Puerto Rico's Cordillera Central

Travel Adventures

By: Kurt Pitzer, Tara Stevens

Narrated by: JJ Bower

To find the real Puerto Rico - the one that shopping malls and condos have yet to reach - head for the towns and villages of the Cordillera Central, or Central Mountains. Bisected by the Ruta Panoramica (Scenic Route), the mountains provide a relaxing getaway with an atmosphere so unlike the coast that it feels like an entirely different island. The Ruta Panorámica is a driving adventure covering more than a hundred miles of countryside, including coffee plantations, old jíbaro country and four forests: Carite, Toro Negro, Guilarte, and Maricao. Along the route are valleys, canyons, wide-open terraces, and views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Visitors who don't have time to do the whole Ruta Panorámica might consider a driving tour starting out from San Juan to the San Cristobal canyon in Aibonito, returning via Barranquitas - easily doable in a day if you start out early. Or take a few days to enjoy secluded swimming holes, hiking trails, a cloud forest, and the hospitality of the mountain locals. This guide tells you everything about the region: where to stay and eat, what to see and do, how to get around, the history and culture, the fiestas and the cuisine.

©2012 Hunter Publishing, Inc. (P)2015 Hunter Publishing, Inc.

Insightful-a great resource for expats as well as the well informed vacationer

As someone who has lived on the island for more than a dozen years, I found the book to be insightful and accurate. I was able to glean some additional ideas for possible adventures and having such information about the topography, history, culture, plants, etc. all in one place makes this book a great resource. I don’t know that the title is entirely fitting as I thought the book would be specifically about the central mountain range of Puerto Rico, however they clearly spent much time exploring there. I also feel, as having read the book in 2018, it could stand to be updated and revamped. Overall though, I think it is worth a purchase, as it is insightful, both for anyone moving to or vacationing in Puerto Rico.