Las Marías, known as the Pueblo de la China Dulce, is a municipality in the western mountains with abundant vegetation, adventure and destinations to discover.
Platea spoke with Las Marías native Dr. Verónica Santiago Beauchamp, a Family and Consumer Sciences educator with the UPR Mayagüez Agricultural Extension Service, who said her hometown is an ideal place to reconnect with Puerto Rico's rural landscape. Here are some of her favorite spots, which she recommends you visit.
🍽️ Where to eat and drink
At this grocery store, you'll find more than everyday essentials. El Mercado Café is also there, a popular spot with a varied menu that includes large breakfasts, brunch 24/7, pastas, made-to-order pizzas and soups served in bread bowls.
If you stop by, don't miss their signature frozen frappes in a range of flavors, from tropical fruits to dessert combinations such as strawberry cheesecake, ferrero, corn cheesecake and strawberry-passion fruit.
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Thursday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
If your child needs a haircut, La Barbería de Ronald is the place. The space has sensory toys and a playground designed so that young children, including those with autism and functional diversity, have a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience. For appointments, call 787-228-6256.
If you're looking for dishes to satisfy a big appetite or to share, visit Mi Cosecha. This restaurant, which started in 2018 as a food truck and grew into a full restaurant, prepares its dishes with local products from the municipality.
You can enjoy meats and poultry, stuffed mofongos, burgers with juicy patties, quesadillas, burritos and supreme potatoes. Among its specialties, the chuleta Kan Kan and the stuffed mofongo balls stand out.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A trip to Las Marías would not be complete without stopping at La Casona de Artemio, a century-old agrotourism hacienda where coffee takes center stage. The tour takes you from coffee trees loaded with cherries through the roasting process, so you can see firsthand how the bean is transformed.
The hacienda also has a restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine. For reservations, call 787-210-8252 or write to cafelacasonapr@gmail.com.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
🏠 Las Marías lodging
If you're looking to escape your routine, Chalet del Campo is your mountain retreat, whether you're going as a couple or with a longtime friend. The cabin has a pool with views of the mountain landscape, a kitchen, a bed and a full list of amenities.
For more information or reservations, write to corderocrespo@gmail.com or visit here.
🏞️ Rural adventures
Plenitud PR is a nonprofit educational farm where learning and community service go hand in hand. Its workshops cover everything from home gardens and therapeutic arts to emergency response, all under a framework of sustainability and resilience. To find out how to participate or get involved with their community, write to info@plenitudpr.org.
If you're drawn to adventure, Pista de Motocross Los Cítricos is your destination. On this dirt track, motocross and enduro enthusiasts can bring their bikes and ride in a spacious, safe setting. National-level competitions are also held here, from children to adults. For more information, call 787-827-2325.
Puerto Rico Rios Ríos Rafting Co: Give yourself over to the adrenaline on this whitewater rafting adventure along the Río Grande de Añasco. You'll also learn about the Taíno history of the region while on the tour with certified professionals.
Cover photo: Finca Plenitud
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
