Utuado: Things to Do in Utuado

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February 20, 2023
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Things to Do in Utuado

Visit an important archaeological site and enjoy the Tanamá River.

The municipality of Utuado, located in the mountainous central area of Puerto Rico, is home to the Caribbean’s most important archeological site called Parque Ceremonial Indígena de Cagüana (Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park) as well as a variety of outdoor adventures and some of the Island’s top coffee farms.

Here are some of the top things to do in Utuado when you visit:

Tanamá River

Along the Tanamá River you’ll find a range of activities available, whether you want an adventure or to simply enjoy beautiful natural environments.

Through companies like Tanamá River Adventures you can go cave tubing, rappelling, caving, kayaking, jumping off the waterfalls, and hiking through the forest to see caves. Meanwhile, with Batey Zipline Adventures you can choose between hiking across a hanging bridge, ziplining, horseback riding through a picturesque coffee farm, and more.

These are all family-friendly activities guided by experienced professionals whose priority is the safety of their group, first and foremost. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to choose according to the level of challenge you want. If you want to have fun in an environment away from the beaches, definitely consider one of these tours.

Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park in Utuado.

Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park

Studies estimate that the place was built more than 800 years ago by the Taínos, Puerto Rico’s native ethnic group. The historic site features a small museum with Taíno artifacts and additional information, a gift shop, more than 20 large, well-preserved petroglyphs, and 10 plazas — known as bateyes — that were used for ceremonial purposes or to play games during about 300 years until the Spanish arrived.

The Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park is thought to be the largest ceremonial site created by the Taínos anywhere in the Antilles. This is a beautiful and quiet place where you feel a connection to a much deeper history of the region.

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Utuado is located about an hour and a half drive from San Juan, and about an hour away from Ponce.

Go horseback riding through all 100-acres of Finca Horizonte in Utuado.

Finca Horizonte

The Horizonte farm is a slice of paradise owned by the popular Puerto Rican singer and composer Draco Rosa. You can book a tour to go horseback riding through the 100-acre farm and taste the amazing organic coffee grown on the property. The horseback riding trip can be catered to different experience levels, so you can ride at your own pace and enjoy the experience. At Finca Horizonte you can learn about local fauna and flora, sample local coffee, and get to know more about the lifestyle of the Puerto Rican jíbaros.

Coffee beans on a tree at Cafe Gran Batey in Utuado.

Café Gran Batey

This is another coffee farm in Utuado that belongs to a family that has worked the land for more than 45 years. At Café Gran Batey you will meet a local family, take a tour to learn everything about the coffee growing and roasting process, and then taste an exquisite cup of fresh Puerto Rican coffee paired with a homemade piece of cake. The visit, tour, and coffee sample are all free of charge. At the end of the tour, if you wish, you can buy coffee to take home with you, which makes a great souvenir!

The farm is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

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Utuado | Central Mountains | Discover Puerto Rico

The Tanamá River in Utuado is an adventurer’s playground.

Discover the indigenous culture and natural beauty in the mountains.

Covering an area of about 115 square miles, Utuado’s name comes from the Taíno word otoao, which means “between mountains. ” This stretch of land, planted among dense vegetation, is the most mountainous area of Puerto Rico. Here, visitors will find a rich indigenous history alongside numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

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Things to Do in Utuado

Indigenous Culture

Utuado is home to the important Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, one of the Island’s most precious Taíno legacies stretching back more than 800 years. The park has 10 ceremonial plazas, numerous well-preserved petroglyphs, a small museum that exhibits Taíno artifacts, and a botanical garden.

Two people exploring the Tanamá River in Utuado.

Outdoor Activities

Nestled in the Central Mountain Range, there are caves, rivers, and streams that offer a variety of activities.

This town of about 35,000 inhabitants, also known as the Ciudad del Viví (a reference to one of the local rivers), is home to the Río Abajo State Forest, with elevations that reach up to 1,391 feet above sea level. This ecosystem is a popular destination for those who enjoy hiking, bird-watching, exploring caves, and camping.

Meanwhile, the Tanamá River National Forest is another popular attraction in Utuado, where you can enjoy hiking, rappelling, cave tubing on the river, waterfall jumping, ziplining, canyoneering, and kayaking. In the forest, tour operators offer challenging options for experienced adventurers, as well as easier options for first-timers and families with young children.

