The Paseo de las Artes is a public square in Caguas where cultural events take place every month.
Caguas
Caguas is an innovative town filled to the brim with art, culture, nature, entertainment, nightlife, and businesses.
Because of its location, Caguas is known as the “Heart and Center” of Puerto Rico. Situated at the western end of the east region, this town is only about 30 minutes from SJU airport, contributing to its development as a major commercial center for the Island, including more than 40 factories producing clothes, leather, and electronics, and more.
Also known as la Ciudad Criolla ("Creole City,") Caguas is home to a handful of museums and an ecological center. The town square is undergoing a revitalization, with new restaurants and events being added all the time.
At the Museo del Tabaco in Caguas, you can learn about tobacco production in Puerto Rico and see demonstrations of cigar rolling.
Things to Do
Caguas is home to many attractions, cultural and sports activities, music and gastronomic festivals, theatrical productions, walking trails, and more.
The Jardín Botánico y Cultural de Caguas William Miranda Marín is a gem in Caguas. A true treasure of history, this 60-acre park consists of not only the gardens but the remains of Hacienda San José, a 19th-century sugar cane plantation.
Designed to educate the public, the garden lets visitors explore both culture and nature in a tropical setting. Guided tours, picture-perfect walking trails, special activities, and interpretive exhibits (like the African and Taíno Ancestral Grove, Forest Heritage, Riverside Corridor, and Tropical Wetlands) are part of the regular offerings.
Caguas is home to a variety of museums that showcase the history and folklore of the region. The Museo de Artes Populares Caguas showcases local artisans' work that preserves and promotes boricua arts and crafts diversity.
In the town’s City Hall, you can find the Museo de Historia de Caguas, which presents the town's story, from archaeological findings to the town’s founding. There is also a Museo del Tabaco, where you can learn about tobacco production in Puerto Rico and see demonstrations of cigar rolling.
You can also explore the Casino Real, Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, Sangría Factory Tasting Tour, F.O.K. Brewing Co. Tasting Tour, C3TEC: Caribbean Criollo Center for Science and Technology, and a series of trails, walks, nature adventures, and sightseeing tours.
Visit Caguas and enjoy a night out in a welcoming and fun environment, full of music and good food and drinks.
Nightlife and Events
Caguas is booming with many festivals, cultural activities, and shows. Also, year-round theatrical productions, many restaurants and pubs, live music performances, dance floors, a casino, and much more await you in the Criollo City.
One of the main nighttime attractions is the Paseo de los Artistas, which occurs on the third Saturday of every month. It is a space that turns into an outdoor festival highlighting local artists. Be ready to walk, eat and drink, dance, and appreciate the works of Puerto Rican and international makers that have made this space their workshop. Two great and fun recurrent outdoor festivals are held monthly: The Paseo de los Artistas Festival and Al Fresco Music and Culinary Festival. Both activities start at 6:00 p.m. Music nights, and lots of entertainment await you on the Paseo de las Artes in Caguas.
Los Sábados pa’ la Plaza (Let’s go to the Plaza on Saturdays) event is celebrated at the beautiful Santiago Palmer Plaza - which is the town center plaza of Caguas. It is a cultural and recreational activity where everyone can come to enjoy live music, artisans, dance performances, food and beverages kiosks, a kid´s carousel, games, and lots of entertainment. It is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy. It starts at 4:00 pm.
For more information regarding these events and a calendar of events of other events, contact Caguas Tourist Information Office 787-653-8833 Ext. 2908, 2957 & 2984.
Some local favorites in Caguas include El After Lounge, a varied, trendy place with a robust menu.
Where to Eat
Caguas offers a great gastronomic variety that is characterized by being very diverse in its flavor, seasoning, preparation, and presentation, as well as in the different types of gastronomy and gastronomic establishments. Not only will you find a great variety of restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, food trucks, chinchorros, and lechoneras (selling roasted pork), but also activities and cultural-gastronomic events unique in their class and in Puerto Rico.
Any person or visitor who loves food and drinks should visit this city. Here you can taste tasty Criollo cuisine, varied international cuisine, and creative gastronomic fusions. In addition, you can enjoy local and international drinks in restaurants, pubs, in their own factories, chinchorros, and in gastronomic activities and events that you will only find in Caguas.
If you are a person who loves to try and savor the food in a calmer environment, we invite you to visit our Urban Center. Very close to the Plaza Santiago R. Palmer you will find gastronomic establishments where you can surely taste something tasty. At the plaza, you can find gastronomic kiosks where you can enjoy typical sweets, Puerto Rican coffee, piña coladas, fruit frappes, all kinds of fried foods, among others.
Some local favorites include El After Lounge, a varied, trendy place with a menu that ranges from BBQ-style burgers to pasta, pizza, and delicious breakfasts. The Ojalá Speakeasy Bar delivers more than just cocktails. The restaurant menu includes tapas such as Argentinian empanadas, deep-fried fresh local cheese, ropa vieja empanadas, and croquettes. They also serve risotto, skirt steaks, and coconut-glazed pork. For a tasty and healthy vegan lunch or dinner, visit Madre Tierra, a vegan café where everything is plant-based and locally sourced.
Caguas also has a growing craft beer scene as well. For a local tasting, drop by FOK Brewing, a unique beer garden that produces more than a dozen different styles. If you rather local sangría, "The Sangria Factory" is the place to visit. It has a tasting room with a dozen different sangrias to taste.
Visit the Tourism Office located in front of the Plaza Santiago R. Palmer (Calle Luis Muñoz Rivera, corner Calle Segundo Ruiz Belvis) or contact it from Monday through Friday (8:00 am - 5:00 pm), or Saturdays (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), or by phone at (787) 653-8833 Exts. 2908, 2917,2984 for additional information on gastronomy in the “Criollo” City.
Where to Stay
Nestled in the heart of Caguas, the Four Points by Sheraton is the only hotel in the city. This family-friendly property offers 125 rooms with 32 suites and top-of-the-line amenities. The hotel was recently remodeled and has a pool with water slide, a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. In addition, has an on-site casino which is the largest in Puerto Rico and can be visited day and night. You can dance and enjoy tropical drinks at the Passion Lounge at the casino. Nearby the Caguas Real Golf & Country Club is located.
Transportation
Visiting Caguas from San Juan is very easy. You may rent a car, take a tour or use ALSA Puerto Rico bus services.
ALSA Puerto Rico, a land transport operator, offers daily bus service between the cities of Caguas and San Juan with the idea of joining the main points of both cities. You will arrive at your destination without waiting and on time. For schedules, prices, tickets, and more information contact www.alsa.pr.
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Where to Eat in Caguas
Options range from avant-garde cuisine to crowd pleasers with culinary skills
A colorful trolley in front of Caguas Museum of History (former City Hall)
Things to Do in Caguas
Take a stroll through the Paseo de las Artes or one of the local museums.
Where to Stay in Caguas
Choose between a popular hotel or cozy, locally-owned vacation rentals.