rio camuy cave tour

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Printed on 05 Jul 2024 from PuertoRicoDayTrips.com

Go Underground at the Rio Camuy Caves Park

Update- 12/21/2023 The Camuy Cave Park has reopened! First come first served. Tours are on the hour. So get there early and if there are open spots, you will be able to buy any available tickets at the window and go on the next available tour.

For now, there is no trolley…you have to walk down to cave AND BACK UP! So this is not for everyone! It is hot and humid and steep. Walk down takes about 20 mins, going back up takes longer! Bring water! You need to have CLOSED TOE SHOES! And bring a flashlight…it is a dark in the caves. Tours are on the hour, so come with time before the hour or you will have to wait an hour for next tour. Tours are bilingual with audio guide.

Personally, I am not really "into" caves. Coming from the north-east of the US, I have seen my share of cold, dark caves. But there is something about the Rio Camuy Caves that is different (I guess because they are not dark and cold!), and I actually enjoyed this trip.

On a trip to the Rio Camuy Caves Park pre-Maria (or, in Spanish, Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy), we arrived early (about 9:30am) and had no trouble getting in. After you park, head into the ticket booth to purchase your reserved tour tickets. After you buy your tickets, sit tight or visit the gift shop while you wait for your tour to be called. It is an open air waiting area, but it has bathrooms (though I hear recently they are not in good order), a food stand and some vendors selling snacks and artisan crafts. You wait for your reserved tour time and meet your guide and start walking to the cave.

You walk to the cave entrance. The park is nice and lush, and many of the trees are marked with their names. When you get to the caves, your guide takes you into the cave system. Basically, many, many years ago, the roof of a cave on both ends fell in, exposing this cave. There is a huge opening on both sides, so you shouldn’t get claustrophobic.

Our guide, Marcano, was very interesting and he had some jokes that were pretty amusing, so we were all entertained as we learned about the caves. The guide will tell you about the cave system. Clara Cave is the name of the cave you walk into first and it is huge and beautiful. After about a 20 minute walk through this cave, with about 7 -9 audio stops along the route. The cavern opens into another area where you can see the Camuy River running below you and there is a huge overhang above you. They also have the "fountain of youth" – a natural spring you can drink from (we had to try that!- But Note- When we went in 2016, this area was closed off due to a landslide. But I have to say, our tour guide answered everyone’s questions very well – he really seemed to know what he was talking about – he had been doing it for many years and still seemed to enjoy it.

We then turned around and went through the cave again, but on the other side, so it looked totally different. Here our guide gave us the less educational version – pointing out more of the amusing looking formations- "the gorilla sitting at a table", a "Christmas tree" etc. It was fun.

We also passed the section where you can hear the river racing below you. There used to be a huge colony of bats, but they are gone after hurricane Maria.

As you walk along the concrete path, watch out for all the stalactites hanging down (someone in our group hit their head!). The walkway is wet, and in some parts slippery, so wear sneakers or shoes with good traction, and use the handrails as suggested.

Once out of the caves, you walk back to the main entrance and your tour is done.

The only bathrooms are located at the waiting area. The tour takes about 1.5-2 hours, so plan accordingly. The caves are cool, you may want to bring a jacket. You can take all the pictures you want, and the guides point out the best ways and places to get good shots. You need closed toe shoes to go into the cave )no open toe sandals etc). . if you don’t have any, they will sell you watershoes .

The caves are located in a 268 acre park. This is a very popular site with tourists and locals alike. The park only allows a certain number of visitors in a day, so get there early. Also, they close the caves if it is raining too much, because it could get flooded. (On our most recent visit, it started to rain during our visit and we had waterfalls all around- it was spectacular)!

The park has a wooded area with picnic pavilions, a play area for the kids, walking trails, a little restaurant, and a souvenir shop. Tour is bilingual (English/Spanish).

They say if you have asthma, other medical conditions or are pregnant, don’t go into the cave, or see their health department before going in. I assume it is mainly for insurance purposes. But the air in the cave is thick with moisture, and a guy with asthma in our group had to use his inhaler. Also the walk is not easy- steep down and up, and the cave inside is slippery.

