Dorado and Arecibo Puerto Rico
The turquoise waters and pristine sands of Playa Mar Chiquita
Surfing near Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras
Oceanfront golf at TPC Dorado
The rocky oceanfront scenery around Cueva de las Golondrinas
Relaxing on Poza del Obispo beach in Arecibo
Lago Dos Bocas, a peaceful lake tucked into the lush scenery
The Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park perched on a seaside mountain
Balneario Manuel Morales, a favorite public beach in Dorado
- Major Airports:
- Luis Muñoz Marín/San Juan (SJU)
- States:
- Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico’s north, culture and relaxation meet in a luxurious and historic setting
A Day at the Beach
Soak up the Caribbean sunshine with a day of beach relaxation. Popular beaches in Dorado include Balneario Manuel Morales and Ojo del Buey beach (don’t miss the rock formation that looks like an enormous cow’s head). In nearby Arecibo, La Poza del Obispo offers views of local surfers from sunny vantage points in the sand. The crystal-clear waters are ripe for snorkeling, and the area is also a nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Mar Chiquita is one of the most spectacular natural pools on the north coast, where karst cliffs create a half-moon cove ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Get Immersed in History
Arecibo is Puerto Rico’s third oldest city. Step back in time with a visit to the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, built in 1898. It now includes a museum, recreation area and restaurants. Continue your exploration of Arecibo's historic sites with a visit to Casa Ulanga, a storied 1850 building that now serves as a cultural center. In Dorado, learn about local history at the city’s Museo de Arte e Historia, which exhibits artifacts excavated from Ojo del Buey beach, or imagine the island of a past era at Museo y Centro Cultural Casa del Rey, built in a Spanish garrison from 1823.
Captivating Caves
The area’s prevalence of limestone also makes it optimal for cave formation. Go underground and explore one of the world’s most impressive cave systems at Río Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest cavern system in the world with 16 kilometers of caverns, 220 caves and an underground river. Keep your eyes open for petroglyphs along the walls of la Cueva del Indio. Look for straw-shaped formations, known as speleothems, at Cueva Sorbetos in Arecibo.
Take in the Greenery
The limestone formations and lush forests of the region make it a beautiful spot for outdoor recreation, landscape photography and golf. Take a moment to relax on a boat ride around Lago Dos Bocas before stopping at a lakeside restaurant. Enjoy mountain biking in the enchanting Cambalache State Forest or hiking and wildlife spotting in Guajataca Forest Reserve. And if you need attire for any island experience, Barceloneta Puerto Rico Premium Outlet Mall features international brands in a vibrant, open-air setting. For golfers, famed Dorado Beach is home to three Tournament Player Club golf courses, known for attracting celebrities from around the world. The courses are surrounded by oceanfront views and offer challenges for all skill levels.
Fun Fact
The Arecibo Lighthouse was the last lighthouse on Puerto Rico to be built by the Spanish. It’s also known as Morrillo's Lighthouse for its location on top of a rocky mountain known as "Punta Morrillo."
Puerto Rico’s northern region includes nine towns: Arecibo, Barceloneta, Camuy, Dorado, Hatillo, Manatí, Toa Alta, Vega Alta and Vega Baja.
Arecibo has its very own gastronomic barrio known as La Puntilla. It’s home to 13 restaurants, each offering mouthwatering Puerto Rican meals.