Among the 15 municipalities in the central region, there is a dramatic difference between those close to San Juan (Aguas Buenas, Cidra, Comerío, Corozal, and Naranjito), or near Expressway PR52 (Cayey), and those that are accessed only by narrow mountain roads (Aibonito, Barranquitas, Orocovis, Morovis, and Ciales). There is an even more dramatic difference between these towns and the once- isolated municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya, Lares, and Utuado. Fortunately, improved roads now make them all easier to reach and explore. What do you fi nd? In the center of each town is a colonial church, a plaza, and a city hall, with none alike, but all remarkable.
Information:
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Ochoa Bldg., 550 Tanca St., Old San Juan
787-721-2400 exts. 3901, 3902, 3904 & 3905
LMM International Airport Tourism Office: 787-791-1014
Serving: Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Cayey, Ciales, Cidra, Comerío, Corozal, Jayuya, Lares, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis & Utuado
Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, 787-894-7300. Utuado. 8:30 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. daily. One of the major pre-Columbian sites in the Caribbean with about a dozen ceremonial parks and countless petroglyphs.
Cibuco Historical Tourism Center, 787-859-8079. Corozal. 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Thu.-Sun. & holidays. The restored Hacienda Aurora grounds include ecological and artisan paths, statues, a playground, and a small lake.
Dos Bocas Reservoir, 787-894-3505. Utuado. Enjoy a free boat ride across the lake to one of several restaurants specializing in local delicacies.
Guilarte Forest, 787-829-5767. Adjuntas. 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Features many hiking trails, a lookout point, campgrounds, and cabins for rent. Home to one of the island’s tallest peaks: Punta Guilarte
Mirador Orocovis-Villalba, 787-867-5000. 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m Wed.-Sun. A superb lookout point where you can see some of the island’s southern towns. Has a children’s playground and picnic area.
San Cristóbal Canyon, 787-735-3871 Barranquitas/Aibonito. A spectacular volcanic rift with two rivers running through it and several waterfalls. Nature & Adventure tour operators can take you on adrenaline-filled excursions.
Toro Negro Forest & Lookout Tower, 787-867-3040. Orocovis. 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. daily. Explore its five hiking trails (one leads to a lovely waterfall and another to the breathtaking lookout tower), kayak in one of its two lakes or stay at its campsite.
Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, 787-867-7020. Orocovis. 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. daily. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, there are eight mountain adventures and/or excursions. Each has launching and landing platforms and some are connected by narrow suspended bridges or zigzagging walkways. Reservations recommended.
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