Arecibo Observatory

Open to the public:
Wednesday - Friday: 12:00-4:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and most Holidays : 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Admission: $5, seniors and children $3

:: for current openings and admission to Arecibo Observatory please check at http://www.naic.edu/

The Arecibo Observatory is located approximately 12 miles south-southwest from Arecibo, Puerto Rico (near the extreme southwestern corner of Arecibo municipio). It is operated by Cornell University under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The observatory works as the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) although both names are officially used to refer to it.

The observatory's radio telescope is the largest single-aperture telescope ever to be constructed. (Compare "multiple aperture telescope".) It collects radio astronomy, terrestrial aeronomy, and planetary radar data for scientists around the world. Usage of the telescope is gained by submitting proposals to an independent board of referees.

Although it has been given many usages, the observatory's main purpose is to detail and observe stellar objects.

The telescope is visually distinctive and has been used in the filming of two notable movies: as the villain's antenna in the James Bond movie GoldenEye and as itself in the movie Contact. The telescope received international recognition in 1999 when it began to collect data for the SETI@home project.

As the site of the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, the Observatory is recognized as one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar and terrestrial aeronomy. Use of the Arecibo Observatory is available on an equal, competitive basis to all scientists from throughout the world. Observing time is granted on the basis of the most promising research as ascertained by a panel of independent referees who review the proposals sent to the Observatory by interested scientists. Every year about 200 scientists visit the Observatory facilities to pursue their research project, and numerous students perform observations that lead to their master and doctoral dissertations.

Rio Camuy Caves

Open Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays; 8am to 4pm. For information call: (787) 898-3100 or (787) 763-0568.

Directions: drive back east to Arecibo, take Route 129 Southwest to the Río Camuy Cave Park.

What lies beneath the islands of the Caribbean?

There are only two other places in the world where you will find a cave system as massive or dramatic as the Río Camuy Cave Park – and neither of them has a tropical underground river running through it! We can arrange simple walking tours or for the extreme explorer, Rappelling through the belly of the caves.

Come see at Puerto Rico's Rmo Camuy Cave Park, termed the world's third-largest underground river cave system. The usual gamut of subterranean sightseeing tours are offered, but you can also get doses of serious caving here: Rappel 200 feet through the cavern entrance; crawl through passages of mud; body raft along the underground river; or see rarely visited parts of the cave.

Open air trolleys transport the visitor down to the actual caves through a 200 feet deep sinkhole, a chasm where tropical trees, ferns and flowers flourish. At the entrance to Clara Cave, one of 16 in the network, the visitor starts by viewing the majestic rooms rich in stalactites and stalagmites and huge sculptures built in limestone through the centuries and which seem to play with the filtered sunlight and the transparent waters. A footpath winds through the 170-foot-high cave to a deeper sinkhole and spectacular views down to the Camuy River .Tres Pueblos Sinkhole all of 650 feet in diameter with a depth of 400 feet lies in the boundaries of the municipalities of Camuy, Hatillo and Lares. The visitor can walk along two platforms; one on the Lares side facing Camuy and the other on the Hatillo side overlooking Tres Pueblos Cave and the Camuy River passing 400 fet below from one cave tunnel to another.

And, while at first it may seem like you're discovering this underground world, you'll soon see evidence that you've been scooped by about 500 years—cave paintings and carvings by the island's original Taino Indians are proof. Parts of the cave can close during heavy rain; rainy months are July through November.

This incredible 268-acre park is the site of the great subterranean caverns carved out by the Camuy River over one million years ago.

The impeccably maintained trails gently descend 200 feet through a fern filled ravine to the yawning, cathedral-like caverns. The caves are home to a unique species of fish that is totally blind.

To visit this pristine site is to be transported to another, hidden world. Rio Camuy Cave Park is the third-largest cave system in the world. Sixteen entrance have been found and 11 kilometers (7 miles) of passages explored so far. One special attraction is the Cueva Clara, which measures 695 feet (210m) in length.

