Rio Camuy Caves (Cavernas de Camuy) in Puerto Rico 2023-2024

The largest cave system in the Western Hemisphere includes about 200 caves and caverns

Best time: all year round (best December–May)

Rio Camuy Cave Park (Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy) is a natural wonder of Puerto Rico. One of the largest cave networks in the world also features the third-largest underground river (Río Camuy), which is over 45 million years old.

Photos can't describe the beauty of this place, where some caverns boast impressive 170-ft (50-m) ceilings. The park, which is located between Camuy, Hatillo, and Lares in northwestern Puerto Rico, is open year-round. However, it's best to visit it during the dry season from December to May. In case of heavy rains, tours often get canceled and the park becomes temporarily out of bounds to the public because of the flooding hazard.

The two-hour tour to Camuy River Cave Park starts with a trolley ride down the mountainside. At the entrance to the cavern, the trolley stops, and the tour continues on foot. The highlights of the 300-acre park include Clara Cavern, Sumidero de Empalme (Empalme Sinkhole), and the largest stalagmite in Puerto Rico.

The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8 am until 4:30 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $12 for children under 12. Reservations are required.

Practical info

What are the best months to visit Rio Camuy Caves in Puerto Rico?

Rio Camuy Caves are accessible through the year, but the recommended months to go are December to May when the likelihood of rain-induced tour cancellations is lower. It's advisable to avoid going during the months with severe conditions due to river floods that threaten tourists' safety. Go when the weather is more mild to avoid mishaps.

What is Rio Camuy Cave Park?

Located in northwest Puerto Rico, Rio Camuy Cave Park is an expansive natural park spanning 268 hectares that houses over 200 caves, caverns, and the third-largest underground river globally. Ideal for people who take pleasure in discovering nature’s mysteries, visitors can take a two-hour trolley ride that explores the stunning Sumidero de Empalme and the Clara and Tres Pueblos caverns.

Which is the largest cavern in Puerto Rico?

The largest cavern in Puerto Rico is called Clara Cave, situated inside Rio Camuy Cave Park, the most extensive cave system on the western front. The cavern stretches across massive lengths and boasts unusually high roofs that go to a height of 170 feet. Visitors can explore the cavern’s extravagant formations and also glean knowledge of how these forms come to be by witnessing the natural lightshow of stalactites and stalagmites.

What is the age of the Río Camuy underground river?

The Río Camuy underground river is approximately 45 million years old, or perhaps significantly more. Originating from the Rio Grande de Arecibo, it is home to a variety of aquatic creatures exclusive to the dark underground environment. Visitors can learn more about the river's natural allure and the different rock structures that make up the cave system while on the tour that takes place in complete darkness.

What is the largest stalagmite in Puerto Rico?

In the Tres Pueblos cavern of Rio Camuy Cave Park, you'll find the most extensive stalagmite on the island of Puerto Rico, measuring a towering 220 feet. Visitors can witness the fascinating natural wonder up close, explore the nooks and crannies of the stalagmite, and observe the geological forces that gave birth to it. Tours are available through the week, except for Mondays and Tuesdays, giving guests a chance to explore Rio Camuy Cave's impressive wonders in its entirety.