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Camuy is known as "La Ciudad Romántica" (romantic city) and "La Ciudad del Sol Taíno" (city of the Taino sun). The town was founded in 1807, when it was disassociated from Arecibo by Petrolina Matos. It is said that Camuy derives its name from a word used by the Indians "camuy", which means sun, at the same time others think that it was the name that the Indians gave to the river that crossed this region. If you take only one sightseeing trip from San Juan, this should be it. From Arecibo, on the north shore, go southwest along Route 129 to the Río Camuy Cave Park. This incredible 268-acre park is the site of the great subterranean caverns carved out by the Camuy River over one million years ago. The impeccably maintained trails gently descend 200 feet through a fern filled ravine to the yawning, cathedral-like caverns. The caves are home to a unique species of fish that is totally blind. To visit this pristine site is to be transported to another, hidden world. Rio Camuy Cave Park is the third-largest cave system in the world. Sixteen entranced have been found and 11 kilometers (7 miles) of passages explored so far. One special attraction is the Cueva Clara, which measures 695 feet (210m) in length. The park is equipped with picnic areas, walking trails, food facilities, and exhibition hall and a souvenir shop, making it the perfect place to spend a day. Reservations are essential, as this place is understandably popular. Open Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays; 8am to 4pm. For information call: (787) 898-3100 or (787) 763-0568. Camuy territory is mostly flat because the city it is located on the Valley of Quebradillas, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Lares; east of Quebradillas; and west of Hatillo. Its rivers are: Cibao and Camuy.  | | | Land Area: | 120 sq km (46 sq mi) | | Water Area: | 15.49 sq mi | | Population: | 35,244 | | Density: | 296.1 per sq km (766.1 per sq mi) | | Housing Units: | 12,520 | | Housing Density: | 269.7 | | Per Capita Income: | $6,380 | | Source: 2000 Census | | Hymn: | Pedazo de Borinquen | | Wards: | Abra Honda, Camuy Arriba, Cié nagas, Cibao, Membrillo, Piedra Gorda, Pueblo Puente, Puertos, Quebrada, Santiago, Yeguada and Zanja. | | Driving Distance: | 63.1 miles * | | Driving Time: | 1 hour, 30 minutes * |
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