The park is equipped with picnic areas, walking trails, food facilities, and exhibition hall and a souvenir shop, making it the perfect place to spend a day.

Reservations are essential, as this place is understandably popular.

Vistors are taken on small trollies down to entrances and their is a high degree of organization of the facilities.

:: for a free wheelling adventure with many of the same cave, cave painting aspects, see Acampa PR's Tanama River trip >

Bird Watching in Puerto Rico

In Villa Montana's own palm trees the green parrot comes in to roost in the late afternoons.

Further afield, there are birding opportunities on the Acampa PR Guide trips.

Here are there other prime birding opportunities:

Bird Sanctuary

Boqueron Forest Reserve is a bird sanctuary along the southwest coast offering nature trails through the mangroves. Herons are often found perched atop the trees.

Directions: Hwy 2 south to Hwy 100. South on Hwy 100 to Hwy 101. Turn right on Hwy 101 and go into the small town of Boqueron.

Wild Life Refuge & Trails

Cabo Rojo Natural Fish & Wildlife Refuge has approximately 12 miles of trails and a visitors' center. Found near the historical lighthouse in the southwest corner of the island, this is a great spot for birdwatching!

Directions: Hwy 2 south to Hwy 100. South on Hwy 100 to Hwy 301. Continue south on Hwy 301 to the end - you will find the wildlife refuge and at the very end - the lighthouse!

El Yunque Tropucal Forest : Wild and Tranquil

Going deep in Puerto Rico means diving into rainforest, not water. In the humid heart of Puerto Rico's interior, the Caribbean National Forest covers 28,000 acres of mountainous rainforest terrain. Known colloquially as "El Yunque," the preserve is part of the U.S. Forest system. In fact, it's the only tropical rainforest habitat in the entire system.

Still, you'll know you're not in Kansas when you step into this jungle. An eerie silence hangs over fog-shrouded peaks. The air is heavy as you choose from several trailheads and begin your hike on rough trails cloaked in huge tropical ferns and palm trees, still dripping from an early-morning shower.

Some of the trails lead to hidden waterfalls where you can take a refreshing plunge; some climb through diverse ecosystems on the way to mountain summits. Most require at least a half day; all require good hiking shoes and insect repellent.

Direction: back toward San Juan and then south into the mountains - will take at leats 90 minutes from the resort.

Caja de Muerto Island Juorney with Acampa PR

Sail with us to Caja de Muerto Island and experience the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. Located six miles south of the city of Ponce, Caja de Muerto is part of a reserve that consists of three islands which hold a diversity of natural resources in a wonderful scenic setting.

The waters surrounding the islands are beautiful and clear, with coral reefs and abundant sea life. Its shorelines are diverse with rocky areas, sandy beaches and mangrove patches. In Caja de Muerto's interior there is a modest dry forest with a vegetation similar to Guanica's and Mona Island's dry forests. Atop its larger limestone hill sits a Spanish lighthouse which dates back to 1887.

From the lighthouse one can enjoy a panoramic view of the island and of Puerto Rico's southern shore. Dotting the hill are several small caves.

The adventure begins in Ponce's "La Guancha" Pier where we board the 37 ft. catamaran which will take us to the island.

A big part of the fun is enjoying the sail through the blue Caribbean waters! Once on the island we will hike through the dry forest enjoying the reserve's biodiversity which includes some endangered and rare plant and animal species. The hike will eventually take us to the lighthouse from where we will enjoy a stunning panoramic view.

After a short visit to a cave, participants can enjoy leisure time at the beach relaxing, looking for shells, or snorkeling. Lunch will be served in the island at an appropriate time.

Dates Available
Upon Request

El Yunque Rain Forest Trek with Acamapa PR

From Acampa PR

:: visit their own website about canyon adventure in Puerto Rico - www.acampapr.com

Discover the wonders of the Caribbean National Forest with our experienced guides.

