Best of the Cordillera Central

Toro Negro Forest [1]: The forest preserve contains Puerto Rico’s highest peak, Cerro de Punta, which is 4,390 feet above sea level, and one of the island’s highest waterfalls, Salto de Doña Juana.

Museo del Cemi [2]: Shaped like a Taíno amulet, this unique museum in Jayuya contains artifacts of Puerto Rico’s indigenous culture.

La Piedra Escrita [3]: A boulder covered with Taíno petroglyphs is in a river by a large natural pool ideal for swimming.

Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana [4]: The public can tour this significant Taíno Indian archaeological site, which dates to A.D. 1100. Many artifacts, petroglyphs, and ceremonial ball fields have been excavated here.

Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo [5]: The 5,000-acre subtropical humid forest spanning Utuado and Arecibo encompasses the heart of Puerto Rico’s karst country and contains a private aviary where attempts are being made to raise and release the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.

Las Cavernas del Río Camuy [6]: The third-largest river cave system in the world, the Camuy caves are located in a well-maintained park providing easy access to Puerto Rico’s underground natural wonders.

Observatorio de Arecibo [7]: Check out the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world. The 18-acre dish is in a natural sinkhole created by the hilly karst landscape.