You'll find lots of beautiful mountain views in Jayuya.
Jayuya
Discover spectacular scenery, Indigenous history, and some of Puerto Rico's best coffee.
An aura of tranquility pervades the air in Jayuya, an idyllic municipality set high in the Central Mountains of Puerto Rico. Nature is at its most impressive here, from the unmistakable shape of the towering Los Tres Picachos (“The Three Peaks”) to the crisp, refreshing waters of the Río Saliente.
Bordered by Ponce and Juana Díaz to the south, Ciales to the north and east, and Utuado to the west, the drive to Jayuya is steep, sinuous, and undeniably beautiful. Jayuya is a two-hour drive from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and an hour from Aeropuerto Internacional Mercedita (PSE) in Ponce, making it an easy side trip from either city.
Pro tip: Getting to Jayuya is an adventure through the mountains, so expect a bit of a long drive with winding curves that are worth the journey when you get to admire the views that await on top.
Ancient petroglyphs carved into Piedra Escrita in Jayuya.
Things to Do
La Piedra Escrita
Several sites throughout Jayuya pay homage to the area’s importance in Puerto Rico’s history. La Piedra Escrita (“The Written Stone”), a massive rock carved with 52 petroglyphs, dates back to between 600 and 1200 AD when the Taíno people originally inhabited the Island. As you walk down the wooden boardwalk that leads to the riverbed where the stone sits, modern distractions seem to melt away, leaving you free to gain a deeper understanding of the people that once lived here. A close inspection of the relic reveals etchings of animals, abstract shapes, and other symbols that the Taínos used to communicate.
Cerro de Punta
Jayuya is home to Puerto Rico's highest peak, Cerro de Punta. You can hike or drive up the mountain (four-wheel drive is recommended). From atop this 4,400-foot mountain, you can look down on the clouds—or, on a clear day, see all the way to the coast!
El Cemí Museum structure is inspired by a three-pointed Taíno religious symbol meant to represent a god.
Museums
A short drive from La Piedra Escrita, you'll find the striking El Cemí Museum showcases ancient Taíno artifacts found in the area. The building’s unusual structure is inspired by a three-pointed religious symbol meant to represent a god or spirit.
Explore the Taína Route and Indigenous Culture in Puerto Rico
Adjacent to the El Cemí Museum, the Casa Canales Museum highlights the area’s more recent past. The building was once home to the Canales family, who were instrumental in a 1950 freedom uprising by Puerto Rican Nationalists. The residence is set up as it was back then, complete with authentic furniture and décor, letters, and memorabilia.
Nearby, the Museo de Nuestros Mártires (“the Museum of Our Martyrs”) is dedicated to the people who sacrificed their lives in the fight for Puerto Rican independence. Several rooms contain artwork, photographs, news clippings, books, and other materials that honor these local heroes and offer a glimpse into an often-overlooked aspect of the Island’s tumultuous past. The museum occupies part of a private home whose owner, Ernesto, had five family members imprisoned for the cause.
Enjoy a 360 degree view of Jayuya at the Aerostatic Balloon.
Ziplines of the Aerostatic Balloon
Put your adventurous side to the test as you catch an adrenaline rush in the forested peaks of Puerto Rico. Ziplines of the Aerostatic Balloon is the highest zipline on the Island—over 3,000 feet above sea level—and offers panoramic views of scenic Jayuya and its surrounding countryside. The facility offers three ziplines, a restaurant serving lunch, and access the Hijos del Cafetal coffee museum. While you’re there, be sure to stop for a bite (and maybe shop) at La Hacienda.
Have a relaxing stay in full connection with nature at Hotel Hacienda Gripiñas.
Where to Stay
Hacienda Victoria Lucía is a charming property resembling a stone castle surrounded by lush greenery. It's an ideal getaway destination, offering complimentary breakfast, a pool, and its own restaurant and bar. If you're planning for just a night's stay, Hotel Posada Jayuya is the perfect choice, conveniently located near the town's best tourist spots.
Hikers and adventurers often make camp in Jayuya before and after trekking through the mountains, while travelers who prefer to fall asleep in a comfortable bed stay at the charming Hacienda Gripiñas.
There are many coffee haciendas to explore in Puerto Rico.
Dining
Coffee Haciendas
Ready to jumpstart your day? You’ve come to the right place. Jayuya is renowned for the coffee farms that dot the mountainous landscape.
Lauded Puerto Rican brands like Hacienda San Pedro, Café La Finca, Café Hacienda Tres Picachos, and Café Hayuya cultivate, roast, and package their coffee here. Many haciendas welcome visitors and include on-site cafés where you can enjoy a hot cup of joe just steps from where the beans were grown and harvested.
Visit a working coffee hacienda in Puerto Rico
Restaurants and Bars
You'll find many culinary gems hidden along the winding mountain roads of Jayuya. One of the most popular is La Casita Restaurant, serving criollo-style Puerto Rican fare such as mofongo, churrasco, and chuletas can can (a special type of pork chop). There are several bakeries worth visiting, including Panadería Emiliano, Panadería Jayuyana, and Panadería Mi Arcoíris.
One special experience in Jayuya is a visit to La Destilería Craft Spirits, which offers tours and tastings of its award-winning, handmade rums.