Cueva del Indio

The Atlantic has undercut the limestone along this coast into arches, blowholes and collapsed chambers, and at one of them the roof has fallen in to leave an open bowl with the sea surging through tunnels beneath. On the walls of that chamber and the passages around it are dozens of Taíno petroglyphs, faces and figures pecked into the rock, one of the densest concentrations known on the island and thought to mark the place as significant long before Europeans arrived. Above ground the cliffs are cut into natural arches and pools, with waves exploding through the gaps in any swell. It is on private land and access has been on and off for years.

What you actually see

• The petroglyphs - dozens of Taíno faces and figures on the chamber walls.
• The collapsed chamber - the open bowl with sea tunnels beneath.
• The sea arches - natural bridges and blowholes along the cliff.
• The Atlantic swell - waves driving through the tunnels below.

When to go

December to April is drier, though the Atlantic swell is largest in winter, which makes the sea more dramatic and the rocks more dangerous. Mornings are cooler and quieter. Access depends on the landowner and has been closed for long periods, so ask locally before driving out.

Honest expectations

Access has been repeatedly closed and reopened by the private owner and cannot be relied on. There are no railings: the descent into the chamber is on a rough ladder and the clifftop is undercut, with people swept off in swell over the years. The carvings are unprotected and some have been damaged by visitors touching and chalking them.

Nearby

Poza del Obispo and the Arecibo lighthouse are minutes away; the Camuy caves are inland.