San Cristóbal Canyon, Barranquitas /Dean
Central April-2004, By:Ian Malinow Maceo
Caves and Canyons... The Great Escape
Lares, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Utuado, Comerío
If you are an adventurous traveler whose idea of an exciting vacation means getting off-the-beaten path to seek out the culture and natural wonders of the places you visit, then you should not miss out on a trip to the central part of the Island. The towns nestled in the Island’s mountainous Central region offer visitors a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities. The area is known for its cool weather (anything below 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and agriculture (especially the top-quality coffee). There are 20 municipalities in the Central region. They can be thought of as being along two driving routes (with San Juan as the starting point). The Southern route begins in Caguas and travels through Aguas Buenas, Gurabo, San Lorenzo, Cidra, Cayey, Aibonito, Comerío, Barranquitas, Orocovis and Villalba before ending in Adjuntas. The Northern route goes from Naranjito to Corozal, Morovis, Ciales, Florida, Lares, Utuado and Jayuya. The Southern route covers a good bit of the Luis Muñoz Marín Panoramic Route.
The natural assets of this region allow for sports including spelunking, hiking and rock climbing. For example, from Lares you can access one of the biggest, most beautiful underground cave systems in the Caribbean with one of the several nature-adventure tour operators found in the directories. Another favorite is a hike through the San Cristobal Canyon between Aibonito and Barranquitas. Sandwiched between steep walls of lush vegetation, the canyon is home to dozens of bird species, pristine waterfalls and colorful flora. While a challenging hike (at least six hours, round-trip), it is worth the effort.
For a cultural adventure, visit one of the archeological sites, such as the “Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana” in Utuado, considered one of the most important pre-Columbian archeological sites in the Caribbean.
In May, the town of Comerío holds one of its most important town fetes, the “Festival de las Cuevas de la Mora.” Now celebrating its 10th year, the festival’s name refers to the town’s cave system and its great archeological value. Talent shows, Taíno Indian dress-up competitions and a marathon race spice up the activities. Make sure you try two of Comerío’s specialties: pasteles de arroz (a version of tamales) and Guichi, a potato sandwich filled with sausage or ham. Expect to shake it all up to the rhythm of typical Puerto Rican music and to bring back a variety of native handicrafts.
Comerío is home to the Río La Plata, the longest river in Puerto Rico, which zigzags its way through the town and to several breathtaking waterfalls. Other places of interest include the cultural center, Paseo de los Trovadores, the Parque de Recreación Familiar Media Luna and the historic ruins that used to house tobacco factories in the early 20th century. Outside of town, check out the spectacular vistas from the dams at Río la Plata.
| Latest Island-Wide Feature Articles:
Attractions & Sights Kid's Stuff
Beaches Destination Beach
Business Center AAAction - Making Movies in Paradise
Casinos Blackjack 101
Diving & Snorkeling Down Under
Events Gallery Nights in Old San Juan
Fishing Fishing in Paradise
Forests Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) Recovery Program
Golf Legendary Courses
Information Masthead
Nature/Adventure Nature Adventure Caribbean Style
Restaurants & Clubs Kiosk Cooking
Sailing & Watersports Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
Shopping The Coffee Craze
Spas Spa-tacular
Central Article Archive
2007-04 Explore the Central Region
2005-08 Aguas Buenas, Cidra, Lares, Naranjito
2005-06 Caguas, Aibonito, Barranquitas
2005-04 Cayey, Comerío, Morovis
2005-02 Adjuntas, Ciales, Gurabo, Utuado
2004-12 Experience the Central Beauty
2004-10 Cidra, Corozal, Orocovis, San Lorenzo
2004-08 Cayey, Naranjito, Lares
2004-06 Caguas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Comerío, Barranquitas, Adjuntas, Morovis
2004-04 Lares, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Utuado, Comerío
2004-02 Caguas, Gurabo, Ciales
All Archives
 CENTRAL - Sponsors & Marketplace
Accommodations
Utuado
Casa Grande Mountain Retreat 787-894-3939
Car Rental
Caguas
First Truck & Car - Caguas 787-257-8452
Cayey
First Truck & Car - Cayey 787-257-8452
Nature/Adventure
Barranquitas
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Caguas
Ecoquest 787-616-7543
Ciales
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Florida
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Orocovis
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Utuado
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Restaurants & Clubs
Utuado
Casa Grande Café 787-894-3939
|
About/Advertise/Contact Us
Copyright 2008-1986 Travel and Sports, Inc.
puertoricoguest.com
