Central Region
This region is mountainous and less accessible than the other regions due to its roads not being direct and bridges periodically being washed away in bad storms. The highway 10 from Arecibo to Utuado is beautiful – one of the best on the island. The mountains that loom overhead on either side of the road make for a majestic drive. The highest peak in Puerto Rico is in Jayuya, called Cerro de Punta. The peak resides in the Bosque Estatal Toro Negro. Book an adventure down the Tanamá river, passing through Cueva El Portillo, Rio Tanamá, a vast cave you can float through on a tube.
Waterfalls, rivers, & swimming holes
There are many waterfalls and swimming holes in this area, scattered around the central region. Seeing as how there are no beaches, visiting these fresh water spots is the next best thing. For info on how to check out a few of these on a day trip, check out this Central Rivers Itinerary. To see how they rank with other spots check out Waterfalls & Rivers.
By far, the most popular attraction of the central region is Toro Verde Adventure Park, which boasts the 2nd longest zipline in the world – 1.5 miles (2.5km) long. While in the region, visit the Casa Bavaria, a popular german-style restaurant that celebrates Oktoberfest every year. Alternatively, head south for lunch at Restaurante La Sombra (Longanizas Doña María). Orocovis is known for their sausages (longanizas) and this popular eatery might do it best.
The Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo is a beautiful state forest that has been closed for some time but set to partially open in late May 2023. This is an excellent bird watching location. When I visited, we saw or heard 8 endemic bird species. If you want a glimpse at the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, this is the best location. They only exist in two separated populations, the other one being El Yunque National Forest.
This particular mountain in Jayuya has the highest peak in Puerto Rico at 4398 ft (1338 m). You could drive all the way up, but the road is really bad. It’s gotten much worse in the year of 2023. If you don’t have 4 wheel drive you won’t make it. The hike up the road isn’t too bad, but it’s steep, park here. It will take you 20-30min. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day you’ll have 360º views of the island. You can see the ocean on either side, though this peak is closer to the Caribbean Sea. I have done much tougher hikes for worse views, this one is definitely worth it!
In the mountains of Utuado is a well-preserved Taíno site where you can see pottery and stone carvings in a very small, one-room museum. Behind the building is the main attraction: stones placed around a cleared space called “bateys” used by the Taíno for a ball game and spiritual ceremony. On some of the larger stones you can see carvings of humans and various animals. This is by far the largest Taíno site I have been to.
This cave is tucked away in the forest near the border between Utuado, Hatillo, and Arecibo. To get there, you’ll need to hike from this trailhead. Park here. I don’t have a photo that does this massive cave justice. There’s a trail to enter the upper section, to get to the lower, there’s a trail that leads to the river. Walk down stream (to your right), when you round the bend you’ll see the cave. There is a sign at a fork in the road, go left until you get to another fork. Go left to get to the river, right to the cave. It’s located here.
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