Thursday, December 8, 2022

Coffee Haciendas in Puerto Rico You Cannot Miss

 Two people in one of the coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico

When thinking about the top famous coffee locations, you probably think of Colombia. However, did you know that Puerto Rico is also famous for these magic beans? This fantastic island has perfect conditions for growing coffee plants, which is why you can find many coffee haciendas all around it. This guide is for all coffee lovers out there! So, let's explore the best coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico that you should visit.

History of coffee in Puerto Rico

Coffee arrived on the island in the 1730s, during Spanish Colonial rule from Martinique. The development of coffee production increased dramatically over the next century, reaching over million pounds of coffee production in one year. The island was one of the top producers in the world and constantly improved the quality of the coffee. Even though the numbers were not as high after the USA took over, Puerto Rico is still one of the places known for high-quality coffee beans.

Puerto Rican flag on a beach

Puerto Rico has a rich culture, and it’s known for its high-quality coffee beans.

About Puerto Rico coffee

The island specializes in coffee arabica. It's the main species you can find here. However, there are several varieties of this type, that include Catimor, Bourbon, Pacas, and Typica. When it comes to coffee brands, there are several of them. Still, the most popular ones are Volcanica from Hacienda San Pedro, Café Yaucono Puerto Rican, Alto Grande, and Café Rico.

In Puerto Rico, cafes usually offer just a couple of coffee types. You can choose between espresso (pocillo), cortadito (an espresso shot with some steamed milk, similar to macchiato), and café con leche. In general, coffee serving is similar to Italian, as espresso is often served in small cups.

harvesting coffee beans

Beans that turn into your favorite cup of joy.

Where to try the best coffee on the island – coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico

Visiting a hacienda, also called a plantation, is undoubtedly one of the top attractions for tourists. Coffee lovers enjoy visiting these places to dig deeper into the coffee culture and learn more about the island's history. At the same time, you can enjoy some breathtaking views and experience the rural atmosphere. Visiting a hacienda is usually a part of an organized group tour, but you can also go on an adventure by yourself. Just be sure to check the working hours and contact the desired hacienda to see if they accept visitors at the time. Now it's time to help you with the itinerary – here are the best coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico you should include in your island exploration. 

Hacienda Buena Vista (Hacienda Vives)

This historical place was a coffee plantation started by Don Salvador De Vives in 1833. The plantation is located in Ponce and is surrounded by picturesque nature. This visit will show you the connection between coffee, mountains, water, and the people who lived there at the time. It's also marked by a period of slavery and presents an important historic spot on the island. You'll see machines that date from such a long time ago and still work without problems. This is a place worth visiting, so book your tour as soon as you arrive at the island. 

Hacienda Muñoz

Just a short ride away from Old Town in San Juan, you can find this fantastic hacienda that produces some of the highest-quality coffee on the island. You can go on a one-and-a-half-hour tour around the plantation, see the whole process of coffee production, and learn so much about the cup of joy you have each morning. The coffee produced here won many awards at international expos, so it's a place worth visiting. You can go on a tour on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and you don't need to make a reservation. 

Hacienda Pomarrosa

If you're looking for a place to go deep into the Puerto Rican mountains – hacienda Pomarrosa Coffee Lodge is the best spot. It's a perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can enjoy the owners' hospitality and incredible views. And, of course, learn all about coffee making. Staying at this bed and breakfast is a great way to have a unique experience of Puerto Rico and see what it's really like to be on the island. Coffee tours are available every day except Sunday, and you'll need to make a reservation beforehand.

Coffee-making process on a wall in one of the coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico

Coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico show you the steps of the coffee-making process. 

Hacienda Tres Picachos

This family-owned hacienda is undoubtedly one of the places you shouldn't miss when visiting Puerto Rico. It's located in Jayuya, and you can reach it by driving through the picturesque mountains of Puerto Rico. With over 150 acres of coffee field, this plantation also includes a small antiquities museum, a water mill, and even a hanging bridge where you can take some Instagram-worthy photos. 

Love Puerto Rico?

Exploring coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico and the island may give you second thoughts about your current home. You'll be surprised how many people fell in love with the island and decided to move here. Being surrounded by nature and this unique culture, and with too many possibilities for remote work, many people chose to make this amazing island their new home. Experts from golansmoving.com recommend you should be careful, though. Moving can be challenging if you don't take the process seriously and ensure every step of the way is secure and planned. Just be sure to trust professionals when it comes to moving your belongings, finding a home, and sorting out documentation, and you'll soon call Puerto Rico your new home.

Visiting coffee haciendas – be careful with caffeine intake

Coffee lovers might want to visit all the coffee haciendas in Puerto Rico quickly, tasting every kind of coffee they offer. However, this is where you should be careful – drinking more than 4 cups of coffee per day is not advised, as Puerto Rican coffee usually has high caffeine levels. Taking too much caffeine can result in headaches, insomnia, and nervousness. All of which you want to avoid on this memorable trip to Puerto Rico. Choose your cups wisely and enjoy them soaking up the beauty of nature around you.

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