Museo del Tabaco Herminio Torres, Caguas /Frazier Nivens
Central February-2004, By:Janeth Vilariño
Tropical Wonderland
Caguas, Gurabo, Ciales
Even die-hard sand and surf lovers welcome a change of pace, the pace found in the other Puerto Rico. That’s the region beyond the palm-lined shores and busy metropolis. In Puerto Rico’s mountains and central region, you’ll tempo down, enjoy a cooler climate, and get heady with a region that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Central Puerto Rico, the largest of all the regions, boasts 20 municipalities. From the flowers of Aibonito to the stone carvings of Florida, each town has its distinctive charm. Mountains abound in this region as do numerous forests, such as Jayuya’s Toro Negro Forest. Hiking, camping, climbing, and rafting are yours to choose. And there’s more! Archeological sites, towering peaks, deep gorges, historical monuments, and friendly people await you.
The principal municipality of this region, Caguas, is among the fastest-growing municipalities of all Puerto Rico. Its name is derived from the Taíno Indian chief, Caguax, who valiantly resisted the Spanish conquest. Located in the Turabo Valley, Caguas is a town rich in culture, evidenced by its many illustrious Cagüeños, including writer Abelardo Díaz Alfaro. Worth a visit is the Casa Rosada Abelardo Díaz museum with its furnishings from the late 19th century, and displays on such writers as José Gautier Benítez, Margot Arce de Vázquez, and the museum’s namesake Rosada Abelardo Díaz. The Caguas Art Museum, the Centro Musical Criollo José Ignacio Quintón, and the Dulce Nombre de Jesús Cathedral, the final resting place of the Blessed Carlos Rodríguez, add to the cultural richness.
Nearby Gurabo, formerly a barrio of Caguas, didn’t gain independence until 1815. It’s known as the City of the Stairs because of the five stairway streets that lead up a small hill from the town’s center. When you tour Gurabo, pay a visit to City Hall. Its Exhibition Center has a photographic display of the history of Gurabo. And don’t miss one of the Island’s oldest clocks (1898), a true historical treasure in a tiny building atop City Hall. In February, Gurabo is proud to celebrate its second annual Gurabo Bicycle Classic. Departing from city hall at 9 am, more than 200 cyclists are expected to ride the 8 km circuit running through the town’s main streets. Don’t be shy about joining in to vie for the coveted trophies and cash prizes. This competition is open to everyone.
To the west of Gurabo lies Ciales, a mountain municipality famous for its caves, and surface and underground rivers. Its historic bridge, Mata de Plátano, which was built in 1904, is a common site for films and commercials. As you traverse the old iron structure, enjoy the beautiful green backdrop and flowing Río Grande de Mantí, as well as the towe-ring limestone wall.
Slow your pace in Ciales to enjoy the renowned Cialeño brew, a sample of the town’s coffee production. Then enjoy the museum of one of Ciales’ most revered figures, Juan Antonio Corretjer, a poet and fighter for Puerto Rico’s independence. The Museum Juan Corretjer, founded by his beloved wife Consuelo Lee Tapia, houses the majority of his original works. The town honors this prominent Cialeño with an annual musical event, Cantata a Corretjer. Marking its 15th anniversary in March, this year’s event will feature performances by well-known local artists, including Andrés Jímenez.
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