Locally known as El Yunque, this tropical rain forest was first set aside for protection by the Kingdom of Spain in 1876, making it one of the first natural reserves in the Western Hemisphere. Currently managed by the United States Forest Service, the Forest counts with over 28,000 contiguous acres within the Sierra de Luquillo.

With peaks, escarpments, myriad streams and waterfalls, and a lush green vegetation representing various forest types, the National Forest is truly a scenic paradise. It is also a naturalist's delight, with a diverse native flora and fauna which includes many species found nowhere else on the planet.

It is home to over 1,000 species of plants (including mosses, ferns, vines, orchids, bromeliads, shrubs and trees), over 30 species of amphibians and reptiles, 11 species of bats, and 68 species of birds, including rare endemics such as the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.

Other less conspicuous yet ecologically invaluable inhabitants are fungi and invertebrates, of which there are also many endemics. Due to the region's topography and varying rainfall patterns, the forest boasts four distinct vegetation zones: Tabonuco forest, Palo Colorado forest, Sierra Palm forest, and Cloud or Dwarf forest.

To enjoy this reserve the Forest Service maintains 13 marked trails representing various levels of difficulty, ranging from easy strolls and leisure hikes to demanding treks up to the mountain peaks.

Our visits to the forest concentrate on hiking and natural history education, with the option of a refreshing soak in one of the many natural pools and waterfalls.

We offer either half day or full day excursions customized to your physical condition and interests.

On a half day excursion you could choose from a moderate hike at the lower elevations of the forest to a more challenging trek up to El Yunque peak at 3,500 ft.

On a full day excursion you could have the chance to experience all four forest types within the reserve. Full day excursions include a lunch in the forest.

Whether on a half day or a full day visit we are sure you will appreciate why El Yunque is one of our great national treasures.

Dates Available
Fridays & Upon Request

Duration:
Half day or Full day

Level of difficulty:
we'll customize

Includes:
Transportation for six or more participants and lunch (only on full day tour)

Toro Negro Water Trek with Acampa PR
In Puerto Rico

From Acampa PR

:: visit their own website for Toro Negro trek adventure: www.acampapr.com

Join us for a visit to the heart and rooftop of Puerto Rico, a land of luxuriant vegetation, steep landscapes, streams and waterfalls.

Located in the mountainous center of the Island, the Toro Negro Forest is Puerto Rico's "other" rainforest reserve. Less accessible and much less visited than El Yunque, Toro Negro offers some of the wildest territory in the Island.

The reserve itself is subdivided into various segments in the municipalities of Ciales, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Orocovis, and Ponce. In between these forest patches are agricultural and residential fincas which still represent the true nature of the Puerto Rican countryside.

Our excursion takes us to a private finca which is contiguous to one of the Reserve's plots. Previously belonging to a local family, this finca is a mosaic of forested and cultivated land. On our hike you will get to experience the native vegetation characteristic of the mountains as well as the traditional cultivars of the mountain folk, such as coffee, plantains, bananas, and various citrus and other fruits.

The real adventure begins as we enter Quebrada Rosa, a tributary of the Toro Negro River. This clear water creek flows down from Cerro Rosa (the Island's second highest mountain) and is truly a scenic delight. Because it flows down a protected watershed this quebrada is as unspoiled as can be, still retaining its native fish and crustaceans and flanked by lush and beautiful vegetation.

We will walk upstream climbing through a section of pools and waterfalls until we reach our zip line station. With your harness and helmet on you will then zoom across 200 ft. overlooking the quebrada andthge surrounding dense vegetation.

Sometime after we will have lunch on the porch of the finca's small wooden house. The meal will be delivered by a local family and will consist of typical creole dishes.

The rest of the day will be spent as you desire, either hiking to higher elevations to enjoy the view of the Toro Negro valley and its surrounding mountains, or returning to the creek for more swimming and exploration.

Because part of the finca is cultivated you will have a chance to enjoy fresh fruits as snack or dessert! In all this is a very refreshing excursion with the option for a lower impact leisure time.

