Arecibo

Travel Guide

Arecibo Observatory which includes an observatory
Arecibo Observatory
Rio Camuy Cave Park
Rio Camuy Cave Park
Arecibo Observatory showing an observatory and views as well as a large group of people

Visit an adventure park, beaches and centuries-old caves at this historic port town on the northern shores of Puerto Rico Island.

Enjoy a blend of colonial heritage, prehistoric landmarks and tropical beaches in Arecibo. Settled by Spanish immigrants in 1556, Arecibo is Puerto Rico’s third-oldest colonial town. It sits on land once occupied by the Taíno tribespeople and takes its name from their chief, Jamaica Arecibo. The town played an important part in the Spanish defense of Puerto Rico when it thwarted a raid by British sailors in 1702.

The center of Arecibo attractions can be covered in an afternoon. The town revolves around tree-shaded Plaza de Recreo. Note the bandstand and the star-shaped mosaic floor pattern, which surrounds a central obelisk. Admire the neoclassical and Renaissance decorations of the late18th-century San Felipe Cathedral. Spot well-preserved colonial buildings such as Arecibo City Hall and Edificio Oliver.

Breathe in fresh ocean air while walking on Paseo Victor Rojas, a waterfront promenade. Jump in a taxi and cross the Arecibo River to Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park at Punta Morrillos. Inside the Arecibo Lighthouse is a small museum with maritime artifacts and objects rescued from shipwrecks. Nearby El Muelle Beach and Balneario Morrillos offer opportunities to swim and try watersports.

Travel east along the coast for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) to gaze up at the 413-foot-tall (126-meter) Birth of the New World statue by Zurab Tsereteli, depicting Christopher Columbus navigating the Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly TerraVista Parkland amusement park has a beachside village, nature trails, restaurants and a zip-line course. Follow a boardwalk to Cueva del Indio, caves decorated with petroglyphs created by the Taíno people.

Find other interesting attractions inland from the town center. Go stargazing at Arecibo ObservatoryOpens in a new window, hike to impressive limestone caves in Camuy River Cave ParkOpens in a new window and spot colorful birds in Cambalache State Forest.

Arecibo is a 1-hour drive west of San JuanOpens in a new window. Getting around Puerto Rico Island is easiest via rented car major agencies have offices located across the island. Continue your vacation at beach towns such as LuquilloOpens in a new window and the celebrated surfer hangout of RincónOpens in a new window.

Where to stay in Arecibo

The 2nd lighthouse I saw on the west of Puerto Rico.  This is more accessible

Jarealito

Jarealito is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like La Poza Beach and Arecibo Lighthouse.

Jarealito
Arecibo Inn
Arecibo Inn
3 out of 5
Road #2 km 67.2, Barrio Santana, Arecibo
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Arecibo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Recomiendo este hotel ya que es bueno bonito y barato, es excelente tiene desayuno incluido y las piscinas excelentes, mi única crítica son las habitaciones de la parte superior ya que las paredes de las habitaciones no son en cemento escuchas todo, lo que pase en la habitación del lado lo escuchas ..."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Arecibo Inn
Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
2.5 out of 5
PR 681, Km. 5.4, Arecibo
$144 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$154 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Arecibo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa Caza y Pesca and ...
6.8/10 (218 reviews)
I will go back
"I had an amazing time at this hotel. Great views in the center of town near all restaurants and things to do it was very peaceful. The pool was maintained everyday. It was clean The owner checked on us a couple of times doing all stay to make sure everything was working and everything was all good. ..."

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
BednBong Experience Stay
BednBong Experience Stay
3 out of 5
95 Avenue Atlantico, 3rd Floor, Arecibo, PR
$178 nightly
The price is $203 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$203 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach B&B in Arecibo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carribbean Cinemas Arecibo and Carribbean Cinemas ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Excellent hospitality! Great service!"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

BednBong Experience Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
2.5 out of 5
PR 681, Km. 5.4, Arecibo
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Arecibo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa Caza y Pesca and ...
6.8/10 (218 reviews)
I will go back
"I had an amazing time at this hotel. Great views in the center of town near all restaurants and things to do it was very peaceful. The pool was maintained everyday. It was clean The owner checked on us a couple of times doing all stay to make sure everything was working and everything was all good. ..."

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

Ventana al Atlantico at Arecibo 681 Ocean Drive
Rose Nest Puerto Rico
Rose Nest Puerto Rico
Arecibo
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Arecibo. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Playa Caza y Pesca and La Poza Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Beautiful view
"The property has the most incredible view. The beds were comfortable and Elizabeth, property manager, is so sweet and helpful. Yhe beach is really clean and hardly anyone on it. Plenty of kitchen needs and coffee was provided as well. Cooler and beach chairs were a bonus. Some wishes: more curtains ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Rose Nest Puerto Rico
Arecibo Hotel 2103
Arecibo Hotel 2103
3 out of 5
205 C. Antonio Romero Barceló, Arecibo, Arecibo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arecibo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Playa El Muelle and Arecibo Lighthouse ...
"The a/c in the unit did not cool entire unit. Electrical system failed for 14 hours during stay."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Arecibo Hotel 2103
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Arecibo

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
23
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
27
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was raining so we couldn't see much, but its a beautiful town and it is growing!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Only there one day, for bird watching, which was great. But scenically we found the area a bit scruffy.

5/5 - Excellent

David

The food, culture, and vibe around the town was awesome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This whole town is adorable! Two amazing caves close by that are seriously the coolest places on earth! There is a delicious little bakery down the street from the hotel that was so good. Every person I have met has been so nice and welcoming!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nop

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I stay in the buen cafe it iwas better an cleaner

Cities near Arecibo