Known as the "City of the Cry", Lares is a town that has left an important legacy in the history of Puerto Rico. Its rich coffee, excellent food and famous ice cream will make a tour of this municipality one of the better experiences on the Island.
Follow this route, from breakfast to dinner, along with some of the important places to visit in Lares, so you can also get to know its history along the way.
📍Find more stops in our Directory
Stop #1
Coffee lover? Start your route in Lares with a great cup at Caffellatte. Located on Route 129, right next to the Café Oro roasting facility, this coffee shop offers a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere for the whole family. In addition to its variety of coffees, it has a food menu ranging from plated breakfasts to sandwiches, burgers and more.
#Plateatip: Look through one of the windows and take in the area where Café Oro is roasted and packaged.
Stop #2
A visit to this historic coffee hacienda is a trip to the past. Founded in 1830 by French immigrant Juan Bautista Plumey and worked by enslaved people and day laborers, Hacienda Lealtad became the largest coffee plantation in Lares.
Today, its owner, Edwin Soto, and his family have invested millions in restoring and operating the hacienda as a hotel, a coffee shop and a museum. For now, visits are by reservation only; call (787) 897-8181.
Stop #3
In the center of Lares stands a historic mansion built in 1932 by engineer Don Francisco Levy González. The original plan for the Mansión Levy complex was to open it as a hotel and casino, but those plans were never completed.
Near the complex is a spring known as Santa Rosa, which led the site to become the first water-bottling plant in Puerto Rico. Today you can see its ruins, and the spring water still flows.
To visit, contact the Lares tourism office at (787) 897-2300.
Looking for similar spots? 6 historic spots around the island
Stop #4
Opened in 1998, owner Ivan Ruiz brings a piece of Viejo San Juan to the mountains of Lares. The restaurant has a varied menu but specializes in meats. You can enjoy a good family atmosphere and the wide selection of wines, beers and rums the bar offers.
Recommendation: Their burgers and churrasco!
Stop #5
La Heladería de Lares has become one of the tourist spots you should not miss. Since opening in 1968, it has become known for offering more than 500 recipes in different exotic flavors such as "Arroz con Habichuelas," "Arroz con Gandules," "Maíz" and many more.
#PlateaTip: The ice cream shop is right in the historic downtown of Lares. Use this stop to visit the Plaza de la Revolución and browse the local crafts.
Stop #6
What better combination than a restaurant and a lookout point? Our last stop is El Cepo, because from here you can take in the entire mountain zone of the island. The family-style criollo restaurant offers first-rate service and a one-of-a-kind view.
They specialize in high-quality cuts of meat prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and offer a variety of cocktails and wines.
#PlateaTip: If you enjoy photography, don't forget to climb the observation tower. The sunset from up there is spectacular!
Platea Recap
1. Is this route suitable for people of all ages?
Most of the route is suitable for people of all ages. On rainy days, the La Rambla area can get slippery, so take the necessary precautions.
2. What should my approximate budget be?
To enjoy a full day in Lares following this route exactly, budget around $100 for two people. The biggest expenses will be the restaurant visits, but you can expect to enjoy every meal.
3. Do I have time to visit another town?
If you're looking for more outdoor adventure, you can add a stop at Salto Collazo in San Sebastián. It takes 16 minutes by car if you take carretera #111.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
