Tanama River and Caves, Utuado /Frazier Nivens
Central April-2007, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Explore the Central Region
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 (AC/9)
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.
Aguas Buenas (AC/8)
You may want to investigate the handcrafted musical instruments available locally from skilled artisans. The Plaza de Recreo (originally used for military exercises and once known as the Plaza de Armas) has been renamed after an important historical figure, Luis A. Ferré.
Gurabo (AC/9)
Just off the plaza, you can go up to one of the “stairway streets” that take you to the small hill in the center of town. Gurabo is also the home of the “mapeyé” rhythm - where each verse begins with “Le Lo Lai.”
San Lorenzo (AD/9)
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes was built in 1737 and is registered as a National Historic Site. San Lorenzo is also known as the “Samaritan City” because of the reported miracles made by Julia Vázquez a young San Lorenzan girl.
Cidra (AD/8)
This “Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” (city of eternal spring) is located in the eastern area of the Cordillera Central. At one end of the plaza is the beautiful Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen with its symmetrical and classic twin tower design. Just outside of town is the Lago de Cidra.
Cayey (AD/8)
There is a well-established artist community and a number of local sites and attractions. As always, you should start with the plaza. One end is dominated by the beautiful church. One particular museum of note is the Museo Dr. Pío López Martínez at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
Aibonito (AD/7)
Aibonito is 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 of Aibonito and the surrounding towns.
Comerío (AC/7)
This deep into the Cordillera Central, you will find a number of natural attractions and sights. The Río La Plata (the longest river in Puerto Rico) runs right through town. From the plaza walk around and behind the church and around the block. Here you will find a newly refurbished area and the firehouse with a beautifully maintained, classic fire truck.
Barranquitas (AD/7)
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.
Orocovis (AC/6)
The “Geographic Center of Puerto Rico.” On Rt 143 just west of Rt 155 is the new Orocovis-Villalba lookout tower and recreational facility. From here you can see both the north and south coast of Puerto Rico.
Naranjito (AC/7)
This town is located in the area of “Las Colinas del Norte,” (the north hills) in the central east of the Island. Naranjito is known as “the changos town” because of the abundance of these black birds in the area. Naranjito shares the Lago La Plata, a beautiful lake, with the towns of Bayamón and Toa Alta.
Corozal (AC/7)
On the tree-enveloped plaza are both the church and the Barbería Histórica. There is also a new recreation and tourism area at the Centro Histórico Turístico Cibuco. Here you will find a well-maintained historic home, the Hacienda Aurora, as well as a playground and set of larger-than-life bronze statues celebrating the Spanish, Indian and African heritage of Puerto Rico.
Morovis (AC/6)
Morovis offers beautiful views of the mountains and the flatlands that run to the sea. The Panadería Patria is one of the oldest bakeries in Puerto Rico with its famous “pan de la patita echá” (braided bread).
Ciales (AC/6)
Unlike other areas in Puerto Rico, coffee production is still the largest agricultural product in Ciales. This area has a strong artist community and has produced a number of notable personages.
Florida (AB/5)
In Florida, on the plaza, are the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes and the City Hall. To get around town, there is a trolley service. Of particular interest in Florida are the stone carvings available from local artisans.
Lares (AC/3)
For a special local treat go to the “La Heladería de Lares” where you can sample one of the unique local ice cream flavors such as rice, beans and avocado. “El Poblado Castañer,” a beautiful area between Lares and Adjuntas, is another nearby area worth a visit.
Utuado (AC/4)
On the direct route to Utuado (via Rt 10) from Arecibo is the Río Abajo Forest. This large forest is in the heart of the karst country, with very rugged formations, an extensive trail system and a visitors center. Dos Bocas Lake, just north of Utuado, is a beautiful, large, winding reservoir.
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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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