Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range is a hidden gem bursting with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. From hiking to natural swimming pools and exploring the vibrant rainforest, this region is a great place to discover an array of activities you won’t find anywhere else in Puerto Rico. If you’re reading this blog post, you’re definitely not the touristy type. You’re someone who craves authentic experiences and wants to explore a country like a true local. Well, congrats! You’ve come to the perfect place. Let’s dive into the real heart and soul of this amazing destination together. Come take the journey with us as I explore all that these lush mountains have to offer.

I have partnered with Discover Puerto Rico for this post. The best part for me is they had zero restrictions regarding my blog post. This is my honest opinion, with no constraints. For the record, I only choose places that I ABSOLUTELY want to visit myself!

Why Puerto Rico?

On all my travels, I’ve never felt so at ease and welcomed as I did in Puerto Rico. The locals have this incredible way of making you feel alive and right at home. They’ll welcome you with open arms and their vibrant energy is contagious. You’ll feel like you’re part of “la familia” in no time. I now understand why my oldest daughter Angelique is obsessed with the US island! I think you will be obsessed too!

What you need to know about Puerto Rico before you go.

• Puerto Rico is part of the USA, so grab your sunglasses and hop on a plane. No passport is required!

• No need for adaptors. You can plug in your American devices straight into their outlets.

• No need to worry about currency exchange in Puerto Rico – they use USD.

• Spice-lovin’ Texan here! But guess what? Puerto Rico doesn’t do spicy. Mind-blowing, right?!

Central Mountain Puerto Rico Airport

San Juan Airport (SJU)

Hotel in Caguas, Puerto Rico

Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino

500 Alhambra En Granada Blvd, Caguas, 00725, Puerto Rico

Why choose this hotel? It’s spotless, the food is out-of-this-world, and the staff is all about good vibes. Seriously, what more could you ask for?

(Hey, don’t forget you can totally use your Marriott points to score this awesome hotel room!)

Things to do in Central Moutain Puerto Rico

Ready to ditch the tourist clichés and dive into a truly local experience? Say goodbye to the usual sightseeing and hello to an adventure that will make you feel like a true insider. Get ready to discover the hidden gems that only the locals know about! Here is how you can do it.

(Feeling queasy while road-tripping up and down mountains? Take my advice and pop some motion sickness pills beforehand!)

Chinchorreo Route In Cayey with Sofrito Tours

Contact: Laura Ortiz +1 (787) 996-9619  | @sofritotours – IG | FB  #sofritotours

Sofrito is all about exploring the incredible island of Puerto Rico through its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. Get ready for an unforgettable journey where they’ll dive into the heart and soul of Puerto Rico culture, treating your taste buds to mouthwatering experiences you’ll never forget. Check out the awesome things we did on our tour!

(Is Cayey a safe haven for tourists? You betcha!)

Casa de la Música en Cayey

Ready to dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico? Look no further than Cayey’s Historical House of Music! This unique spot pays homage to the traditions of the island in a beautifully restored building made of native wood. Thanks to a dedicated non-profit organization led by the talented Andés Yambó, visitors can gather in this special place to enjoy music, learn about local history, and even take classes to master traditional Puerto Rican instruments. With a lineup of lively performances and exciting cultural events, this is a destination you don’t want to miss. Come join them as they celebrate the soulful sounds and captivating culture of Cayey!

We had an absolute blast getting to know the incredible music of Cayey! The live band absolutely rocked our world and kept us entertained the entire time. It felt like we were right at home, grooving to the music and showing off our dance moves.

You can rock out to free tunes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The awesome music is made possible by generous donations. So, grab your cash and spread the love by giving what you can. Let’s keep the music going!

(BYOC- Bring your own chairs. Hungry? Need a strong drink? Cigar? No need to go far – within walking distance, you’ll find a plethora of vendors waiting to serve you all weekend long.)

Cayey’s Town Plaza

Right across the street, get ready to be wowed by Cayey’s vibrant Town Plaza! Brace yourself for an amazing amphitheater, known as La Concha Acústica, that’s decked out with stunning colors. It’s the perfect spot for awesome entertainment. But that’s not all! There’s a classic carousel where you can create fantastic family memories. Plus, you’ll find a magnificent sculpture that pays homage to the renowned Cayey painter, Ramón Frade León, and his masterpiece “El Pan Nuestro”. And hold on to your hats, because there’s even a huge open area where concerts, festivals, and learning experiences take place.

