Refreshing mountain activities in Puerto Rico
Caves, mountain trails and bars to keep you cool in the Summer
Beaches are great summer spots but when you want to get out of the sun there’s some refreshing mountain activities that are just waiting to cool you off.
Go deep in a cave
Puerto Rico is full of caves, caverns and canyons particularly where limestone is abundant in the North/Central and certain coastal regions. Rainwater and streams dissolve the limestone and create spectacular underground features. The northern limestone karst region, south of Arecibo is home to the 3rd largest underground river in the world along with the Camuy Caverns with their refreshing 60-72 temperature range. Check online for visiting info since the recent hurricanes have limited opening hours.
Just a little bit south of the caverns you’ll find the Tanamá Canyon in Utuado. Here you can join an excursion and body raft down the extremely refreshing waters of the Tanamá River and explore caves, tunnels and more.
If you want to get to a cave on your own you can check out hiking through the forest to Cueva de los Vientos in Guajataca State Forest or relaxing in a mountain pool and canyon at Cueva los Arenales in Vega Baja/Morovis. On the north coast you can explore Cueva del Indio right on the Ocean in Arecibo.
Go up to the mountains
Many Spaniards when they first arrived on the Island would immediately head up into the mountains in order to get used to the tropical heat. If it worked then, it works now. So take a refreshing walk through a tropical forest since you’re bound to find a small pool to soak away the heat.
El Yunque Tropical Forest
A lot of people head to El Yunque because it’s close to the Metro area and there are plenty of trails of all levels and distances to choose from, A lot of them visit waterfalls so there’s a pot of refreshing gold at the end.
Toro Negro State Forest
This large forest offers 18 km of trails around the Island’s highest peak. It’s further away from the Metro area so it will be less crowded. Refreshment opportunities include a lake, two natural swimming pools, nine rivers, and numerous waterfalls. Visit the ranger station on Route 143 KM 32.4 in Villalba. That’s where most trails begin.
Go up the mountain and inside a restaurant
Why not combine the coolness of the mountains with an inside environment and a refreshing beer or cocktail. The Island offers plenty of destination restaurants up in the mountains with amazing views, refreshing beverages and breezes. Guavate in Cayey is a good area to search along with the Ciales area. Check out La Finca in Naguabo with an amazing view of the Caribbean, Asador San Miguel close to the Metro area in Naranjito with a great balcony or even Hacienda Carabalí close to El Yunque.
Remember the Island is full of refreshing mountain activities.
