Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scenic Drive on La
Ruta Panorámica
Day One
Begin at Yabucoa, in the
southeast of the island,
and head west along
Carretera 182 to 181. From
here, follow the “La Ruta”
signs as you climb up into
the
Sierra de Cayey
and
through
Reserva Forestal
Carite,
before dropping
down to
Cayey
(see p92)
.
Crossing the highway, turn
left onto Carretera 1. The
route ascends to
Aibonito
- explore the town center
before continuing north
to
Barranquitas
, with a
diversion along Carretera
725 to
Cañon de San
Cristóbal
(see p92)
on the
way. Explore the sites at
Barranquitas
, then head
west along Carretera 143
to
Bosque Estatal Toro
Negro
. Turn north onto
Carretera 149 to see the
Salto de Don Juan
Cascade
, which can be
viewed from the road. A
short distance further, turn
left onto Carretera 144 for
Hacienda Gripiñas
and
stay overnight.
Mountain scenery near Utuado
(
La Ruta Panorámica
A scenic route running
across the island's mountainous
interior, the Ruta Panorámica
comprises dozens of roads
spanning 166 miles (266 km)
between the towns of Yabucoa
and Mayagüez. Although
convoluted, and with many
junctions, the route is well-
marked with brown “La Ruta”
signs as it dips and rises and
twirls through the spectacular
landscape. Allow two days to
cover the route end to end. You
can enjoy simple meals and
stock up on snacks at roadside
colmados
(see p112)
along the
way.
d
Map B4-L5
)
Maricao
Day Two
Retrace your route to
Carretera 143, stopping to
visit the
Museo Indígena
Cemí
outside
Jayuya
(see
p92)
. Back on Carretera
143, head west to
Cerro
Punta
. Hike the access
path for good views, then
continue along La Ruta to
Adjuntas
(see p92)
- exit
the town on Carretera 518.
A web of well-signed,
scenic roads leads to
Reserva Forestal Maricao
(see p92)
, where you can
park at trailheads and hike.
Descend on Carretera 120
to visit
Maricao
before
ending your trip at
Parador
Hacienda Juanita
, a
charming old coffee
estate
(see p92)
.
This pleasant town on the
western flanks of the cordillera
is nestled in the valley of the
Río Maricao and surrounded by
glossy coffee bushes that carpet
the hillsides like green corduroy.
Time your visit for mid-February
and the annual Festival de la
Cosecha del Café (coffee
festival), when the town bursts
into colorful life with folkloric
dancing. Allow time for an
intriguing side-trip to the local
fish hatchery (Vivero de Peces
Maricao), where fish are raised
to stock the island's lakes.
d
Map
C4 • Maricao Fish Hatchery: Carretera
410 Km 1.7; 787 838 3710; open 8:30-
11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm Thu-Sun
91
