Tanama River Adventures — Local services in Utuado

My boyfriend and I (travel agents and avid travelers) came to PR from California for our first time in October 2020. We signed up and drove 2hrs from our hotel to arrive at the forest. During our trip I became very sick, likely from something I ate the night before.

My boyfriend spoke with the tour guide, Fernando, pointing to me showing him how out of it I was. Fernando was very understanding and offered us another tour whenever we came back to PR since it was our last day, we just had to call ahead of time.

We came back to visit PR a 2nd time 4 months later and spoke with Fernando. It was as if he was a totally different person! He was short, dismissive, belligerent and told us he remembered us but never said that. He clearly acknowledged knowing that we paid in full, but I was too sick. He told us it was our fault for not getting an email and although he specifically remembered us being there and on time it wasn’t his problem. I pleaded with him to be reasonable as this time I wanted to bring my whole family. I understand that there are policies, but my bf and I clearly remember the conversation and marveled at how kind he was the first time, just to return to someone who had received our money and was unwilling to be reasonable. I really wanted to take my family but Fernando was shameless in his refusal to provide the overpriced service we paid for. It was March at this time and we offered to come back in August (since his story switched to having no current openings). He again declined saying “it’s not my fault you were sick, I was there”.

I’m sure it’s beautiful but if you know things can unexpectedly come up, go with a company that will honor their word, accommodate unexpected illness or at least be considerate of you as a person. There are lots of beautiful waterfalls in...

This company conducts hiking, cave tubing and rappelling activities. We were a group of 8 and chose the hiking and cave tubing activities. They have one guide per group who will guide you through the hiking and cave tubing activity. They have perfect equipment like life jackets and helmets with lights for everyone. And they are so clean! You reach there around 8 am and they start by taking your group in a van to a point where the hike starts. The drive to this point is 6-10 min. From there it’s a hike until the cave. The hike is steep at some places and normal at some. But the nature around is beautiful. The hike is rocky so make sure you have the right kind of shoes which are water proof too, since you’ll be crossing the river by foot. The crossing is not too long, the width of the stream is like 10-20 feet, and the water is knee level. After crossing the river, starts the cave tubing which is an out of the world experience. You have row yourself through the cave. You’ll be made to make a chain with your group so that you don’t drift away and moving through the cave is easy. There are limestone stalactites inside the cave and it is surreal. At the end of the cave the guide lets the group enjoy the water, and click pictures and spend some time before you get back to tubing to the entry point of the cave. After which you hike back to where you started and are brought back to their main office in the same vehicle. Two important points to keep in mind while going for this activity are: Follow the route which is mentioned by the company and not the gps. Carry some light foods like energy bars, dry fruits and some snacks. They do have some in their office but not a lot of choice.

Over all it’s a really nice experience! Do try it if you’re...

This tour was absolutely incredible! We took the Mukaro Cave tour with Marcos and he was informative, casual, and a great guide. The road to the Tanama River Adventures is winding - be sure to provide yourself ample time for driving, follow the directions on their website, and possibly take medication if you tend to get motion sick.

The tour begins with being fitted for safety equipment including a helmet, headlamp, and personal flotation device. A short drive in a van takes you to your starting point where you hike into the forest. Marcos gave us information about native plant species and the family that owns the land around the river. After the short hike we took inner tubes through the cave - a memorable, relaxing experience. The cave is massive and so peaceful. After tubing, you get plenty of time to swim in the pools and jump from some cliffs.

The Mukaro tour extends with a 3 mile hike after swimming. The trail follows the river with several water crossings, more cliff jumps, additional swimming opportunities, a fresh water waterfall, and exploring an ancient cave with an indigenous temple.

Definitely do this adventure! To enjoy it the most be sure to wear shoes with good tread, pack a water-proof pack, a cover for your phone, and have water and snacks with you. You should be in good physical shape and willing to adventure. When you're done and worked up an appetite, get a bite to eat at La Familia about a minute...