For a tour of a working coffee hacienda, head to the Island’s central mountain region.
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 14 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
This highland town is home to caverns, coffee plantations, and many waterfalls.
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Discover one of Puerto Rico's most majestic sights at Cañón Blanco in Utuado.
Discover Indigenous culture and natural beauty in the mountains.
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Traversing the suspended bridge at Toro Verde Adventure Park.
"The heart of Puerto Rico" is a hub of outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
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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
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Panoramic view of Garzas Lake in Adjuntas.
Adjuntas
Embrace the wonders of nature in this mountainous hub of Puerto Rican coffee farming.
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
Tucked in a mountain valley, the "Green City" is home to one of the most iconic gastronomic routes on the Island.
A street in Cidra, Puerto Rico.
Cidra
A peaceful mountainside respite with historic appeal.
The natural beauty of Comerío is on full display along the "The Route of the Seven Wonders."
Comerío
Comerío's crisp, clean air, and rolling green landscape earned it the nickname "el Paraíso entre Montañas" (Paradise Between Mountains.)
History is everywhere you look 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.
Jesús Izcoa Moure Bridge in Naranjito.
Naranjito
Discover breathtaking expressions of nature and Puerto Rico’s winningest sports team.
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