Mientras estés en Utuado, visita una de las fincas cafetaleras.

Coffee Farms

Utuado also has coffee farms that offer tours. The 100-acre eco-farm Horizonte, which belongs to the popular Puerto Rican singer Draco Rosa, offers horseback riding tours through the property as well as the option of interpretative walks through the forest to learn about their organic crops. You can taste the seasonal fruits and a cup of the coffee grown on the farm — all free of pesticides and other chemicals.

Another location coffee lovers shouldn’t miss is the Hacienda Café Gran Batey, a beautiful place where you will learn about the growing and processing of coffee beans and enjoy tastings of authentic Puerto Rican coffee.

More things to do in Utuado

Where to Stay

Complement the area’s connection to nature with distinctly local lodging options. There tend be more vacation rentals than hotels in Utuado, and services such as Airbnb and HomeAway have a portfolio of properties in the area where you can enjoy the local scenery.

You’ll find a log cabin in the Río Abajo Forest that has a fully equipped kitchen swimming pool and historic brick chimney.

If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, consider a large house in the Hacienda Horizonte, which is a working coffee plantation next to a lake, and only a short walk from the Tanamá River. Or, enjoy glamping at Finca Viernes, where you’ll find tents, bonfires and stunning views of Lake Caonillas.

More places to stay

Top 10 Attractions in Utuado 2022

Travelers’ Choice
Things to do are ranked according to Tripadvisor, including reviews, ratings, photos and popularity.
Traveler Ranking
Top Tripadvisor Traveler-rated Attractions

Hotels in Utuado, – Booking.

com

Stars

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1 star

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

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Number of stars and price
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Casa Grande Mountain Retreat – Adults Only

4 stars

Hotel in Utuado

Located in Utuado, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat has a restaurant, garden and terrace. Each hotel room has a balcony.
Casa Grande Mountain Retreat was fantastic, very special and peaceful place, the staff is great, very serviceable and attentive at all moments… even though the food is plant-based (kind of vegan) it was great, loved it… looking forward to again visiting… thanks for a great weekend!!!

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9.1

Superb

104 reviews

Price from

€165

per night

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Apartment Utuado

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Utuado

Situated in Utuado in the Puerto Rico Central region, Utuado has a balcony and river views. This apartment is 44 km from Ponce.
close to the town very clean. The owner was very kind and pleasant

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9.6

Exceptional

13 reviews
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#2 Apt w/TV Netflix Wifi A/C Hot Water Laundry

Utuado

The apartments are located near the center of Puerto Rico and are suitable for up to 4 people. Laundry facilities and a private bathroom are available.

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Excellent

3 reviews

Price from

€ 162

per night

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Garden Suite/Infinity Pool/Lago Caonillas/WIFI/AC

Utuado

Boasting garden views, Garden Suite/Infinity Pool/Lago Caonillas/WIFI/AC features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a balcony, around 44 km from Arecibo Observatory.

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€ 305

per night

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Casa Viví Soñando

Adjuntas (Near Utuado)

Set in Adjuntas, 33 km from Arecibo Observatory and 30 km from Rio Camuy Cave Park, Casa Viví Soñando offers a garden and air conditioning.

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Superb

1 reviews

Price from

€153

per night

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Casa de Campo Rio Arriba

Arecibo (Near Utuado)

Situated in Arecibo in the North Puerto Rico region, Casa de Campo Rio Arriba features a balcony and garden views. The apartment is 41 km from Isabela.
The hosts were extremely gracious and welcoming. The apartment was spacious, clean, and cozy, with a great shower and fresh coffee to make in the morning. The beds were very comfortable and a/c kept the room cool. The sounds of coqui frogs and birds at night was unforgettable. We even rented a Canoe for traveling on the river.

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9.5

Superb

36 reviews

Price from

€157

per night

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Casa Catalina Jayuya

Jayuya (Near Utuado)

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Casa Catalina Jayuya is set in Jayuya. Located 33 km from Museo de Art de Ponce, the property features a garden and free private parking.

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€ 343

per night

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Bienvenidos a Touch of Nature Couples Retreat

Adjuntas (Near Utuado)

Boasting garden views, Bienvenidos a Touch of Nature Couples Retreat provides accommodation with a terrace and a balcony, around 27 km from Hacienda Buena Vista.