Tickets are $18 for adults (there is a discount for 65+), $13 for children ages 4 to 12. All prices include an audio guide for your touring pleasure. Parking is $4/car

Open only Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00am until about 4:30pm, ( they will close the park if it is raining ). Note- they close the parking lot at 2:45pm SHARP- you need to get there before 2:45pm to get in! Seems the tours are on the hour starting at 9am until last tour at 3pm. There is no tour at 12 noon.The park is closed most major holidays (including New Years Day, Three Kings Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, possibly Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter), lesser holidays they are open.

Allow 2 hours for the cave tour.

They suggest reservation are needed. If you show up without a reservation, you may be able to buy a ticket, but it would be first come/first served. Call 787-898-3100, 787-999-2200 ext 3474 for reservations or more information. It is best to call before going to make sure park is open (they will close if it is too rainy). .

You can also try writing to them for reservations at Cavernasdecamuy@@drna.pr.gov

Camping is allowed in the summer (June 15-Aug 15) for $5 per person. Call ahead for info.

From the San Juan area, take Route 22 west to Arecibo – exit 77b. Then Route 129 south to Km 20. There are signs to guide you once you get off of Route 22.

Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...

• Rio Camuy Caves Park

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →

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Puerto Rico ⏐ Things to Do in Puerto Rico ⏐ Best Puerto Rico Caves to Explore   ⏐ Camuy River Cave Park

Top Rated Camuy River Cave Park from San Juan

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 Rico 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 .

January 2024 Update:  Camuy River Cave Park is open.  We have received messages from locals, saying that the cave is closed.  Some locals are confusing a cave and fun park that was called “Las Cuevas de Camuy”; that park was on private property, and has been closed for many years.  Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy (Cavernas de Camuy), is open.

February 2023 Update: We are happy to inform you that the wait is over… The amazing Camuy River Cave Park is re-opening on February 22, 2023, after closing due to Hurricane Fiona.   See reservation details further below.

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. The caves expand to three towns: Camuy (entrance to the park), Lares, and Hatillo.  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.

Families with Children

Camuy River Cave Park is a very family-friendly attraction, average physical condition is required to explore the cave.  There are cement walkways throughout the tour, making it the most accessible for most travelers.  Children and adults will be amazed by the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and the impressive sinkhole.  

The Rio Camuy Cavern Experience

Note: This new tour offers a full-day Cave adventure that includes Camuy River Cave.  The tour operator has received 5-star reviews from travelers like you.  If you’re staying in San Juan, we highly recommend it; transportation is included. 

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 the 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.

Top Rated Tours to Camuy River Cave Park

+ Puerto Rico Caves

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.

Hours, Reservations, & Visiting Tips

Top rated cave tours in puerto rico.

+ Caves in Puerto Rico

• Wednesdays – Sundays    8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last tour at 3:30 pm)
• Mondays & Tuesdays – Closed
• Open some holidays – Call to inquire

Ticket Prices

• Adults – $18.00
• Children   – Ages 4-12  – $13.00
• Seniors – 65 + $9.00  (With ID)
• Parking Fees –   Cars: $4.00  ⎮ Bus: $5.00 ⎮ Motorcycles: $2.00

Reservations to Camuy River Cave Park

• Reservations are not required, however, there’s always higher demand both by tourists and locals to visit after re-opening.
• With a tour guide:   You may book a tour with a guide which includes transportation from tourist areas taking care of all the details.
• For reservations by email:   [email protected] – Please include the date you wish to visit and the number of people.  You should receive a confirmation e-mail with an assigned time depending on availability.
• Reservations by phone:   787-898-3100 / 787-999-2200 ext. 3474

Cave Alternative:   If you cannot make a reservation to Cavernas del Rio Camuy, Puerto Rico has more amazing caves to explore .  We recommend you visit the amazing Cueva del Indio in Arecibo ,  in addition to the cave, you can sightsee Seven Arches, featured in Hollywood movies, tidal pools, and the gorgeous Pozo del Obispo beach nearby.

Tour Requirements

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

Tour Details

• It is a walking tour, it takes approximately 1.5 hours
• Tours are in groups of 30 people
• The tour is not affected by rainy weather
• The 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.

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.

Top Rated Cave Adventure Tours

Map & directions - camuy river cave park.

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.

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Puerto Rico ⏐ Things to Do in Puerto Rico ⏐ Puerto Rico Caves   ⏐ Camuy River Cave Park

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