Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Camuy Caves Of Puerto Rico

The Camuy River Cave Park is one of the most popular natural attractions in Puerto Rico.  The Camuy Caves, located between the towns of Camuy, Hatillo and Lares, in northwestern Puerto Rico, is one of the largest cave systems in the world.  The caverns are part of a group of limestone caves and underground waterways shaped by The Camuy River, the third-largest underground river in the world.




The Camuy Caves were discovered in 1958.  So far over 10 miles of caverns, 220 caves and 17 entrances to The Camuy Cave system have been mapped.  Only a small part of the park is open to the public.



The 268-acre park built around the cave system features tours of some of the caves and sinkholes.    Guided tours and audio tours of The Camuy Caves are available.  "Cueva Clara de Empalme" or Clara Cave is the main attraction at the Rio Camuy Cave Park.  A tram ride takes you into the entrance of Clara Cave.  The huge chamber is 700 ft in length and 215 ft high.  Once inside, viewers are able to see stalagmites, unique formations, and thousands of bats.  Visitors must be in good physical conditions in order to walk into Clara Cave.


The Camuy River Cave Park is home to more than 13 species of bats.  To protect the caves the Park only allows 1,500 visitors a day.




                                                                  

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