Adjuntas

As you traverse the sinuous inclines of la Ruta Panorámica, a scenic drive that winds through the mountains that lead to Adjuntas, it’s tempting to marvel at the stunning views. But don’t take your eyes off the road — there will be plenty of beauty to enjoy once you arrive.

Nicknamed la Ciudad del Gigante Dormido (“the City of the Sleeping Giant”) because of the silhouette formed by the mountains to the southeast of town, Adjuntas is a paradise for travelers who want to commune with nature at its most majestic. The municipality is set in Puerto Rico's Central Mountains, bordered by Utuado to the north; Yauco, Guayanilla, and Peñuelas to the south; Lares and Yauco to the west and Ponce to the east. Ponce is a half-hour to the south, and driving northeast to San Juan takes about two hours.

Coffee Farms

Adjuntas encompasses 1,400 coffee farms and yields the highest production of coffee of any municipality in Puerto Rico. Local brands like Hacienda Tres Ángeles and Sandra Farms operate plantations that are open to the public for guided tours, giving guests a first-hand look at how their morning joe goes from bean to brew. And of course, no visit is complete without tasting the richly flavorful finished product in the on-site cafes.

Casa Pueblo

Originally established to empower the local community to make social and political change, Casa Pueblo looks like a modest home on the outside, but inside you’ll find a wealth of information about Puerto Rico’s past, present, and future. The privately-run cultural center serves as headquarters for the organization’s ecological conservation and sustainable energy efforts, as well as its radio station and educational and cultural programs. The site is open to visitors, who can explore the library, antique room, craft shop, plant nursery, butterfly garden, and historical photos. Admission is free but a donation is appreciated.

Natural Attractions

Adjuntas is a wonderland of forests, rivers, lakes, and sheer natural magnificence. The mountainous terrain throughout the municipality lends itself to hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor adventures.

The municipality’s tallest peak, Monte Guilarte, is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range and extends 3,934 feet (1,199 meters) above sea level, offering breathtaking 360-degree views when the sky is clear. It is located in Bosque Guilarte, where hikers of all levels can traverse trails that include waterfalls, natural pools, and other picturesque formations. The forest is also home to Lago Garzas, a reservoir that provides clean drinking water to the surrounding areas and serves as a relaxing spot for boating and fishing.

Bosque del Pueblo, a 737-acre expanse, was once used for mining until Casa Pueblo led a successful campaign to reclaim the land for the people. Today, the forest is a haven for a variety of flora and fauna native to Puerto Rico. Casa Pueblo is responsible for the management of the land, including granting camping permits.

Petroglyphs from the Indigenous Taíno people, the Island’s original inhabitants, have been found in parts of Adjuntas, particularly in Bosque del Pueblo.

Accommodations

If you’re spending the night in Adjuntas, Hotel Monte Río is within walking distance of the center of town. Farther out, Parador Villas Sotomayor features stylishly appointed guest rooms and an on-site campground, as well as horseback riding, a pool, and a restaurant. The parador also hosts the Festival de Frío in February, where revelers of all ages enjoy games, rides, crafts, music, food, and more. A real mountain escape awaits at Hotel Bajo las Estrellas, which is set on a river criss-crossed with footbridges.