To get to know Naranjito, you have to try its varied food scene. El Pueblo de los Changos, located in the mountains of the eastern island and easily accessible via the Puente Atirantado from the Bayamón area, is the birthplace of Puerto Rico's first chinchorreo (hopping between chinchorros) route.
The culinary options are countless, so we recommend a few that you might enjoy. We also share some activities you can do to take in all the nature Naranjito has to offer.
Restaurants to visit in Naranjito
Start with a good breakfast or brunch at this spot. French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelets, scrambled eggs, sandwiches and everything else you can imagine from a good breakfast can be found here. And of course, there's coffee, which here takes on a countryside flavor that will leave you wanting to come back.
On the chinchorreo route along PR-152, El Limbo is a good option. You'll find good food and drink here. The menu is varied, with meats, fish, mofongo and other cravings. Tuesdays, for example, are for Mexican street food. Tuesdays, for example, are for Mexican street food; and Wednesdays feature wings, tostones, shrimp and mozzarella sticks for $0.50.
Recommendation: For an appetizer, try the gandules risotto croquettes, and for a main, the Arroz El Limbo, with chicken, churrasco, smoked meat and shrimp.
This welcoming terrace with a bar-and-kitchen concept recently opened and has won over the community in Naranjito. Here you'll find creative culinary creations and an extensive menu of wines and cocktails. Lunch is available every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On evenings and weekends, there is live music.
Ruta Gastronómica
Naranjito's chinchorreo route is so well known that the municipality officially named it the Ruta Gastronómica PR-152. Restaurants and chinchorros line the way. You start seeing them as soon as you cross the Puente Atirantado on PR-5 and all along PR-152.
At Ruta al Campo you can try alcapurrias. Along the 152, some spots we recommend stopping at are:
Las Lágrimas Bar & Grill – Menu of Puerto Rican home cooking. Right next to it is a lookout point where, when the trees allow, you can see the river below.
Calichi Gastrobar – From this large terrace you can take in a captivating landscape and enjoy an upscale dining experience with fresh, local ingredients.
Caldosos Bar & Rest. – This chinchorro is known for its famous sangria and the Festival de la Peseta every Thursday.
Pal Velde – This small bar and kitchen is a welcoming space that specializes in homemade-style smoked pork and chicken, along with its distinctive Mac n' Cheese.
Papá Ché Bar & Grill – Here you'll find Mexican food and some of the best mojitos around.
Bello Horizonte – If you detour onto Route 809, you'll come across this restaurant, which offers a family atmosphere and a great view of the mountain landscape.
El Rancho de Nando – Just past Bello Horizonte, stop at this ranch to try the best longaniza. Options include chicken, pork, smoked meat and blood sausage.
Things to do in Naranjito
Beyond its food scene, Naranjito stands out for being among the mountain towns, which means it has unique spaces to enjoy nature and the inland island atmosphere. Here are some activities we recommend in Naranjito.
Tour a cacao farm
Did you know that in the heart of Naranjito there is a farm that makes artisanal chocolate? Hacienda Terruño JS is a family project that produces fine-flavor cacao in the mountain region. The product is good enough to rank among the top 50 cacaos in the world. They offer tours where you can see the hacienda, learn about the production process from cacao to chocolate, and then taste it.
It can also be a good opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Puerto Rican countryside, with its various endemic plants and birds.
Family time at Pasa Tiempo
This hidden gem in the middle of Naranjito's natural surroundings is designed for play, enjoyment and family time. It has volleyball and basketball courts, terraces, a boardwalk and plenty of space for outdoor activities. It also has two restaurants with a varied menu.
A walk around the La Plata reservoir
Among the mountains of Puerto Rico, between Naranjito and neighboring towns, you'll find Lago La Plata. The reservoir formed by the dam of the same name is full of lush greenery and nature that you can take in on a boat ride.
La Plata Boat Trip specializes in ecotourism tours in this area. The ride departs from the barrio Guadiana and takes you across the entire reservoir. You'll see the Puente Atirantado from below, breathe in the natural surroundings and spend a relaxing time out on the water.
Photos: Terruño JS / Facebook and Pal' Tosta'o Café / Instagram
