10 Things to do in Cordillera Central Puerto Rico | Central Mountains

When you’re planning your next vacation to Puerto Rico, don’t forget to visit the Cordillera Central Puerto Rico, aka central mountain region of Puerto Rico. There is lots to do and many beautiful places to see, some even more beautiful that the blue waters of Puerto Rico’s beaches.  Please be sure to check in advance, as information (phones, hours, etc.) are subject to change.

 

1.   Rio Abajo Forest: Rd. 621, Utuado

Open Tuesday – Sunday; 787-724-3724

This massive forest covers more than 5000 acres and features limestone caves, underground rivers, beautiful forests and an abundance of wildlife. There are 70 walking trails throughout the forest and lots to see.

 

2.   Dos Bocas Lake: Rd. 123, Km 68, Utuado

From the Dos Bocas Pier you can take a free boat ride across the man-made lake to one of several lakeside Creole restaurants that are open on weekends.
Boats run daily until 5pm.

 

3.   Caguas Botanical Garden: Located between Caguas and Aguas Buenas.
Showcases tropical plants as well as art work, a lake and a replica of a farm.
Open Thursday – Sunday; 787-653-8223

 

4.   La Ruta Panoramica: This panoramic route through the center of Puerto Rico is a maze of some 266km of roads that run east to west (or west to east) from Maunabo to Mayaguez. The central region has some of the most spectacular and highest sections of the route. If you plan on driving the full route, give yourself a few days to do this as there are plenty of places to stop along the route. If you only have a day; then just check out a section close to where you are staying.

 

5.   Casa Canales Museum: Rd 144, Km 9.3, Jayuya
It was at this house where a short, but proud, freedom uprising took place in 1950. Today, it is an interesting museum that depicts the Canales family life, work and political beliefs.
Open daily; 787-828-4618

 

6.   La Piedra Escrita: Rd. 144, Km 2.3, Jayuya

Here you will see Taino Indian petroglyphs

Open daily; 787-828-4618

 

7.   Cemi Museum: Rd. 144, Km 9.3, Jayuya
According to Taino tradition, a cemi is a god, spirit or ancestor. It is also the name given to the religious symbol that is the physical representation of a god. This museum showcases many different Taino artifacts.

Open daily; 787-828-4618

 

8.   Lago Caonillas: Rd 140 off Rd. 111, Utuado

Tranquil Lake located east of Utuado, worth visiting for the spectacular view.

 

9.   Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park: Rd. 111, Km 12.3, Utuado

The Taino Indians built this settlement around 1200 AD. Today the park showcases ceremonial plazas, stone petroglyphs and has small museum.

Open Daily; 787-894-7325

 

10. Toro Negro Forest: Rd. 143, Jayuya
Just south of Joyuya, the forest features trails, mountain pools and Puerto Rico’s highest peak.
Facilities open Tuesday – Sunday; 787-724-3724

 

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

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