Sometimes a little piece of paradise lies in store in the least obvious of locales, and Gozalandia is San Sebastián's: a flurry of dramatic cascades,…
Central Mountains
Those who explore these winding roads gain a dramatically different perspective on the island and chances to commune with Puerto Rico’s old soul. Best approached with a flexible agenda, this is a place of Taíno legends and sugarcane moonshine, muddy hillside towns and misty afternoons.
The whole thing is strung together by the Ruta Panorámica, a vine-covered ribbon of potholed blacktop that rolls like a roller coaster along the island’s rugged spine. It meanders through ragged agricultural towns, humid patches of jungle and past cliff-edge vistas where birds of prey glide in lazy circles. Between fog-covered valleys and the sharp scent of fresh-roasted coffee beans, visitors catch a whiff of the endangered cultural essence of Puerto Rico.
For those requiring more definitive reasons to visit, they are manifold: the island's highest peaks, remotest hiking and best coffee haciendas – plus one of the world's most thrilling adventure parks near Barranquitas.
Explore Central Mountains
- Gozalandia
Sometimes a little piece of paradise lies in store in the least obvious of locales, and Gozalandia is San Sebastián's: a flurry of dramatic cascades,…
- Cañón de San Cristóbal
The St Christopher canyon is so unexpected – both in location and appearance – that it takes many a breath away. The deep green chasm seemingly drops out…
- Hacienda San Pedro
San Pedro is a small working coffee farm with an attached museum and cafe/tasting room where you can get a fascinating insight into the coffee-making…
- HHacienda Pomarrosa
Despite suffering considerable damage in Hurricane Maria, the Pomarrosa still provides one of the best opportunities in Puerto Rico to discover what…
- MMuseo de Historía
Well worth stopping off at on your way elsewhere, this ornate mint-green turn-of-the-century edifice has been impressively refurbished to grace San…
- PPitorico Rum Distillery
Forget Bacardi and even Don Q – in these lofty parts they have their very own artisan rum, which comes in delicious flavors such as passion fruit and…
- LLa Piedra Escrita
Some of the island’s best-preserved native petroglyphs are carved on a large rock in the middle of the Río Saliente just off Hwy 144, 3km east of Jayuya…
- HHacienda Tres Angeles
Adjuntas jousts with Jayuya for the accolade of being Puerto Rico's premier coffee region and this coffee hacienda is surely the most beautifully situated…
- BBosque Estatal de Guajataca
Despite its diminutive size (2430 acres), the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca contains more trails (27 miles) than any other forest in Puerto Rico – including…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Central Mountains.
- See
Gozalandia
Sometimes a little piece of paradise lies in store in the least obvious of locales, and Gozalandia is San Sebastián's: a flurry of dramatic cascades,…
- See
Cañón de San Cristóbal
The St Christopher canyon is so unexpected – both in location and appearance – that it takes many a breath away. The deep green chasm seemingly drops out…
- See
Hacienda San Pedro
San Pedro is a small working coffee farm with an attached museum and cafe/tasting room where you can get a fascinating insight into the coffee-making…
- See
Hacienda Pomarrosa
Despite suffering considerable damage in Hurricane Maria, the Pomarrosa still provides one of the best opportunities in Puerto Rico to discover what…
- See
Museo de Historía
Well worth stopping off at on your way elsewhere, this ornate mint-green turn-of-the-century edifice has been impressively refurbished to grace San…
- See
Pitorico Rum Distillery
Forget Bacardi and even Don Q – in these lofty parts they have their very own artisan rum, which comes in delicious flavors such as passion fruit and…
- See
La Piedra Escrita
Some of the island’s best-preserved native petroglyphs are carved on a large rock in the middle of the Río Saliente just off Hwy 144, 3km east of Jayuya…
- See
Hacienda Tres Angeles
Adjuntas jousts with Jayuya for the accolade of being Puerto Rico's premier coffee region and this coffee hacienda is surely the most beautifully situated…
- See
Bosque Estatal de Guajataca
Despite its diminutive size (2430 acres), the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca contains more trails (27 miles) than any other forest in Puerto Rico – including…