Day Trip from San Juan: Arecibo Caves
As mentioned, there are a number of easy day trips from San Juan, one of which is a visit to the caves near Arecibo and Utado.
We started off with breakfast in Old San Juan, and then jumped in the car to head to La Cueva del Indio. This is a very cool rock formation that you can walk on top off and get stunning views of the arches, as well as crawl down inside the caves to see the petroglyphs. There were a number of movies shot in this location, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Treasure Island, Runner Runner and A Perfect Getaway
While at the caves, we met a local couple, who suggested we visit Cueva Ventana as well, so following lunch, drove South toward Utado to check these caves out. Unfortunately, it has become much more touristy than what sounded like a local secret, as they now charge $10 per person to enter, and provide a helmet and flashlight (and a guided tour if you wish). We went up without the guide, and while the helmet was a bit much, the flashlight came in handy (it was pitch dark…and without lights, there are quite a few bats!). And despite the more commercial operation, this short hike was completely worth it. Once at the end of the caves, the name of the cave provides new meaning, as it opens up into a large “window”, providing a magnificent view – you could sit there for hours admiring the vistas.