Also, get ready to be amazed in front of the breathtaking church next door. But what’s really blowing my mind (and should blow yours too) is the super cool archaeological discoveries and display of ancient foundations and graves. They went all out, exploring every nook and cranny, creating replicas of skeletons and burials, and even setting up a fancy walkway and display area with informative signs. And the best part? It’s open to everyone who wants to learn and be fascinated. The icing on the cake is that it’s free!

(Oops! My excitement got the best of me and I completely forgot to snap some pictures. My bad, guys! Shit happens!)

Lunch During the Tour

Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine on this tour. They have included with their tour a delicious lunch at a renowned local restaurant that’s the talk of the town. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this authentic dining experience.

Charco Azul

If you’re a fan of natural swimming pools, then you’ve got to check out Charco Azul in Puerto Rico. Get ready for a local adventure that’s free of tourist crowds. The best part is – you’ll be mingling with the locals, not bumping into hordes of tourists. This hidden gem is tucked away in the beautiful Carite Forest in Patillas. It’s an easy stroll through paved pathways in the woods, with charming little bridges crossing the river along the way. The trail is less than ½ mile each way, so it’s a breeze to explore. And once you reach the end, you’ll be treated to a stunning pond, complete with a rain shelter and BBQ areas where you can kick back and enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t forget your water shoes, as the water can get deep in certain areas where adventurous souls jump off rocks for a thrilling splash. It’s the perfect way to end a tour.

Coffee Tour in Hacienda Muñoz

Coffee lovers, have you ever been on a coffee tour? If not, you’re missing out on an amazing experience. This tour will make you truly appreciate your daily cup of Joe. Discover the incredible amount of hard work and sacrifice that goes into each and every bean. The coffee tours are available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so you can easily find a time that works for you. They offer tours in both Spanish and English, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. During the two-hour guided walking tour, you’ll get an up-close look at the coffee plantation and visit the processing area. You’ll walk among the coffee bushes, giving you a chance to see firsthand how the beans are handpicked with care. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your love for coffee and gain a newfound appreciation for the process behind it.

(Are your knees giving you trouble? Joining this tour might not be the best idea, as there will be a lot of walking involved!)

Kayaking in Punta Santiago with Water and Eco Sports

Want some adventure? Visit Water Sports and Eco-Tours for an amazing time on the water. They offer self-guided kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals at the Reserve. Prices are unbeatable, just $15 per person per hour. And who doesn’t love the thrill of solo kayaking through Puerto Rico? You need to experience it for yourself!

(Be prepared to navigate your kayak through a super tight squeeze under a bridge. Brace yourself – it’s way more challenging than it seems. But don’t worry, if you dip back, you’ll conquer the bridge in no time. Get ready to test your skills and experience the excitement!)

After trekking through Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range, it’s clear to me that you can find plenty of entertainment here. You aren’t limited to just one activity; instead, a plethora of amenities awaits, providing fun activities such as swimming in clear natural pools and hiking through the lush rainforest. I encourage those who are tired of the day-to-day tourist life – you know, going on the typical tours and visiting cliché cultural attractions – to take the opportunity to explore this special region. Let Glam Escapes book your next trip so that you can experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer in its most sacred places. Step outside your comfort zone, dive into nature, and lose yourself in the heart and soul of these astonishing mountains. Come join me! Together we’ll uncover something fantastic along our way as we wander through this hidden gem! Click here to learn more!

Read more: Exploring Puerto Rico’s Central Mountains – Fun Activities

• A Tourist’s Review of Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico – The Good and The Bad
• Delicious Cuisine of Puerto Rico Central Mountain – A Guide to Where to Eat Like a Local!
• Exploring Puerto Rico’s Central Mountains – Fun Activities
• Brunching in Scottsdale, Arizona – My Top Two Picks for Delicious Morning Delights!
• Guide to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend- Explore and Be Mesmerized