Popular tradition holds that Morovis is called "the island minus Morovis" because it was the only town in Puerto Rico that escaped a cholera epidemic in the 19th century.
This municipality in the north-central region combines nature, such as the caves of Reserva Natural Las Cabachuelas, with criollo food and chinchorros (casual roadside food and drink spots) worth stopping at.
Two of the "Top" picks from the Platea community are also here: Maelo Chicken Fever, among the best roast chickens on the Island, and El Malangó, among the places with the best alcapurrias.
To put this route together, Carol Colón Rivera, a 35-year-old physical therapist from Morovis, shares her favorite spots to explore and eat.
🍻 Where to Eat
This open-air restaurant has been serving criollo food for more than 25 years, with more than 20 recipes on the menu. The house specialty is the Hércules: a churrasco in guava sauce stuffed with mofongo, served over arroz mamposteao.
In Barrio Cuchillas, you can leave your car getting washed while you eat. The menu has criollo food and snacks. The space has a bar, a pool table and a terrace with a view of the town.
This roast chicken business has been in Morovis for more than 55 years, with a seasoning created by its founder, Genaro Colón. It's open Thursday through Sunday and serves chicken fresh off the spit with sides cooked over wood fire. The Platea community voted it among the best roast chickens in Puerto Rico.
This chinchorro is a well-known stop for its alcapurrias, especially the corned beef ones. The Platea community included it on its list of the best alcapurrias in Puerto Rico.
This restaurant on Carretera 155 combines German touches with a mountain view. Its menu features German sausage dishes and criollo classics, along with a wide selection of imported beers.
The place bills itself as the official home of Oktoberfest in Puerto Rico.
👀 Platea Picks
In the center of town, this coffee shop serves Puerto Rican coffee and breakfasts to start the route off right.
🌳 Things to Do
This reserve has 60 caves with archaeological art and is managed by a group of Morovis residents with support from the municipality.
Visits are guided and combine hiking, spelunking and the history of the area. A full tour of the reserve takes four to five hours, so bring water and light food.
👀 Platea Picks
Near the border with Vega Baja, the waterfall El Patrón drops 40 feet or more and is reached after a 10-minute walk through the forest from road PR-6617.
The trail can be slippery, steep and muddy, so wear appropriate footwear and avoid going after heavy rain.
Near the border with Vega Baja, the waterfall El Patrón drops 40 feet or more and is reached after a 10-minute walk through the forest from road PR-6617.
The trail can be slippery, steep and muddy, so wear appropriate footwear and avoid going after heavy rain.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
