MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY
Greetings, The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is committed to promoting the sustainable economic development of the tourism industry and, in doing so, support the conservation of our natural, environmental, and cultural resources so that future generations can enjoy them while simultaneously encouraging the creation of new businesses and jobs throughout the Island. We have created this guide dedicated exclusively to the agrotourism business certified under the Agrotourism Program of the Sustainable Division of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company as a useful tool for residents and visitors interested in learning about our Island’s ancestral roots, heritage, and gastronomy. Throughout our history, agriculture has played a central role in the development and growth of our economy. Agrotourism is a type of sustainable tourism that provides experiences through which an individual can learn more about local geography, traditions, processes, and products, as well as rediscover aspects of a destination’s culture which may have been relegated to a minor role due to urban development. The excellent quality of Puerto Rico’s produce is due to the Island’s fertile soils, climate and the Puerto Rican hands that every single day work relentlessly to ensure that the harvest will arrive fresh to our tables. What better way to learn about the processes that create the flavors that characterize our “criollo” cuisine than a visit to the places where it all begins? We hope you will enjoy this guide and encourage you to use it to plan your visits to these Puerto Rican businesses to learn more about their individual contribution to our agricultural and culinary heritage.
Sincerely,
Carlos Mercado Santiago Executive Director
Frutos del Guacabo, Manatí
uerto Rico’s climate, topography, hydrology, soil diversity, and geology create the perfect environment for an extensive variety of agricultural and farming activities. This agricultural diversity gives tourists the opportunity to discover and taste a wide range of local fruits, produce and cuisine. Agrotourism offers a behind-the-scenes look of how our Island’s harvests have shaped Puerto Rican culture and traditions. One of the best examples of how agriculture has shaped the history of the island is coffee production. A visit to witness first-hand the process of harvesting, roasting, and grinding world-renowned Puerto Rican coffee at a hacienda is the perfect opportunity to glimpse into the Island’s past.
Hacienda Muñoz
Quesos Vaca Negra
The United Nations Environment Program states that Tourism development must be based on the guiding principles of sustainable tourism and identifies agrotourism as a model for sustainable tourism. Agrotourism projects include banana, fruit, vegetable, and coffee farmsteads, livestock farms, aquaculture
installations, hydroponics, fishing, and organic food cultivation. The tourism activity provides additional income to supplement existing agricultural activity. PRTC’s program offers two types of certifications – Basic and Ecological.
EL PARAÍSO AGRÍCOLA DE AGUAS BUENAS
A visit to this farmstead provides the chance to learn about the cultivation of pineapples and guava. Its facilities, situated on the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico, include plenty of locations to take amazing photos such as hand-painted murals, a quirky oversized chair, a backdrop of the Aguas Buenas and Puerto Rico flags and a lookout with an amazing panoramic view.
Location: Aguas Buenas | Agro-experience: Pineaaple and Guava harvesting Teléfono: (787) 410-0364 | https://www.facebook.com/El-Paraiso-Agricola-Aguas-Buenas-109117424191595/
SAN JUAN ARTISAN DISTILLERS
Located just a 30-minute drive from the metro area San Juan Artisan Distillers is the first artisanal rum distillery in Puerto Rico to grow, harvest, ferment, and distill their own sugarcane stock to produce high-quality artisanal rum. Visitors can enjoy a tour through the sugarcane fields, the processing plants, and complete their experience with a rum tasting.
Location: Vega Alta | Agro-experience: Harvest, Rum Distillery Phone: (787) 505-2430 | www.sanjuanartisandistillers.com
HACIENDA CASCADA
Hacienda Cascada in Aguas Buenas offers its visitors a breath of Puerto Rican fresh air. A spectacular landscape with a waterfall which springs from between the mountain rocks is just part of the beauty that surrounds the countryside location. Agricultural fields, horses and a social activity center are available to enjoy a pleasant and educational experience.
Location: Aguas Buenas | Agro-experience: Diverse crop cultivation Phone (787) 404-0020 | www.haciendacascada.com
HIDRORGÁNICA
Hidrorgánica is a 5-acre agroecological farmstead collects and uses rainwater to water its crops and utilizes solar energy to power its operations. The farmstead provides the opportunity to learn about agroecological and vermicompost techniques and how they are applied to diverse crops. The facilities also include a butterfly park and a tobacco farmstead.
Location: Río Grande | Agro-experience: Agroecological farming Phone: (787) 598-0240 | www.hidrorganica.com
SIEMPREVERDE
This eco-sustainable farm is operated and managed by a non-profit organization that offers workshops on agroecology, permaculture, resource management, and food sustainability. The tour ends with a tasting at La Chocolatera (The Chocolate House).
