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The Panoramic
Route runs through the mountainous heart of Puerto
Rico, an area of dramatic beauty where traditional ways of life
persist. At least three days are required to adequately explore
the region around the network of 40 country roads that make up the
route. Shorter mountain excursions from nearby coastal cities are
a more practical option. Several spots can be visited in a day from
San Juan.
On the east coast, the route begins climbing into the mountains
from Yabucoa. Several restaurants,
with a beautiful view of the Caribbean, offer quality food at reasonable
prices. The Carite Forest is
a moist, 6,000-acre nature reserve bursting with vegetation. A cold
water pool has been dubbed Charco Azul
because of its deep blue. Lake Carite
and Lake Patillas are also near
the forest.
Further west are the towns of Cayey,
Aibonito and Barranquitas,
which are all easy day trips from San Juan via Highway 52. Aibonito
has numerous nurseries and a thriving chicken industry. Every June,
the week-long Festival of Flowers shows off the local flora and
fauna. Once a retreat for the wealthy, Aibonito has stately country
homes with elegant flourishes. La Piedra is a good restaurant with
a gallery of local art. Nature walks to the nearby San Cristóbal
Canyon are also arranged here.
Barranquitas is the birthplace of Luis Muñoz Rivera. His
former home has been converted into a museum and library. A nearby
mausoleum holds the bodies of Muñoz Rivera and his son Luis
Muñoz Marín, the island's first elected governor.
The San Cristóbal Canyon,
north of town, is the island's deepest gorge, plunging 700 feet
to the Usabón River. Only experienced hikers should attempt
the steep, narrow descent. The property has been recently acquired
by the Conservation Trust, which aims to make it more accessible
to visitors. Good views of the gorge are east of Barranquitas.
Toro Negro is a 7,000-acre
forest reserve sprawled across the Island's center. Besides it lush
vegetation and waterfalls, the reserve has the island's highest
peak and lake. There are also recreation and camping areas.
Coffee country lies beyond the reserve to the west. Restored plantations
now offering lodging and food can be found in Utuado,
Jayuya and Maricao.
Jayuya is known for its skilled wood carvers. Its Taíno heritage
is promoted through an annual Indian Festival and a small museum.
Besides a charming parador,
Maricao also has a state-run campground where cabins are available
for rent. A fish hatchery here stocks all the Island's lakes. An
annual coffee festival is held in February.
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