West of San Juan, the terrain becomes more rugged, the locals more laid-back, and somewhere between the volcanic surfing beaches of the north coast and the dramatic mogotes of the inland mountains, you realize that you have arrived in western Puerto Rico. The Atlantic Ocean pounds the coast with the heaviest waves on the island, creating ideal surfing territory, while the limestone cliffs and sinkholes, a topography known as karst, create a rugged, otherworldly atmosphere.
Most travelers leave San Juan and head east, but the wilder country of the northwest has attractions to rival any others. Just south of Arecibo, the Camuy Caves and Arecibo Observatory (containing the world's largest radio telescope) are two of the most impressive sights on the island and make an excellent daytrip from San Juan. Farther west, Isabela and Rincon have some of the best surfing in the Caribbean, but even non-surfers will be enamored with the beautiful terrain, the friendly atmosphere, and the comfortable accommodations. However, strong waves make beautiful beaches less than ideal for swimming, and the region is also one of the most developed on the island, meaning that overpopulation, huge factories, and heavy traffic may mar an otherwise pleasant journey. City centers on the north coast, Manati , Arecibo, and Aguadilla provide the basic necessities but can mainly be thought of as bases for exploring the surrounding sights.
Hwy. 22 skirts most of the heavy traffic and deposits travelers in Arecibo within an hour and a half. However, the adventurous can explore the region more extensively by bypassing the main highways and taking small, one-lane roads along the northern coast or through inland karst country; this is the best way to experience all of the beautiful views the northwest has to offer.
After a long day of driving around Arecibo, visitors may welcome the tranquility of Lago Dos Bocas. Surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and lush mountain vegetation, this calm lake in the hills of ...more
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Foursquare
Newsletter
RSS Feed
Overview