The cave world of Puerto Rico: Parque National de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy
22. 05.2024
In the underworld…
Puerto Rico is home to the world's third-longest underground river – the Rio Camuy. The cave system in the northwest of the island can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
On our way to the cave through the lush forest, our guide draws our attention to this specimen. The coqui frog is the unofficial national animal of Puerto Rico—named after this unassuming fellow from the whistling frog family, who lets out his loud "coqui" whistle at night, thus contributing significantly to the vibrant soundscape of Puerto Rico's nocturnal jungle.
After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico hard in 2017, the cave system was under water for a long time and only since March 2024 the caves can be visited again.
The underground cave system was discovered by archaeologists in 1958. The known system covers a length of 10 miles – around 220 caves have been explored so far, and another 800 are thought to be still existing.
A circular tour then leads through the cave back to the entrance. Along the way, we scare away a few bats and pass through a few narrow passages.
Now it's time to head back to the visitor center – and this time the path is uphill...
However, a shuttle with golf cards is offered for seniors…)))
