the Caribbean. Be sure to visit Fortaleza Street for at least one meal, known as “Restaurant Row”, here you will find some of the best eateries in town. For a magnificent sunset, take a walk along Paseo la Prince just before sunset. This wide waterfront stretches from the docks at the foot of the city to the beautiful Rice Fountain. Along the way, you can take part in the cultural life for free, and on weekends there are various stalls along the way.

Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Cove
Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Cove

Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques Island (hotel prices and photos)

The experience of this bioluminescent bay is yet another must. In rare bays around the world, the right combination of factors, including high temperatures, nutrient-rich waters, shallow depths and low circulation, create the ideal conditions needed for the incredible, tiny creatures known as dinoflagellates to breed. Although difficult to capture on film, when agitated, they emit a spark of bright blue light that creates a constellation of stars in the dark waters of the lagoon on Vieques Island. There aren’t many experiences like it on the planet, it inspires goosebumps while swimming in inky waters under a starry night sky. The best way to visit is by kayak, especially during a full or near full moon.

RinconRincon

Rincon (Hotel Prices & Photos)

This small beach town is tucked away on the west coast of the island. It is its capital of surfing and one of the best places to catch waves in the northern hemisphere. Since hosting the 1968 World Cup of Surfing, it has become a paradise for those who prefer to ride the wave rather than endure corporate life, and many come only to never return home. Even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to see some of the world’s best sunsets while strolling along the boardwalk while sipping a pina colada served at the city’s “ultra-chill surfer’s restaurant,” the Tamboo Tavern. Rincón and its stunning surroundings offer an incredible range of activities for everyone, including thrilling zip line rides, ‘The Wall’ snorkeling at La Parguera, hiking and beach yoga.

Cueva Ventana, Arecibo Cueva Ventana, Arecibo

Cueva Ventana, Arecibo (Hotel Prices and Photos)

Cueva Ventana translates to Window Cave, and one look explains exactly how it got its name. This little known, large natural cave is located in Arecibo, on top of a limestone cliff overlooking the spectacular Rio Grande de Arecibo valley. Looking out the window, the view is sure to take your breath away. The cave has many beautiful formations with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a number of other small caves, tunnels and hiding places, but the highlight is the window. The cave is not that deep and you don’t need a high level of fitness to explore it, although you can go with a guide who will give you a flashlight, guide you through the cave and provide interesting information. education about how it formed and what lives inside.

Gilligan’s Island, GuanicaGilligan’s Island, Guanica

Gilligan’s Island, Guanica (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Considered a must-see day trip, this tiny island is about a mile off the coast of Guanica on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast. Named after a popular TV show, it is part of the Guanica Biosphere Reserve and is one of the few truly hidden gems, with few tourists coming here to enjoy the relaxing sanctuary that awaits. Even during the busy winter tourist season, there are few people, if any. You can get to Gilligan Island by ferry or kayak (rental available on the mainland), the trip takes about 20 minutes or so as the water is usually calm. Once you get there, you can even swim around the island effortlessly, with the current slow and gentle and the bottom soft and sandy. There are picnic tables, barbecue pits and shaded areas, and surrounded by a healthy mangrove system, it’s a snorkeling haven with crystal clear waters filled with all sorts of tropical fish and even live, healthy corals.

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Fajardo Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Fajardo

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Fajardo (Hotel Prices and Photos)

This 316-acre nature reserve is located on the northeast tip of Puerto Rico. It protects the bioluminescent Laguna Grande Bay as well as a lush rainforest with trails and boardwalks, rare flora and fauna, and an important research center. Animals that feed here include fiddler crabs, large iguanas, a variety of insects, and all kinds of birds. The only way to explore the reserve is by guided tour or pre-booking. The tour guides will take time to stop so you can get a closer look at the wildlife as well as the bioluminescent lagoon, although these bright blue sparks can only be seen after dark. In the mangrove forests, you will walk through the waterfront swamp, learning about the different types of mangroves, as well as other plants and animals found here. At the end of the tour, see the working lighthouse, which has been restored to its former glory and includes a number of exhibits such as fish, crabs and iguanas, whale and manatee bones, and exhibits on the history of the lighthouse.

San Cristobal CanyonSan Cristobal Canyon

San Cristobal Canyon, Barranquitas (Hotel Prices & Photos)

The picturesque San Cristobal Canyon, located between the cities of Aibonito and Barranquitas, cuts sharply through the mountains of the Central Cordillera. Named one of Puerto Rico’s top 10 natural wonders, this island is the only canyon and boasts many rapid waterfalls and crystal clear pools nestled among a variety of vegetation that clings tenaciously to the cliff sides. Here is the highest waterfall in Puerto Rico, the Neblina Falls, at 240 feet, plunging into a series of narrow streams, over rocks and into a pool that offers the perfect place to swim with clean and clear water. Hikers can explore the canyon without a guide, but the less experienced may want to take advantage of the knowledge of a local guide who knows the routes and can also point out interesting fauna and flora along the way.

