Window Cave (Cueva Ventana)
Carretera 10, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Most caves don’t come with a view, but the aptly named Window Cave (Cueva Ventana is an exception. This cave opens out onto one of the most spectacular views of the Río Grande de Arecibo valley, while the walls feature pre-Columbian petroglyphs and rock art from the island’s Taíno people.
The cave is privately administered to protect against damage and decay, and therefore entry is ticketed. Admission includes a 1.5-hour guided tour of the cave, during which you’ll discover the history of the native Taino people. Flashlights and helmets are also included. Day trips from San Juan tend to combine a visit to the cave with a stop at the nearby Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Observatory, or the Gozalandia Waterfalls, and save you the hassle of car hire and navigation.
- Bring your camera for the Instagram-worthy photo op at the cave’s rock window.
- Visiting the cave involves scrambling across some rocks and tree roots; the path can often be muddy and is therefore difficult to access for travelers with limited mobility.
- Parts of the cave can feel quite dark and closed in, so if you suffer from claustrophobia then consider skipping it.
- Children under the age of five are not permitted inside the cave.
The trail to the cave begins behind a gas station on PR-10 near kilometer 75. The drive takes about 1.5 hours from San Juan along PR-22. There’s no public transport to the site, so tours with included round-trip transfers are the most convenient option.
The cave is open daily throughout the year. Early mornings are the best time to visit, while weekends see the highest concentration of crowds. Evening tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Puerto Rico offers an outdoor playground for adventure enthusiasts. After you’ve crossed spelunking off your to-do list, go hiking through El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US forest system; kayak through a bioluminescent bay at night; go horseback riding on a beach; rappel down a waterfall in Carite State Forest; or drive an ATV through the countryside.
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