Corozal takes its name from the corozo palm (Acrocomia aculeata), a species native to Puerto Rico with a spine-covered trunk, round yellow fruit with edible seeds, and yellow flowers.
They are known as Los Plataneros, not only because they are one of the towns that produces the most plantains, but also because of their legendary men's volleyball team of the same name, which has won nine championships. Along with the Pinkin, the women's volleyball team with 19 championships, Corozal also goes by the nickname Cuna del Voleibol, and its fans have a reputation for being among the best.
Beyond plantains and volleyball, Corozal is a mountain town with fun things to do and outstanding food, known for its pastelitos de arroz, which are usually sold at various spots around town, on the street or by order, and often appear on the menus of several restaurants.
Corozal native Andreína Guzmán Dopazo, a digital content specialist, told us the best spots in her town so you can do the road trip like a local.
1er Festival Agrícola Tropical: This gathering of artisans and farmers takes place on May 17 in the barrio Padilla of Corozal. There will be live music, traditional food, fresh produce and more.
5to Festival Turístico Pastelitos de Arroz: From June 5 to 7, Corozal celebrates one of its most emblematic dishes: pastelitos de arroz. In addition to live music and food, the festival sells pastelitos de arroz by the dozen, with deliveries as far as Cataño, Guaynabo and Caguas.
Festival Nacional del Plátano: It usually takes place between October and November, and this year marks its 42nd anniversary. It features music, food, crafts and many plantain-based dishes.
If you're looking for a place to hike, mountain bike, swim in the river, camp, or simply relax and connect with nature, Bosque Estatal Monte Choca is the place for you.
It has several trails of varying difficulty and distance, designed to be accessible to all visitors. There is also a museum with historical community artifacts, a community center, a visitor center, and free parking.
There is a camping area that operates on a donation basis. The facilities have restrooms available to the public. The area is near the Río Maravillas, which is suitable for a swim.
Guided visits: If you would like a guided visit, you can contact Alberto Rivera, the person in charge of Bosque Monte Choca, at 787-619-3793 or 787-859-2046.
This movie theater was restored to give it a modern feel and new life. Located near the Plaza Pública Franklin Delano Roosevelt de Corozal, the space has a 4D theater with 200 seats showing recent films, and also serves as a venue for theater shows and stand-up comedy.
For Andreína, this is the ideal place to hear live music and have a mojito. Its original mojito recipe won first prize at the Mojito Fest 2018, and they offer a variety of flavors for every taste.
"They have live music almost every day, bringing in different local artists each day. There's food too," Andreína said.
Café Museo El Yagrumo, owned by collector José Luis Miranda Meléndez, holds around 3,000 antique pieces, including mortars, televisions, wheels, bicycles and more, that will take you back in time. It is an ideal space for families and chinchorreo (hopping between chinchorros) groups who enjoy traditional Puerto Rican food.
Andreína recommends trying the taquitos de guábara, freshwater shrimp caught in the town itself. They also have rabbit pastelillos, Corozal's famous pastelitos de arroz, and the house drink is the Yagrumazo, a mix of juices and rums.
Founded by Pepe Guinea in 1968, his family today carries on the legacy and the house specialty: arroz con guinea and fricasé de guinea, a bird similar to a hen, with black plumage and white spots, known for its distinctive call.
Andreína recommends the arroz con guinea, but there are also other meats and traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
This restaurant is the ideal mountain stop for views of the Puerto Rico coast. With a variety of traditional dishes and assorted options, Vista al Mar is one of those worthwhile stops in the countryside.
With traditional food, terraces, and outdoor tables, this spot tends to be a favorite for chinchorreos and motorcyclists.
Andreína recommends the fricasé de cabro, one of the house specialties. They also have a wide variety of flavored mojitos and El Peñonazo, a $35 dish with longaniza, smoked meat, chicharrones de pollo, fried meat and tostones that feeds four to six people.
Cover photo: Letras de Corozal via Facebook: Discover Puerto Rico. Photo of rice pastelitos by Cindy Burgos | PlateaPR
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
