Rio Camuy Cave Park and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico
Saturday, September 22:
We set off early and drive to the famous caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park. The park is located about 11 km south of Arecibo on Route 129. The caves are absolutely worth visiting and belong to one of the largest cave systems in the world. One of the longest underground rivers on earth flows through here — a special feature is a fish that is completely blind.
A tram takes visitors down to the entrance, which lies 200 meters below.
The terrain is characterized by deep gorges and steep rock walls overgrown with ferns. So far, 16 entrances and 11 kilometers of underground passages have been explored.
Tres Pueblos
After exploring the caves, the tram ride continues to the elevated platform above the Tres Pueblos sinkhole, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. Below us lies a cave with Taíno rock drawings on the walls. If you feel adventurous, you can descend the 205 steps to the bottom.
The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, food facilities, and an exhibition hall with a souvenir shop.
From the Tres Pueblos platform, it is only 205 steps down.
Arecibo Observatory — Puerto Rico
In the early afternoon, we drive to the world's most famous observatory. James Bond himself once caused havoc at the Observatorio de Arecibo — a truly imposing structure.
The observatory is located 16 km south of Arecibo. It was one of the most powerful radar radio telescopes in the world and the largest single-dish unit ever built. The instrument consisted of an aluminum reflector with a diameter of 300 meters. Radio waves were received by movable antennas suspended 168 meters above the reflector.
It collected data for scientists around the globe. The telescope served as a filming location for GoldenEye (1995) and Contact (1997).
The Arecibo Observatory was powerful enough to detect signals from 1,000 light-years away. It was owned by Cornell University and developed there by Professor William E. Gordon in 1958. Construction was completed in 1963.
Afterwards, we continue driving to San Juan to shop at the Belz Outlet before spending the night at the Howard Johnson.
Continue Reading: Puerto Rico Travel Report
Day 9: Isla Verde — Boarding the Adventure of the Seas Day 1 on the Adventure of the Seas