Location: Cayey | Agro-experience: Agroecological farming Phone: (787) 603-7986 | www.facebook.com/lachocolateracayeypr
HACIENDA AGROECOLÓGICA RECAOS ORTIZ
Hacienda Agroecológica Recao Ortíz Inc. offers a guided tour through different crop areas so visitors can step into the daily life of “days-gone-by” Puerto Rican farmers. The farmstead is a great place to learn about agricultural techniques and methods and their benefits, medicinal plants and their uses, and maybe take part of an educational activity in the seedling area. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly experience surrounded by Nature, acquire fresh seasonal products, and delight their palate with antipasti made with the special Recaos Ortíz recipe.
Location: San Lorenzo | Agro-experience: Farming, Harvesting Phone: (787) 717-7336 | www.facebook/people/hacienda-agroecologica-recaos-ortiz/100057214040791
HACIENDA ILUMINADA
A true coffee experience awaits visitors at Hacienda Iluminada, home of 787 Coffee Co. This coffee hacienda is located in Maricao on Las Indieras, some of the most beautiful mountains on the Island and last stronghold of the native Taíno people. The guided tour allows you to have a hands-on experience of the process that takes the beans from seedlings to harvest, roasting and the final product, a delicious cup of one of the best coffee varieties grown in Puerto Rico. Reconnect with nature and live this amazing experience.
Location: Maricao | Agro-experience: Coffee farming and processing Phone: (787) 349-2792 | www.haciendailuminada.com
HACIENDA DON CARMELO ESCUELA PUERTORRIQUEÑA DE ARTE ECUESTRE
Hacienda Don Carmelo offers visitors a glimpse into one of the Island’s most cherished traditions, the breeding of horses. During the guided tour you will learn about the Island’s equestrian and cultural heritage, enjoy a charming and wonderful showing of these amazing horses and stroll through the scenic hacienda with its charming treehouse.
Location: Vega Baja | Agro-experience: Breeding of equestrian art broodmares and stallions Phone: (787) 991-7044 | www.haciendadoncarmelopr.com
HACIENDA DON CARMELO ESCUELA PUERTORRIQUEÑA DE ARTE ECUESTRE
Hacienda Don Carmelo offers visitors a glimpse into one of the Island’s most cherished traditions, the breeding of horses. During the guided tour you will learn about the Island’s equestrian and cultural heritage, enjoy a charming and wonderful showing of these amazing horses and stroll through the scenic hacienda with its charming treehouse.
Location: Vega Baja | Agro-experience: Breeding of equestrian art broodmares and stallions Phone: (787) 991-7044 | www.haciendadoncarmelopr.com
PLENITUD PR
Experience agroecology in harmony with nature and learn about practices such as rainwater harvesting, bio-construction and agroecology. After the tour, one can enjoy a nutritious lunch made with fresh produce from the farm.
Location: Las Marías | Agro-experience: Ecological tour and Farm-to-Table experience Phone: (787) 221-2646 | www.plenitudpr.org
PUERTO RICO PARADISE FARM
A tour through Puerto Rico Paradise Farm gives visitors the opportunity to learn about rabbit breeding and the different types of breeds in existence. Guests will also learn about recao (culantro, a plant like cilantro but with a stronger flavor); avocado and other products grown with minimum cultivation techniques, as well as interact with farm animals and take photos with amazing backdrops to remember their visit and show their friends.
Location: San Germán | Agro-experience: Rabbit and diverse produce farmstead Phone: (939) 228-7415 | www.facebook.com/puertoricoparadisevacations
SEMILA
A visit to this agricultural business specializing in cocoa farming provides a close-up look at the planting, cultivation, harvesting and selection process through which cocoa beans are made into great chocolate.
Location: Barceloneta | Agro-experience: Tour of a cacao and vegetable farmstead Phone: (787) 372-9592 | www.facebook.com/semilapr/
FRUTOS DEL GUACABO
Pamper your senses and enjoy new experiences during this guided tour. Frutos del Guacabo offers the opportunity to try herbs, leaves, edible flowers and even harvest your own salad! Learn about the different methods of crop cultivation, in containers ,hydroponics, as well as how to be a pesticide- and fertilizer-free farm through-ecological management. Visitors will have a complete experience that include aspects of farming from cultivation to goat raising.
Location: Manatí | Agro-experience: Agro-ecological Farming Phone: (787) 242-7423 | www.frutosdelguacabo.com
JEANMARIE CHOCOLAT
Learn about the development of the cocoa industry and the different varieties cultivated on the Island from an agroecological perspective. Enjoy delicious culinary creations made with fresh organic and local produce from its farmstead.