Camui River Cave Park, CamuiCamui River Cave Park, Camui

Camui River Cave Park, Camui (Hotel Prices & Photos)

years. There are several cave systems on the planet that are as vast or dramatic as the caves in the Rio Kamui Cave Park. It is the third largest underground cave system in the world and the Rio Kamui runs through it. Available for a guided tour only, your exploration begins with a cart ride through a picturesque park to the cave entrance. Once there, your guide will take you safely into the cave system, walking through impressive stalagmites and stalactites, as well as magnificent works of art shaped by the river over the millennia. You’ll even feel the warmth of thousands of sleeping bats along the way, and you’ll be able to drink water from a natural spring. After the tour, you can walk along the park’s walking trails and woodland with picnic pavilions, dine at its little restaurant, and find that perfect souvenir in the gift shop.

El Yunque National Park, Rio Grande El Yunque National Park, Rio Grande

El Yunque National Park, Rio Grande (Hotel Prices and Photos)

Yungu is also a must in Puerto Rico. This subtropical rainforest in the northeastern part of the island consists of only 28,000 acres, but it makes up for its relatively small size with tropical splendor and natural diversity. Walking through the misty, forested hills, you’ll discover magnificent waterfalls, overgrown gorges and canyons, and perhaps the most exotic animal and plant life you’ve ever seen in one place. It boasts 150 native fern species, 240 tree species, including 23 of which are found only in this forest, and small animals not seen anywhere else on the planet, including the pygmy anole, the Puerto Rican parrot, and the coca tree frog. . The forest offers many hiking trails, from short and easy to expert level, the most popular of which is the La Mina trail which leads to the La Mina waterfall. This is the place to go on a hot day as it is the only place where you can enjoy a refreshing swim while diving under the cascading waters.

Morilos Los Morilos, Cabo Rojo Morilos Los Morillos, Cabo Rojo

Los Morillos Lighthouse, Cabo Rojo (Prices & Photos for Hotel)

Of all the lighthouses built by the Spaniards in the late 19th century, Los Morillos in Cabo Rojo , located on the southwestern corner of the island, is considered the best. Perched atop 200-foot limestone cliffs, the recently restored towers gleam over the Caribbean Sea and offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding coastline. Inside the lighthouse, you can climb a spiral staircase that leads to a rooftop observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views. While the lighthouse is interesting, the highlight is really the incredible views from the limestone cliffs, and nearby is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Sucia, which can be seen from the top of the lighthouse. Follow the path to this magical sand where turquoise waters invite you to jump in.

La Parguera Nature Reserve, LajasLa Parguera Nature Reserve, Lajas

La Parguera Nature Reserve, Lajas (Hotel Prices & Photos)

This reserve is located as far as possible from San Juan. Located in La Parguera, a fishing village in Lajas on the island’s west coast, this is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in all of Puerto Rico. It is a collection of mangrove forests, mostly red and white mangroves, some of the most extensive, well developed coral reefs, salt marshes and tiny islands that are scattered across expanses of gleaming cerulean water. Dolphins, manatees and turtles can often be spotted here, especially when snorkeling – the reserve’s calm waters are perfect for some relaxing fun through the magnificent reefs. Kayaking or kayaking are also great ways to explore the mangrove channels, and at night you can even experience the glow of the bioluminescent bay.

Caja de Muertos, PonceCaja de Muertos, Ponce

Caja de Muertos, Ponce (Hotel Prices & Photos)

This uninhabited island off the south coast of Ponce is one of Puerto Rico’s most underrated destinations. Even most Puerto Ricans have never set foot on the island, although it is home to Playa Pelicano, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for many years. Just a mile and a half long and about half a mile wide at its widest point, it’s full of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, a cave, and a lighthouse. You can get here by ferry or charter boat and then spend a full day enjoying the sun and sand, snorkeling in the clear aquamarine waters, beach paddling and hiking.

San GermanSan German

San German (Hotel Prices & Photos)

If you love history, don’t miss walking the cobbled streets of San German, Puerto Rico’s second oldest city after Old San Juan. It offers old world charm with a colonial feel, warm Puerto Rican atmosphere, friendly residents and is one of the top locations in the island’s architectural heritage. Porta Coeli (Heaven’s Gate) Church is the city’s most famous building and overlooks one of its two squares, built in 1606 as one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere. Restored by the Cultural Institute of Puerto Rico, the small church has been turned into a museum that houses Mexican colonial paintings, religious objects, and more.