Radiotelescopio de Arecibo, JCD

Founded in 1515, Arecibo has the largest land mass of any municipality in Puerto Rico. The Río Grande de Arecibo is the major river that runs into the sea just east of the town and west of the lighthouse.

Arecibo also goes by the name “Villa del Capitán Correa” in honor of the captain that repelled a 1702 British invasion. Points of historical interest include the City Hall building (constructed in 1866 - restored in 1978) and the lighthouse (built by the Spanish in 1898).

The lighthouse is still in use and has been expanded to include a new recreational facility with a restaurant, museum, playground and beach.

But, without a doubt, the most famous point of interest in Arecibo is the world’s largest radio telescope. There is an observation deck right at the edge of the telescope and a hands-on exhibit covering some interstellar science.

>How to go:
From San Juan, take Rt 22. The Observatory is on Rt 625.