Location: Aguada | Agro-experience: Permaculture and Cacao farming Phone: (787) 390-8669 | www.jeanmariechocolat.com
CAFÉ NATIVO
A visit to this coffee farmstead’s seeding area provides the opportunity to learn more about coffee and conservation practices. During the tour, visitors will also be able to appreciate native trees in their habitat as well as engage in bird-watching. The farm is also an example of low carbon footprint design and uses solar panels to generate 80% of the energy needed to run the entire operation.
Location: Jayuya | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 315-7881 | www.facebook.com/cafenativojayuya/
FINCA GAIA
An agro-ecological farm located in a forest within the Island’s northern karst in the town of Dorado, Finca Gaia focuses on the preservation of local native nature with emphasis on agro-foresting, forestry, and horticultural harvesting. The farm has planted over 300 fruit, native, endemic, and exotic trees and manages an organic orchard, tunnel, and a greenhouse where it plants and harvests a variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs.
Location: Dorado | Agro-experience: Agroecological Farming Phone: (787) 404-4520 | fincagaiapr@gmail.com
HACIENDA SAN PEDRO
Explore a coffee farmstead and experience how its coffee captures the essence of the lush green of the valleys, the poetry of the morning breezes and the resolute spirit of Puerto Rico’s forebearers.
Location: Jayuya | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 615-3083z | www.cafehsp.com
HACIENDA LEALTAD
The historic Hacienda Lealtad provides a unique experience where visitors can learn about the coffee farming, harvesting, selection, and processing process while enjoying a delicious cup of freshly brewed local coffee surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside.
Location: Lares | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 897-8181 | www.cafelealtad.com
HACIENDA LA MOCHA
Travel through time at the restored Hacienda La Mocha, a coffee farmstead founded during the 19th century. Guests can learn all about coffee harvesting and processing all the way to the final product, a delicious coffee cup. The site is also ideal for bird-watching activities.
Location: Ponce | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 644-4469 | www.haciendalamocha.com
AMASAR
Enjoy this agro-business experience located in the central mountain range of Puerto Rico. The breadfruit, classified as a “superfruit”, is the protagonist in this farmstead where visitors experience the complete farming process, from the cultivated fields all the way to the processing plant where the harvest is made into flour using innovative methods.
Location: Jayuya Agro-experience: Tour of breadfruit-flour processing plant used to make pancakes and cupcakes Phone: (787) 235-3017 | www.amasar.net
DESTILERÍA COQUÍ
Explore all the steps of involved in the making of this Puerto Rican artisanal rum. The current production of the distillery is 750 daily cases of the 7 flavored varieties of their Pitorro brand.
Location: Mayagüez | Agro-experience: Tour of artisanal rum distillery plant Phone: (787) 805-1000 | www.destileriacoqui.com
CAFÉ LUCERO
At Café Lucero coffee seeds are hand-planted by Puerto Rican hands following exacting standards to guarantee a high-quality product. During the tour visitors will be able to observe the complete production process – from preparation of the fields for sowing to planting, harvesting, preparation, and all the way to packing of the final product.
Location: Ponce | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead Phone: (787) 848-8387 | www.cafelucero.com
HACIENDA MUÑOZ
Learn about the origins and history of Puerto Rican coffee farming while enjoying Nature with family and friends. Hacienda Muñoz takes you from planting at the crop fields to the delicious end-product at Doppio Coffee Bar in an entertaining and enjoyable tour.
Location: San Lorenzo | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 736-8427 | www.facebool.com/haciendamunozs1
HACIENDA TRES ÁNGELES
A visit to Hacienda Tres Ángeles offers the opportunity to learn about and participate in a variety of agricultural activities such as coffee harvesting, the bean selecting process and the ecofriendly technology used to process coffee beans known as the “Beneficiado”.
Location: Adjuntas | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead and Coffee Shop Phone: (787) 360-0019 | www.haciendatresangeles.com
QUESOS VACA NEGRA
Vaca Negra offers visitors an extraordinary experience. Guests can learn about the process of cheese and yogurt production, participate in a tasting of the various local cheeses and even make their own cheese with a personalized blend of spices.
Location: Hatillo | Agro-experience: Cheese and Yogurt Production Phone: (787) 262-5656 | www.vacanegra.com/el-tour/
PENÍNSULA DEL RÍO
Península del Río provides a unique true agricultural experience harvesting high-quality fresh produce while learning about farming. A tour with family and friends throughout the beautiful landscape, creeks, grazing fields, and a small two-acre vineyard provides a unique opportunity to explore the grape cultivation process in the tropics.
Location: Guayanilla | Agro-experience: Farming, Harvesting, Tropical Vineyard Phone: (787) 390-8943 | www.fincapeninsuladelrio.com
VIVA LA COSECHA
A visit to Viva La Cosecha offers visitors the unique opportunity to learn about agriculture and the conservation of natural resources such as the Aguas Buenas cave system. Their interpretive tour includes elements such as a walk through a variety of produce fields, bird watching in its natural reserve, and spaces for the development of mindfulness and farm-to-table experiences.
