Northwest of Rincón

Puerto Rico is structured very differently from the Dominican Republic. Therefore staying in Rincón for a week or so while exploring other parts of the west is ideal because there aren't too many affordable places to stay on the island. This page is just a suggestion on how you can navigate the northwest. No matter where you go first or last, they are all extraordinary. I stood in Rincón and managed to explore the north and south west in a week. That means a whole lot of driving and not sleeping! Have fun!

Aguadilla is very close to Rincón. The first day I was driving around, I went the wrong direction and ended up there. 15 minutes 

 

Directions: Carr 115 N from Rincón and then Rt 2 N to Aguadilla

 

Early morning:

• Crashboat Beach: This beach is known for its crystal clear waters, surfing and its many colorful boats laid on the sand. Follow the signs

 

Early afternoon:

• ​Las Cascadas Waterpark: Known to be the biggest waterpark in Puerto Rico. It is not huge compared to ones in the states but it has everything from slides, pools, a lazy river and a kiddie area. $24.95 adults; $22.95 children. May thru Sept, Mon-Sun open 10am-5pm

 

Nighttime:

• Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena: Because it's the only ice skating ring in the Caribbean and it's uncommon you must go! There are three evening sessions: 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm, $13/hr,  follow the signs

 

The government split the mountain in half to build a road in the middle, now Route 10, that goes all the way to Ponce. 40 minutes

 

Directions: Carr 115 from Rincón then Rt 10 to Arecibo​

 

Early morning:

• Cueva Ventana: An off-the-beaten path cave for the true adventurer. The entrance of the cave is located in a Texaco gasoline station. There are no signs for this cave, so getting there can be quite difficult. You will also probably get lost so make sure to leave early in the morning to give you enough time to do the other things in Arecibo. The path to the cave is fun but a little dangerous, then again we did it in the rain. Make sure to bring a flashlight and wear boots!

 

Early Afternoon:

• La Cueva del Indio: An unspoiled cave known to have the largest amount of petroglyphs in the coastal zone.​ The views of the cliffs and beaches are magnificent. There are signs on the road that will lead you there. There are no set hours or admission fee. Just $2 to park your car.​

 

Mid Afternoon:

• Arecibo Observatory: Home of the world's largest single dish radio telescope. Even though all there is to do is observe the 305m telescope, it is worth visiting at least once. $10 admission,  Open 9am-4pm, check site for days open

 

Late afternoon:

• Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park: Transport back to the Taino age, where the natives played batey and performed daily rituals. The park has a small informational museum, as well as a 50-minute documentary in Spanish only. Walk out to the field and take a look at the petroglyphs. Open daily, 8:30am-4pm 

My friend and I never planned on doing anything in Isabela until we saw the entrance of the town (above pic). 20 minutes 

 

Directions: Carr 115 N from Rincón, Rt 2 N to Aguadilla then Carr 466 to Isabela's shoreline

 

Early morning:

• Baño La Princesa and Blowhole: A popular area in the spring and summer, interlaced with coral formations, beaches and dirt roads. There is a blow hole on the east of the cliff where waves splash against, causing a jet of water.

 

Directions: Take Rt 2 from Isabela to Camuy, follow the signs

 

Early Afternoon:

• Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy:​ A guided tour to an enormous cave. It is definitely overwhelming, not because of the cave but because of all the people on the tour with you. Yes, it's beautiful but after exploring dark caves on your own, this is mediocre. Am I a cave snob? Admission: $12

I initially went to San Sebastian for the Hamaca Festival, but then I found out there were other things to do. 40 minutes

 

Directions: Carr 115 from Rincón then Rt 111 to Salto Collazo

 

Late morning:

• Salto Collazo: This waterfall is impossible to miss because of its beauty and location.  It is located on a main road along a bridge as you go to the east of San Sebastian. This is definitely a swimming area. Swim under the waterfall and let the powerful force of the water come down on your head.

 

• Gozalandia Waterfalls: There are many hidden waterfalls in Puerto Rico and these would be two of them.​ These two, upper and lower waterfall are also hard to get to without a GPS or map. However once you do, take a dip in the water or dive from the top of the waterfall; they don't call it salto for nothing. Great website for directions.​

 

Directions: Rt 2 from San Sebastian then Rt 464 S, turn right on Ruben Mini Mart, follow signs; 15 minutes​

 

Early to late afternoon:

• French Mansion in Moca: Now a house museum in Moca, Palacete Los Moreau was once an agricultural growing process place for coffee and sugar owned by the French family Pengeot. The mansion had plenty of other names before the Puerto Rican writer Enrique Laguerre wrote about the Depression-era sugar cane industry in his novel "La Llamarada." Admission is free of charge, best tours are from Thursday to Sunday​