Puerto Rico Vacation

Indian Sculpture
Cacíque Mabodomaca was one of the leaders during the Indian Wars. His chiefdom covered Quebradillas, Camuy and Isabela. Before the European invasion this area was one of the most important Taíno chiefdoms and was known as Guajataca (Taíno for "The Water Ladle"). Legend has it that when his warriors could no longer hold back the European invaders he led his people along the Guajataca River and disappeared into the Island's central mountain range. Route # 113 (Quebradillas-Isabela) has been renamed "Avenida Cacíque Mabodomaca" in honor of this great leader.

Río Camuy Cave Park
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 thundering through it. Only a small part of the complex is open to the public: three crater-like sinkholes and two caves… but what a spectacular part it is! Visitors ride a trolley that descends into a sinkhole lined with dense tropical vegetation while a guide describes the sights. After a walk across ramps and bridges and through the dramatically illuminated, 170-foot high Cueva Clara, another tram shuttles you to a platform overlooking the 400 foot deep Tres Pueblos Sinkhole.

Arecibo Observatory
The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is an independent federal agency whose aim is to promote scientific and engineering progress in the United States. NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. Additional support is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Phone: 787-878-2612 www.naic.edu/index.htm

Golf Course
Located in the former Ramey Air Force Base, this 18-hole course is one of the best maintained and breeziest on the island. The course is on the island's north-western tip. The fees are relatively inexpensive, which makes the course very accessible. There is no need for a tee time reservation, and clubs are available for rental. Only soft spikes are allowed here.

Jacinto Blowhole
El Pozo de Jacinto is a place of good luck for everyone except the farmer who the place is named. The story is about Jacinto who had a favorite cow which he kept tied to himself while he was pasturing his herd. The cow apparently got to close to the edge and fell in, dragging Jacinto. Today, it is said to be lucky to shout, “Jacinto! Dame la vaca!” (Give me the cow!) as the spray comes up.

Isabela Town Plaza
This newly renovated (2004) plaza features a fountain, trees and several benches to relax on.

Punta Higuera Light House
Tour some of the historic sites in and around Rincon. Here is the Punta Higuera Lighthouse. Toppled by a severe earthquake and tidal wave in 1918, it has been rebuilt and then made into a lovely park.

Guajataca Tunnel
This tunnel is at El Túnel de Guajataca, a beach. It was a railroad tunnel built in 1911. The train made it's last trip on September 20th 1953. It is now just a walkway. The beach is named El Pastillo.

Aguadilla Ice Skating
Located along the beachfront in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (West of the Island). It is about the size of Junior hockey (115'x62') and near the beach. The local kids in the community are already practicing on the ice daily. The facility provides daily public sessions. For more information on times and availability call the rink at 787-819-5555

Guajataca Forest
The Guajataca Forest is located in the northwestern region of the island near Arecibo, one of several national forests in the “karst” country. A hike along its 25 miles of trails is a memorable lesson in the flora and fauna of a humid subtropical ecosystem.

Guanica's Dry Forest
Meet the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve: 10,000 acres of dry land inhabited by over 600 uncommon types of plants and animals, including 48 endangered species and 16 that are unique to Puerto Rico! A surprisingly captivating terrain, splashed with pastel colors and bursting with wildlife, Guánica's Dry Forest is the perfect counterpoint to the verdant El Yunque Rainforest.

Pozo Brujo (The Bewitched Well), Isabela
This is a freshwater well at the end of the dirt tracks running to the west of Rt 446.

Playa Montones
A beautiful beach located in the town of Isabela.