This post was originally posted in the Local Guest Medium Profile.
Right in the center of Puerto Rico, there is the town of Orocovis. Founded in 1825, this town is known for their longaniza (sausage) and being the hometown of the Trova, a typical Puerto Rican music genre on which the “cuatro” (musical instrument) has the leading role. In year 2002, a geographical study concluded that the center and heart of Puerto Rico is located in Orocovis. This town is still a bit off the beaten path, even though it has so many natural attractions. There is so much to see, do and eat but these are the Top 5 things you shouldn’t miss while visiting Orocovis.
The famous ribs of Las Cabañas de Doña Juana:
In 1970, José Ramón Báez noticed that in the Doña Juana area in the Ala de la Piedra neighborhood there was no restaurant for the visitors that came to the Toro Negro Forest who wanted to eat around. Báez decided to make an experiment roasting a pork during a weekend and realized that in fact, it was a great project and it turned into their family business.
From that moment, Báez started to prepare other dishes such as rice and white beans, chicken, pork loins, and their famous charbroiled ribs. When you visit the restaurant, you have the opportunity to see all the meats being cooked right in front of you on their big see-through oven.
Five years ago, Carmen Enid Báez, daughter of the founder who has continued with the business, started a coffee shop along with the restaurant where they sell coffee and pastries.
This restaurant opens during the weekends and holidays.
Location: Carr. 143, Km 30.7, Barrio Ala de la Piedra
Phone: 787–612–1598
Volunteering in Toro Negro Forest:
Toro Negro is one of the public forest that is a part of the Forest system of the Natural Resources and Environmental Department. In 1934, the Reconstruction Administration of Puerto Rico bought the lands to establish the forest. In 1942 the Secretary of the Interior Department transferred the lands to the Secretary of Federal Agriculture. From this moment until 1961, the forest was administered by the Federal Forest Service. In 1961 it was transferred to the state government.
It is a great place to camp thanks to its recreational areas, paths and all the attractions such as its closeness to the Doña Juana Waterfall, the Watchtower and the Cabañas de Doña Juana Restaurant.
On its lands, the forest used to have a natural pool filled by the water coming from the waterfall. After hurricane María, the pool was damaged and has been closed since then.
This Forest is still needing volunteers to work on the path cleaning and rebuilding. We will be offering in the near future a coordinated volunteer experience with the community organization “Amigos del Bosque” for the reconstruction of the Forest.
Location: Carr 143, Km 32.4, Orocovis
Email: [email protected]
Doña Juana Waterfall
Known by the locals as “el chorro”, Doña Juana Waterfall is easy to access and part of the Toro Negro Forest. This waterfall has a height of more than a 100 feet and is located right in the border between the towns of Orocovis, Villalba and Ciales. One of the curious facts that this waterfall has is that, oppose to many other waterfalls in the island, it can be found right next to the road. Since this is not a recreational area, visitors must be careful on parking their vehicles on the roadside.
Location: Carr 149, Km 41.5, Orocovis
Stay at Hacienda Moraika:
If you are looking to stay at a place where you can have a deep connection with nature while discovering the best Puerto Rican cuisine, Hacienda Moraika is your best option. Located in Cacao Neighborhood, this Bed & Breakfast is a family business that offer different types of rooms depending on your needs. Definitely, a great option if you are looking to escape from the beachfront hotels and the city.
Location: Carr. 157, Km 2.9, Orocovis
Try the zipline in Toro Verde
Toro Verdeis the biggest aerial park in the Western Hemisphere. Established in 2010, it has the highest zipline and the second longest in the world. This park has also rappelling lines, suspension bridges, among other attractions.
Some of their most famous attractions are the Beast and the Monster. The Beast is a single run zipline done in the fly position with a length of 4.745 feet (1.446 km). It takes speed of 60MPH.
The Monster is the longest zipline in America. It is a 2.5km (2530m, 8300ft, 1.57mi) cable, which is equivalent to 28 football fields. The experience starts with stepping on the suspension bridge 47m long with a height of 10m. The idea of doing this is to see if you are ready to get exposed to this line. You will reach a speed of up 95mph, at more than 380m high.