Sunset views of Puerto Rico's mountains.
Central Mountains
Puerto Rico's Central Mountains are known for small towns, food excursions, and lots of adventure.
Away from the coast is la Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s interior mountain region, which runs from east to west through 15 municipalities. With a history and culture rooted in agriculture, this region has diverse vegetation and produces most of the Island’s coffee, which you can taste at several haciendas. Venture into majestic mountains to savor tasty Creole cuisine and take in the sweeping views in every direction.
REGION FACTS:
Driving distance from San Juan’s airport: 1–1.5 hours
Driving distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 2–2.5 hours
Explore the Central Mountain Region
Beautiful mountains view from the Paseo Lineal in Ciales.
This highland town is home to caverns, coffee plantations, and many waterfalls.
Explore Ciales
The Tanamá River in Utuado is an adventurer's playground.
Discover indigenous culture and natural beauty in the mountains.
Explore Utuado
Traversing the suspended bridge at Toro Verde Adventure Park.
A hub of outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
Explore Orocovis
Things to Do
The scenery in this area varies from mountains to caves, from plains to canyons and rivers, making this region a great destination for adventures of all kinds. Orocovis, one of the biggest towns in central Puerto Rico, is home to Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, which boasts one of the longest ziplines in the world. Another very popular activity is Tanamá River cave-tubing tours, which is the perfect mix of deep adventure and leisurely ride, as you float along waterways and through subterranean chambers.
For some local flavor, visit a working coffee hacienda, where you can tour the facilities, taste samples of locally grown coffee, and enjoy mountain views. These haciendas usually also serve local food, such as white rice, stewed beans, and fried meat.
No one does roasted pork better than Puerto Ricans.
Where to Eat
This region has its own distinct take on Puerto Rican cuisine. Savor cuts of meat cooked over charcoal, a variety of rice dishes and fried foods, as well as the famous mofongo topped with various meats and sauces. Restaurants like Casa Bavaria in Morovis, Tío Pepe in Aibonito, and Las Garzas in Adjuntas are all iconic restaurants known as mesones gastronómicos that you shouldn’t miss.
More Places to Explore
· More Places to Explore · More Places to Explore ·
Adjuntas
Embrace the wonders of nature in this mountainous escape.
Casa Colores in Aguas Buenas
Aguas Buenas
Known as the town of "Clear Waters" because of its abundance of freshwater springs.
Plaza Iglesia in Aibonito
Aibonito
The idyllic municipality of Aibonito is known locally as Puerto Rico’s Garden.
Located in Barranquitas, Salto La Vaca is the highest waterfall in Puerto Rico
Barranquitas
The windy, narrow roads of La Ruta Panorámica lead the way to Barranquitas, a municipality set high in the Cordillera Central mountain range.
Guavate is famous for its Ruta de Lechón, a windy strip of cafeteria-style restaurants and kiosks that serve up loads of lechón, a Puerto Rican preparation of roasted pork.
Cayey
Known as Ciudad Verde (“Green City”), Cayey is tucked in a valley of the central mountains.
Cidra
A peaceful mountainside respite with historic appeal.
The Vejigante Mask is one of Puerto Rico's most colorful arts and crafts.
Comerío
Comerío's crisp, clean air, and rolling green landscape earned it the nickname el "Paraíso entre Montañas" (Paradise Between Mountains.)
Plaza Central Iglesia in Corozal
Corozal
If you’re looking to trade blaring car horns for bird calls, you’ll find your oasis in Corozal.
You'll find lots of beautiful mountain views in Jayuya.
Jayuya
Spectacular scenery and living history in the central mountains.
Morovis is a picturesque and fertile region, and is an agricultural hub for coffee, tobacco, and local fruits.
Morovis
Morovis is a picturesque and fertile region set in the hills of Colinas Húmedas del Norte.
Jesus Izcoa Moure Bridge in Naranjito.
Naranjito
Breathtaking expressions of nature and Puerto Rico’s winningest sports team.
From the Central Mountains to El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico has many waterfalls to explore.
Things to Do in Ciales
Coffee farms, waterfalls, and caverns are part of the magic of Ciales.
Float along the streams of the Tanamá River in Utuado and discover what this mountainous town has to offer.
6 Days in the Central Mountains of Puerto Rico
Explore beyond the shore and into the center region of the Island.
The Puerto Rican longaniza at Restaurante La Sombra is worth the wait!
Where to Eat in Orocovis
Try one of Puerto Rico’s tastiest sausages on the “longaniza route”.
Where to Eat in Utuado
Culinary gems and coffee farms tucked into the scenic mountains.
Tap into your adventurous side when you explore the many attractions inside Toro Verde.
Things to Do in Orocovis
The heart of Puerto Rico is a paradise for adventure lovers.
Pool view of Hacienda Negrón in Ciales
Where to Stay in Ciales
Enjoy a memorable stay in the Central Mountain Range.
Visit the "pork highway" and savor a delicious Puerto Rican feast.
A Guide to Guavate and la Ruta del Lechón
Get the family and some friends together for a day trip to the lechoneras of Guavate.
Find the best creole dishes and meat cuts at ASAO Smokehouse restaurant in Ciales.
Where to Eat in Ciales
Go restaurant-hopping like a local to discover all the delicious food in Ciales.
Wake up to lush forest views in Utuado.
Where to Stay in Utuado
Choose from treehouses, glamping tents, and a luxe guesthouse.
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