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THINGS TO DO

Coffee, mountains and a river: a road trip through Maricao, recommended by a coffee grower

Mariana Betancourt

Maricao is known as the Ciudad de las Montañas and the Pueblo de las Indieras because it was the site of the last Taíno settlement. It is a largely agricultural municipality, with coffee as the economic and cultural engine of the area.

To put this guide together, we spoke with Francisco Miró, an agronomist and coffee grower from the barrio Indiera Baja, who knows the town from the inside. He shared that at least six coffee brands operate in Maricao:

  • 787 Coffee - Hacienda Iluminada

  • Café Don Chago

  • Café Delicias

  • Café Mañanero

  • Café Don Ruiz

  • Café Colarte

Between coffee, hiking and traditional food, Maricao lends itself to a day by the river or a weekend in the mountains.

☕ Things to Do

539V+FRR, Maricao
Coffee shop

This farm accepts group visits and takes you through the entire process, from planting to roasting. The visit ends with a cup of coffee. The cost depends on the group and starts at $20, with a $30 option that includes more activities.

📞 Call to arrange your visit: (787) 312-7045

Km 16.2, San Germán
AtracciónParqueSendero

This is a recreational area managed by the Compañía de Parques Nacionales, located more than 1,300 feet above sea level, with views of la Cordillera. There you can camp in designated areas; there are also BBQ grills, picnic tables and restroom facilities. A pool is available for an additional fee.

527W+X5X, Maricao
Atracción

This is a roughly one-mile hike (round trip), with stream crossings and rocky terrain, that takes between 15 and 20 minutes following the course of the river. At the end there is a swimming hole where you can take a dip.

52JC+627, Maricao
Sitio histórico

This spot is a worthwhile stop for anyone who wants to explore the town center and its history.

52H9+JP8, Maricao
Sitio históricoAtracción

This is a route designed for those looking to connect with the religious and cultural traditions of the area.

PR-128 Interior Km 31.2, Maricao
Coffee shopSitio históricoAtracciónParque
Imported from Google Places. Attribution: Hacienda Iluminada Coffee Farm (https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/114207871359834125286)

This farm, home of the 787 Coffee brand, offers cabin lodging and tours where you can walk through the crops, see the harvesting and roasting process, and even interact with the farm animals before finishing with a cup of freshly roasted coffee. They also offer a longer weekend experience, spanning several days, focused on learning the full coffee process.

🥑 Where to Eat

52JC+CM6, Maricao
PizzeríaRestaurante

Pizza and calzones with a Puerto Rican twist. Among the combinations available are options with shredded chicken, lettuce and green peppers, a mix of local and traditional Italian flavors.

Maricao
PanaderíaCoffee shopRestaurante

A bakery and pastry shop that also operates as a colmado and deli in the center of Maricao. A good option for breakfast or lunch, with sandwiches and freshly baked bread.

Maricao
Casual diningRestauranteCriolla
Imported from Google Places. Attribution: El Rincón de Los Recuerdos (https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/116153678294887595323)

Known as the Antigua Casa de los Tostones Gigantes, this restaurant serves traditional food and is known for its giant tostones. The menu also includes stuffed mofongo (with garlic chicken or chicken in criolla sauce, shrimp, octopus or fish), fried chicken, chicharrones, and snacks such as empanadillas, sorullitos and tacos.

The space is also decorated with antiques, including radios, coffee grinders and turntables.

Carr 426 Bo Km 0, Maricao
Restaurante
Imported from Google Places. Attribution: Sazón de la Montaña (https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/104269936320661514945)

This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).