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

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Explore the Central Mountain Region

VIEQUES CULEBRA & VIEQUES CULEBRA y NORTH NORTE METRO SOUTH SUR WEST OESTE CENTRAL MOUNTAINS CORDILLERA CENTRAL EAST ESTE Culebra Vieques Guánica Cabo Rojo Rincón Salinas Ponce Coamo San Juan Carolina Bayamón Ciales Utuado Orocovis Dorado Manatí Arecibo Río Grande Caguas Fajardo
A woman looks out over a beautiful mountain view with a body of water in the distance in Utuado.

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.

Roasted Pork

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.

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