Geography of Puerto Rico:  A Brief Overview of the U.S. Island Territory

We start our tour south of the town of Arecibo, well known for having as its neighbor to the south, the Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest radiotelescope. The Camuy Caves are a spectacular sight to experience. They are located within Puerto Rico's Karst region. Visitors ride a trolley that spirals down a 400 ft. sinkhole to a massive cave system of towering 170ft ceilings with giant crystalline stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can see the Camuy River thundering 200 feet below, flowing from one cave to the next.

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Our tour continues at the juncture of Toll Road 22 and Carr. 2 west of the town of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. As soon as you pass through the last toll booth, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Hatillo is just a few kilometers away. It is very tempting to pull to the side of the road and admire the view. Be careful and pull far to the right if you decide to stop. There is quite a bit of traffic activity here.

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Continuing past Puerto Rico's municipalities of Hatillo and Camuy (subjects of future trip stops), we stay on Carr. 2 west toward Quebradillas. Quebradillas, Puerto Rico is a scenic seaside town founded in 1806. It is known for its many small streams and for the fantastic ocean views. This picture was taken on the way to Isabela just west of town on Carr. #2. The Parador El Guajataca, is located nearby. Quebradillas is also known for having Puerto Rico's longest tunnel, 'The Black Tunnel'. The surf is quite active in this part of Puerto Rico, but there are many quiet and safe natural pools in the area formed by the volcanic rock; perfect for snorkeling and just plain relaxing. Watching the sea pelicans hunt and dive for food is also very entertaining.

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Located between Isabela and Aguadilla is one of the most spectacular places in Puerto Rico. Jobos beach is a marked contrast with the rest of the island, and with itself. It is an awesome sight to behold. Careful when walking on the ancient lava flow to visit 'Jacinto's Well' . The constantly pounding surf is nearby a very peaceful and placid family beach area just a few steps away. A must see if you come to visit. Shacks beach is also nearby, offering surf and snorkeling for the visitor. A nearby horse stable offers riding tours so you can experience this area on horseback. A stay at Villa Montana, Villas del Mar Hau, or at Villa Tropical is highly recommended if you wish to tour and visit the area.

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The municipality of Aguadilla is located at the extreme Northwest tip of the island. It is famous for Golfing, Scuba Diving, and one of the most pristine beaches in all of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico's Crashboat beach is famous for it's crystal clear waters and very colorful fish. Due to the steady flow of the currents, the waters surrounding this beach maintain an almost 'glass like' appearance. Walking to the end of the docks you see pictured and looking straight down into the water is a marvelous sight to behold. A stay at Hotel Cielo Mar would allow you to take in the breathtaking sights west toward Desecheo Island.

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Traveling South, located just West of the town of Rincón, at waters edge, is 'El Faro'; Spanish for 'The Lighthouse'. This is a very popular tourist attraction in Puerto Rico. This lighthouse, built by the Spaniards in the late 1800's, serviced shipping between the island of Mona and NorthWestern Puerto Rico. And it still does. Because of its beautiful location, and the warm winds that flow into this area, it remains a sight to visit and admire. Many Americans have made this portion of Puerto Rico their home. There are many restaurants and attractions to visit. Parador Villa Antonio, Villa Cofresi Hotel and Restaurant, The Lazy Parrot, and The LemonTree are nice places to stay while visiting Rincón Puerto Rico.

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The municipality of Añasco is the next place on our tour. The town lies on the other side of Carr# 2 in our journey south. It is located East along Carr#402. The government of Puerto Rico built one of the largest 'Balnearios' (Public Beaches) in the island on the shores of this municipality. The beach at 'Tres Hermanos' is one of the most beautiful and well kept beaches in the island with picnic tables and hammock setups throughout. It costs $1.00 US per day to park your vehicle at a large and convenient parking lot. To get to the beach you have to walk through a large and well kept grove of Palm Trees, but the trek is rewarded when you come to a large a beautiful open beach.

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Añasco is also a popular fishing spot. Local fishermen catch various types of fish for sale at local restaurants. These pictures were taken at a local fishing business that caters to the tourist trade. Some of the catch is prepared and cooked right on the premises for visitors to sample. The food is wholesome and delicious. Try some!! There is nothing like the taste and flavor of fresh well cooked fish.

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Traveling further South from the town of Rincón along highway 2, after the city of Añasco is the third largest city of Puerto Rico. The city of Mayagüez clings to its Spanish traditions. Yet it is a modern city with parks, museum, zoo, theaters, baseball stadium, a University Campus, Shopping Malls, and many other attractions. It has a strong, vibrant, and diverse economy. The city center, or 'Plaza', is one of the most popular in Puerto Rico. Click on the thumbnail to see a panoramic view of the city.

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East of the city of Mayagüez are one of the most scenic mountains in Puerto Rico. A drive through these green mountains, heading to the town of 'Las Marias', is a 'must do' for the vacationer. Care must be taken however. The roads are narrow and windy. Take a video camera along, stop every once and while, and capture the beauty. The people that live in these hills are very friendly and always ready to help. Knowledge of Spanish is necessary in order to meet and speak with them however.

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Continuing south along the coast we enter the municipality of Cabo Rojo. Along the road are gorgeous shoreline stops that invite you to the water. This picture was taken at 'Playa Buye' located along route 307. The waters are very warm and placid at this point, perfect for families with young children, or for people seeking to 'get away from it all'. Excellent places to stay in this area are Parador Joyuda Beach, Parador Perichi's, and The Highway Inn.

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This little fellow, or lady ...we couldn't tell..., and cousins all over the island, are what's making all the racket at night. At nightfall these little creatures wake up and start singing the every familiar 'coquí... coquí' song all through the night and throughout the island. It is the island's official mascot. Their colors vary from red, to striped, to green, to yellow. But their song remains the same. It is a soothing and familiar sound to fall asleep at night with. The coquí frog is native only to Puerto Rico.

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Located in the Puerto Rico Municipality of Lajas, 'La Parguera' is a vibrant fishing area, with many restaurants specializing in area seafood. This area is also home to a unique lagoon that is home to millions of tiny phosphorescent sea creatures. At night, these creatures glow if the water is agitated in any way. Plan on spending a few days at Andino's Guest House to really enjoy this area.

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Continuing East along Carr #2 we enter the Municipality of Guanica. Guanica is home to the 'Guanica Dry Forest Reserve'. This forest is one of the finest examples of Puerto Rico's variations in climate. The portion of the forest that borders the coastline is an interesting study in contrasts, lovely caribbean beaches and mangroves, surrounded by dessertlike plants with rubbery leaves and prickly flowers. Mary Lee's by the Sea is an excellent place to stay while visiting this area.