Plaza Santiago Palmer, Caguas /Dean
Central June-2005, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience the Central Beauty
Caguas, Aibonito, Barranquitas
If you’re looking for a cooling break from the beach, you can take a day trip into the mountains for a mix of the culture and environment unique to this area. The 20 municipalities in the Central region 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.
Caguas
 Caguas is known as "La Ciudad del Turabo." It was named in honor of Cacique Caguax, a Taíno Indian chief who lived in the valley and fought the Spanish. In addition to one of the great plazas of Puerto Rico, Caguas offers a major performing arts center and a number of museums. At the Catedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús (on the plaza), Carlos Manuel “Charlie” Rodríguez, the first blessed of Puerto Rico, is buried. For a demonstration of hand-rolled cigars, visit the Museo del Tabaco Herminio Torres Grillo. Also stop by La Casa Rosada, once home of Abelardo Díaz Alfaro, a writer known for his humorous analysis of Puerto Rico. (Photo: Museo del Tabaco Herminio Torres /Toledo.)
Aibonito
 Aibonito is called the Switzerland of Puerto Rico and the Garden of Puerto Rico. Both names refer to its yearlong refreshing climate. At 2,401 feet above sea level, Aibonito is also the highest town of the Island. Well known for its poultry and flower industries, it has among other attractions the Mirador Piedra Degetau. From this observation tower you can have a breathtaking view not only of Aibonito and the surrounding towns but even of the San Juan Bay Area on a clear day. The best time to visit is at the end of June during the Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival). (Photo: Festival de las Flores /Efra.)
Barranquitas
 Barranquitas was founded as a municipality in 1803. The name comes from the local terra-cotta-colored soil. Whenever it rains, the water forms small ravines. Hence the name Barranquitas. This hospitable town is known as "Cuna de Próceres" because the town has produced so many eminent poets, writers, politicians and educators. These "próceres" include Luis Muñoz Rivera and Luis Muñoz Marín, two of the most important participants in Puerto Rico's recent history. There are various stops that are highly recommended while visiting Barranquitas. The church on the plaza with its arched, handmade wood ceiling should not be missed. For art lovers, a great option is the Museo de Arte y Antropología, where Puerto Rican art is exhibited. This museum has the only Greek-Roman collection in the Caribbean. Close by you can find San Cristóbal Canyon, one of Puerto Rico’s great natural wonders. (Photo: San Cristóbal Canyon /Dean.)
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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
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