Dates Available
Sundays & Upon Request

Duration:
One complete day

Level of difficulty:
Moderate

Includes:
Transportation for six or more participants, fresh fruit and lunch

Canyoneering - Rio Tanamá
with Acampa guides and adventure tour leaders

From Acampa PR

:: visit their own website about canyon adventure in Puerto Rico - www.acampapr.com

Experience the mystical Tanamá River as it snakes through limestone hills and caverns.

Although it's born in the Central Cordillera, the Tanamá traverses mainly through Karst terrain before flowing into the Río Grande de Arecibo. Originally formed at sea by corals and shellfish, this limestone region is an impressive landscape carved by rain and flowing water since times immemorial. The hills, also known as Haystack Hills (or "mogotes" as locals call them), support beautiful forests and many have caves, caverns, or cliffs which offer great opportunities for hiking, caving, and rappelling.

Our adventure takes place in private lands in Barrio Caguana within the municipality of Utuado. After crossing planted fields of plantain, oranges, and diverse tubers, we will hike through the limestone forest and learn about the local flora and fauna.

We will explore Cueva del Arco (Arch Cave) and enjoy a scenic view of the river in the company of resident bats. Then our hike will take us by other caves and beautiful vistas until we reach the rappelling destination. Where we rappel and how we experience the river (that is, either in it or over it) will depend on the weather.

During the dry season or days without rain the river is clear and its flow is languid. On these occasions, with harness, helmet, headlamp, and life jacket on, we rappel down an 80 ft. cliff into the river in order to then body raft through El Portillo natural tunnel.

On the other hand moderate to heavy rains transform the river's flow into a dangerous brown torrent. On days like these we avoid getting into the water for safety reasons and instead do our rappel from a cliff high above the river.

To make up for missing a swim we will zoom across over the rushing water on our new zip line (canopy)!

Part of our adventure is a visit to the Perez' family house, a self sufficient household with solar energy, spring water, compost toilets, and a small scale organic farm. There we will have a delicious vegetarian lunch prepared with their vegetables and herbs.

What We Do:
Cross rivers
Swim between mountains

Dates Available
Saturdays & Upon Request

Duration:
One complete day

Level of difficulty:
Moderate-Difficult

Includes:
Vegetarian lunch and transporation for six or more participants

Equipment:
Life vest, helmet, rappelling gear and lantern.

Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park

The park is a one hour drive east of the resort, taking you through karst country and weaving in and out of the mountains surrounding the ceremonial center. Take #2 back east to Arecibo. In Arecibo, take Road 10 to Utuado and turn right on Road 11 to Km 12.3.

The park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4:00 PM and admission is free.

Call 787-894-7325 or 787-724-5477 for further information.

Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park is the most important archaeological deposit in the Antilles. Built by the Taino Indians some 800 years ago. Cobbled walkways birder ten Indian courts. Stone monoliths are decorated with petroglyphs.

When the first Spaniards arrived on the island more than 500 years ago, they encountered thousands of Taíno Indians—the most recent of a series of inhabitants that had populated the Caribbean region for thousands of years. All the Indian cultures shared a ceremonial ballgame—sometimes described as similar to lacrosse or soccer—with their Meso-American cousins.

More than 30 of the courts where these games were played can be found in the mysterious Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park near Utuado, in the center of the island. These courts, called bateyes, are believed to be part of the most sacred Taíno area in the West Indies.

Excavation began in 1915 and, over the years, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture has restored many of the bateyes. Monoliths and petroglyphs carved by anonymous hands can be seen among the rocks and stones. Knowledgeable visitors seek out La Mujer de Caguana, a rare petroglyph of a woman with the legs of a frog, wearing an elaborate headdress!

A small museum contains Indian artifacts, archaeological exhibits and a botanical garden featuring the plants the Taínos harvested for food, such as sweet potatoes, cassava, corn and yautía. The trees that were used for building materials, such as mahogany, ceiba, tabonuco, and ausubo can be seen in their natural setting.

