Caves and Caverns

Puerto Rico's Underground World

Puerto Rico is home to one of the most remarkable cave systems in the Caribbean. Formed over millions of years by water carving through limestone, these caves are part of the island's northern karst region, a landscape filled with sinkholes, underground rivers, dramatic caverns, and limestone hills known as mogotes.

Many of these caves were once used by the Taíno people, whose petroglyphs can still be seen carved into the rock walls. Today they offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore Puerto Rico's natural beauty, geological history, and ancient heritage.

Some caves are easily accessible through guided tours, while others attract adventure seekers interested in spelunking, rappelling, and underground exploration.

Cave Systems

Río Camuy Cave Park

One of Puerto Rico's most famous natural attractions, Río Camuy Cave Park (Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy) protects part of one of the largest cave networks in the Western Hemisphere.

The Río Camuy, considered one of the world's largest underground rivers, flows beneath the limestone landscape forming enormous caverns and dramatic sinkholes.

Visitors can explore impressive formations including:

• Impressive stalactites & stalagmites
• Deep sinkholes & caverns, some over 200 feet (60 meters) deep
• Rare cave-dwelling species, including bats, cave crickets, and blind fish
• Ancient Taino petroglyphs, carved into the cave walls, offering a glimpse into Puerto Rico's indigenous history

Guided tours take visitors into spectacular chambers such as Cathedral Cave and Clara Cave, where a giant sinkhole opens to the sky above.

Location: Near Lares and Camuy, on Route 129, Km 9.8

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday

Admission: $18 for adults, $13 for children (prices may vary)

Contact: (787) 898-3100

Other Cave Systems

Cueva del Infierno

Located near the Río Camuy cave network, Cueva del Infierno is part of a massive karst system where more than 2,000 caves have been discovered.

Unlike Río Camuy, this cave system is less developed for tourism, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers and spelunkers.

Wildlife found in these caves includes:

• 13 bat species
• The famous coquí frog, known for its distinctive "ko-kee" call
• Cave crickets
• Blind fish
• The "guavá" – a rare arachnid unique to the island

Adventure caving tours are available for experienced visitors.

Guided tours: (787) 898-2723

Close to Río Camuy, you'll find Cueva del Infierno, part of a vast cave system where over 2,000 caves have been discovered. These caves are home to 13 bat species, the coquí frog, cave crickets, and the rare arachnid "guavá."

Cueva Ventana ("Window Cave")

Perhaps the most photographed cave in Puerto Rico, Cueva Ventana ("Window Cave") sits high above the Río Grande de Arecibo valley.

After a short hike through the forest and cave passages, visitors emerge at a natural limestone window overlooking one of the island's most breathtaking views.

Highlights include:

• Stunning panoramic valley views
• Taíno petroglyphs
• Guided eco-tours explaining the cave ecosystem

Location: PR-10, Km 75, Arecibo

Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM

Admission: Approx. $20 per person

Contact: (787) 322-3554

Cueva del Indio

Located along dramatic limestone cliffs on Puerto Rico's north coast, Cueva del Indio is famous for its ancient Taíno rock carvings and stunning ocean views.

This site combines archaeology, coastal scenery, and adventure.

Visitors can explore:

• Well-preserved Taíno petroglyphs
• Natural rock arches and sea cliffs
• Views of the Atlantic Ocean

The area has also served as a filming location for movies including Pirates of the Caribbean.

Location: PR-681, Arecibo

Admission: $5 parking fee (self-guided access)

Cueva Clara & Tres Pueblos Sinkhole

For experienced explorers, Cueva Clara and the nearby Tres Pueblos Sinkhole offer one of Puerto Rico's most dramatic underground adventures.

The sinkhole descends more than 400 feet (120 m) into the earth and is accessible only through specialized guided tours involving rappelling and technical caving equipment.

Extreme tours: (787) 999-2200

Why Explore Puerto Rico's Caves?

Puerto Rico's cave systems reveal a hidden world beneath the island's lush landscapes.

• Discover ancient Taíno petroglyphs
• Explore underground rivers and limestone caverns
• Observe rare wildlife and delicate cave ecosystems
• Enjoy spectacular views from cliffside caves
• Experience adventure caving and spelunking

From the enormous chambers of Río Camuy Cave Park to breathtaking views at Cueva Ventana and coastal history at Cueva del Indio, Puerto Rico's caves are among the island's most fascinating natural treasures.

Traveling to Puerto Rico? Get the Puerto Rico (National Geographic Adventure Map), includes locations of airports, harbors, anchorages, ferry routes, and toll plazas take the guesswork out of travel around the islands. Visitor centers are also marked for travelers seeking additional resources.