Location: Aguas Buenas | Agro-experience: Agroecology Phone: (787) 616-9291 | www.facebook.com/vivalacosecha | vivalacosecha.com
HACIENDA CHOCOLAT
The farmstead is a 60-acre agrotourism paradise on the western slopes of El Yunque between the towns of Luquillo and Fajardo characterized by the harmonious balance between cacao crops and the rainforest. Hacienda Chocolat offers an interactive tour through its cultivated lands with a fun explanation about the development, cultivation, and processing of cacao up to the finished chocolate bar product and finishing things up with a tasting of a delicious cup of chocolate.
Location: Fajardo | Agro-experience: Cacao Farming Phone: (787) 637-5666 | www.hchocolatpr.com
HACIENDA VERDE TAHITÍ
Located in the coastal plains between Lajas and Cabo Rojo this farmstead offers the unique opportunity of witnessing a beautiful seaside sunset and amazing starry night while enjoying a pleasant walk in the dragon fruit (pitahaya) crops. The agro-experience includes an educational tour where participants will learn about the different types of dragon fruit, their morphology and observe the characteristics of its flowers and fruits. They will also see the plants blooming, an event that occurs only at night, and learn more about the health benefits and economic activity generated by the pitahaya.
Location: Cabo Rojo | Agro-experience: Dragon Fruit Farming Phone: (787) 922-9801 | www.facebook.com/haciendaverdetahitipr/
TE INVITO AL TOUR DEL CAFÉ
Enjoy the delicious aroma of coffee at Hacienda Moraika, a place where visitors can learn about and enjoy coffee and other agricultural products. A walk through the trails of the farmstead allows participants to observe the different varieties of coffee, take part in the harvesting process and, of course, a delicious coffee tasting experience.
Location: Orocovis | Agro-experience: Coffee Farmstead Phone: (787) 627-9726 | Erica Reyes: prcafecolao@gmail.com
HATILLO DAIRY | DE LA CREMA CHEESE AND YOGURT FACTORY
Enjoy a tour of the Hacienda Dairy Farm. Visit calves and adult dairy cows and tour the production facilities where you will observe milking equipment, storage tanks and more. The milk from this dairy farm is used to make the delicious De La Crema cheeses and yogurts. During their visit guests can purchase local dairy products and learn about the farm-to-table production process.
Location: Hatillo | Agro-experience: Milk, Cheese and Yogurt Production Phone: (787) 313-8392 | Glorimel Torrado: glorimeltorrado@gmail.com
MARTÍNEZ DAIRY
A visit to Martínez Dairy provides visitors with an educational experience about the stages involved in milk production in Puerto Rico, from the birth of a calf to the milking process to the steps that result in the fresh product that arrives to their homes. Guests will have a hands-on experience with young cows and be able to pet and feed them.
Location: Vega Baja | Agro-experience: Dairy Farm Tour Phone: (787) 598-0274 | Pablo Martínez: martinezdairy@outlook.com
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1 Adjuntas • Hacienda Tres Ángeles
7 Dorado • Finca Gaia
13 Las Marías • Plentitud PR
2 Aguada • Jean Marie Chocolat
8 Fajardo • Hacienda Chocolat
14 Manatí • Frutos del Guacabo
3 Aguas Buenas • Viva La Cosecha • Hacienda Cascada • El Paraíso Agrícola de Aguas Buenas
9 Guayanilla • Península del Río
15 Maricao • Hacienda Iluminada
10 Hatillo • Quesos Vaca Negra • Hatillo Dairy & De La Crema Cheese and Yogurt Factory
16 Mayagüez • Destilería Coquí
4 Barceloneta • Semila 5 Cabo Rojo • Hacienda Verde Tahití 6 Cayey • Siempreverde
11 Jayuya • Café Nativo • Hacienda San Pedro • Amasar 12 Lares • Hacienda Lealtad
17 Orocovis • Te Invito al Tour del Café 18 Ponce • Café Lucero • Hacienda La Mocha 19 Rio Grande • Hidrorgánica
20 San Lorenzo • Hacienda Muñoz • Hacienda Agroecológica Recaos Ortiz 21 San Germán • Puerto Rico Paradise Farm 22 Vega Alta • San Juan Artisan Distillers 23 Vega Baja • Hacienda Don Carmelo Escuela Puertorriqueña de Arte Ecuestre • Martínez Dairy 24 Yauco • Apiturismo
WWW.PRTOURISM.COM (787) 721-2400 CONTACT@TOURISM.PR.GOV