Journey beneath the surface to unveil the enigmatic allure of Puerto Rico underground. Discover unique geological formations and natural magic.
Delve into the depths of the Río Camuy Cave Park for a breathtaking experience that provides a unique glimpse into the subterrestrial wonders of the Island. Nestled among the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of the northwestern region, Río Camuy Cave Park boasts one of the largest cave systems in the world. The vast network stretches over 10 miles below the municipality’s bustle, where you can find over 220 caves and caverns.
Venture underground
Feel the damp, cool air of the caves as your footsteps fill the ancient chambers when you explore the mystical landscape. Listen to the sounds of the underground rivers and waterfalls, and behold shimmering pools reflecting the natural rock formations.
The history of the Río Camuy Caves dates back millions of years to the formation of the Island itself. Even though the cave system was officially discovered in 1958, archeological evidence shows that Puerto Rico’s indigenous inhabitants explored the caves hundreds of years ago. The caverns are named after the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy. With time, the river gradually eroded the karst limestone hills of the region, shaping the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and sinkholes you can observe at the park.
Cueva Clara
Step into another world as you descend into Cueva Clara, a 700 feet in length and 200 feet tall breathtaking chamber. Here time seems to stand still, and the play of light and shadow on the rocks creates an ethereal and almost mystical feel.
As you continue along the twisty corridor that weaves inside part of the cave, admire a series of smaller chambers in the caverns. Each has unique features, such as sky-high ceilings, rivers gushing out of their bottoms, and a diverse array of flora and fauna that include various species of bats, birds, and insects.
Today, Río Camuy Cave Park is a popular tourist destination and a vital scientific and ecological resource. The park continues to be a site of ongoing research, with scientists studying the caves' geology, hydrology, ecology, and surrounding ecosystems. It also has a visitor center, picnic areas, souvenir shops, food vendors, and an exhibition hall.
Pack your Bag
If you are planning to tour the caves, wear comfortable clothing — preferably long pants and sleeves to protect against the insects and the damp weather of the caverns — and closed-toe shoes with good traction since the ground can be uneven and slippery. Bring a rain jacket, as rain showers are common in the area. Additionally, pack a bag with water, snacks, and an extra change of clothes.
You can visit the park Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. AST. Reservations are required. For more information, please contact the Department of Natural Resources by calling (787) 898-3100 / (787) 999-2200 ext. 3474 or emailing [email protected].