Maricao Puerto Rico

Maricao, Puerto Rico is one of the least populous municipalities in Puerto Rico, located at the western edge of the mountains, is a small town set around a small plaza in hilly terrain.

What was a refuge for the Spaniards and the Taíno Indians from the Caribe Indians and the pirates, is now considered one of the premier coffee-raising areas in Puerto Rico and is known as the "El Pueblo de las Indieras" (The town of the Indian regions) and Ciudad del Café (the Coffee City).

Puerto Rican coffee has always been considered of the finest quality in taste and aroma and it was coveted around Europe as the BEST coffee of the world. Unfortunately for the small coffee farmers the industry has experienced a steady sharp decline during the last decade. Many of the old plantation houses have been converted for use in the tourism industry.

For a synopsis of the history of Puerto Rico Coffee visit Cafe Real de Puerto Rico 100% Pure Puerto Rican style roasted in the farm where it's grown and should not be compared with other brands that blend and mix their coffee and label them with fancy names at astronomical prices.

Under President Roosevelt, Puerto Rican coffee formed part of every White House breakfast. The people of the island's important Maricao Coffee district celebrate the end of the annual harvest with music, vibrant parades and arts and crafts stalls know as Maricao Coffee Festival. For information about the Coffee Harvest Festival contact 787-838-2290.

In Maricao, Puerto Rico you can find the Maricao Commonwealth Forest, also known as "Monte del Estado".  Here you can find the Maricao Fish Hatchery, a collection of tanks and ponds in a garden setting, where some 25,000 fish are raised yearly to stock farm fishponds and island lakes.

Monte del estado is Puerto Rico's most important ecological sites, featuring campgrounds, trails, and plenty of room to enjoy the scenery and the island's flora and fauna.

Places to stay

Parador Hacienda Juanita - A Rustic hacienda in cool, tropical mountains of a Caribbean rain forest - Adjacent to coffee plantation.

It offers 21 hotel rooms authentically decorated, some with ancient pillar beds and antique pieces; private bathrooms and equipped with all of the necessary items you would need for your visit and enjoyment.

For several decades the Parador Hacienda Juanita (Juanita Plantation Hostelry), one of the first three "paradores" and/or hostelries established in Puerto Rico, has been sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.  Contact them at: Carr/ Road 105 Km 23.5, HC-01 Box 8200, Maricao, PR. Phone: 787-838-2550.

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