. . . . . . . . . .

The Caguana Ceremonial Ball Courts Site dates from Puerto Rico's late prehistoric and early contact era. The Taino Indians constructed the stone-lined ball courts, called bateyes, between 1200 and 1500 AD, and they used the site throughout the Spanish contact period.

The first written description of the game, played with two teams and a rubber ball, appeared after Columbus' first voyage. More than just a sport, the game had ceremonial significance, for the game's outcome influenced important Taino decisions. It is believed that the game of batey originated in Mesoamerica, and was played in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands.

The Caguana site, the largest site of its type in the West Indies, is located in the rainy west central mountains on the east side of the Tanama River, in Barrio Caguana. In 1955, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture acquired the site and began a program of stabilization and restoration. Cobbled walkways border 10 bateyes and stone monoliths, many decorated with petroglyphs, rim some of the court.

The Caguana Ceremonial Ball Courts Site, a National Historic Landmark, is located on Rte. 111, Km. 12.3, west of Utuado, Puerto Rico. The park is open 9:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday-Sunday. There is a small museum at the site.

:: for more detailed information about Taino Indina culture and sites please go to http://www.cr.nps.gov/nR/travel/prvi/sitelist.htm

Guanica Dry Forest - UNESCO Bisophere Site

Directions: Hwy 2 south towards Ponce. Turn south on Hwy 116. Turn left on either Hwy 333 or Hwy 334.

Guanica Dry Forest is the largest remaining tract of tropical dry coastal forest in the world and was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1975. This is a spectacular cactus - scrub - subtropical dry forest with over 700 species of trees & plants and 40 species of bird. The Puerto Rican whippoorwill is found only in this reserve! You will find a wide variety of hiking trails (easy to difficult).

It features 36mi/58km of hiking trails and is home to a lignum vitae tree (over 1,000 years old) and more than 40 of the island's 111 species of birds. The forest includes 700 plant species (48 endangered), 16 of which are unique to the Guánica. In 1981 UNESCO designated the forest as a "Biosphere Reserve" a world-rarity since only an estimated 1% of dry forest remains on earth. Aside from birds, other wildlife found in the forest are toads, lizards, land crabs, cave shrimps, mongoose and leatherback turtles.

Bioluminescent Lagoon

Bioluminescent Bay in La Parguera:

Directions: Hwy 2 south to Hwy 100. Hwy 100 to Hwy 101. Left on Hwy 101 to Hwy 303. Right on Hwy 303 to Hwy 305. Left on Hwy 305 to Hwy 116. Right on Hwy 116 to Hwy 304. Right on Hwy 304 into the town of La Parguera.

This small seaside town located on the southwest side of the island. It is home to one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world.

The underwater mosaic of light, each tiny dot of it resembling a firefly, is produced by microscopic plankton that create light through a chemical reaction when disturbed.

The tiny organisms, known as dinoflagellates, feed on blue- green algae that flourish in the saltwater lagoon, making their concentrations higher than in regular seawater.

Nighttime charters can be arranged - it is guaranteed to be a spectacular "light show"!

You can arrange for a trip in the town of La Parguera - simply go to the town square and choose from several small boat operators.

(Hint: The best time to view the bioluminescence is during the "new moon" phase!)

Cabo Rojo Wild Life Refuge & Trails

Directions: Hwy 2 south to Hwy 100. South on Hwy 100 to Hwy 301. Continue south on Hwy 301 to the end - you will find the wildlife refuge and at the very end - the lighthouse!

Cabo Rojo Natural Fish & Wildlife Refuge has approximately 12 miles of trails and a visitors' center.

Found near the historical lighthouse in the southwest corner of the island, this is a great spot for birdwatching!

Cabo Rojo Historical Lighthouse is newly renovated and open to the public. Sitting on a dramatic cliff in the southwest corner of the island - it's a beautiful place to gaze out over the ocean.