The town of Arecibo was founded in 1515 and is known as the Villa of Capitán Correa because of a 1702 battle fought here by Captain Antonio Correa and a handful of Spanish soldiers to repel a British sea invasion. Today, it's a busy manufacturing center that makes a good jumping off point for deeper exploration of the central mountain region. For one of the best ocean drives on the island, get off the main road at Barceloneta and take Route 681 through Arecibo's waterfront district.
The city once attracted visitors interested in touring the Arecibo Observatory, which suffered catastrophic failure in late 2020 and has an uncertain future. Yet another area site, the Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, is still closed due to damage caused by Hurricane María. It's uncertain when the park and its caves will reopen, but it's worth checking on its status. Alternatively, visit the Cueva Ventana; although more commercial than the park, it nevertheless offers a taste of the region's unique caves. If you're more intrepid, head southwest of Arecibo to Lares for a tour (booked through Puerto Rico Interior Tours) of the Cueva Encantada.
