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Check out these special coffee spots that give you a double-shot of island-style coffee culture.
When you think of Puerto Rico, the first things that probably pop into your head are beaches with turquoise-blue water, colorful architecture, lively nightlife and fantastic shopping. But this island destination in the Caribbean knows a thing or two about single-origin coffee too. Pop into the Museo del Café in Ciales to learn about the history of coffee on the island. See where coffee plants are grown and how beans are processed on a tour of a hacienda (coffee farm). Tilt your cup back for an amazing café con leche in a trendy coffee shop. You’ll be hooked on Puerto Rican coffee.
Hacienda Tres Ángeles
Head to Adjuntas in the central mountains and take this hacienda’s Saturday tour to see why its coffee is ranked one of the finest specialty coffees in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Association. After the tour, sample a rich cup of their coffee brand at the café on the farm.
Hacienda Pomarrosa
Explore hillside groves, discover how beans are processed and sip the final product at the end of the tour at this Ponce coffee farm. Three acres of arabica coffee plants fuel the production of this flavorful roast. The best time to visit is from October through December, the harvest season, where you can witness the entire production process from bean to cup.
Hacienda San Pedro
In Jayuya, embark on a tour of this fourth-generation artisanal coffee farm complete with its own coffee shop, Café La Finca. Gain insight into coffee production on a weekend-afternoon tour or wander the grounds and explore the museum. On the weekends, you can enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican meal at its restaurant, La Fragua.
Antique coffee processing equipment at the Hacienda San Pedro museum
Hacienda Monte Alto
Try the popular “Aroma del Cielo” coffee at this eco-friendly coffee farm in Adjuntas. Mountain mist assists in the coffee bean’s ripening process, which gives these beans their rich flavor when roasted. Don’t leave the farm without a few bags as souvenirs or gifts.
Museo del Café
Explore this informative, rustic museum chronicling the history of Puerto Rico’s coffee industry. Set in the charming mountain town of Ciales, the museum highlights over two centuries of coffee production in Puerto Rico. Exhibits feature antique coffee mills, old school production pieces and historic documentation. Follow the aroma to the coffee shop for one of the island’s best cups, then proceed to the store to pick up a bag or two of roasted coffee.
A peek into the coffee shop at the Museo del Café
Favorite Puerto Rico Coffee Shops
Caficultura – Tucked inside a renovated historic building in Old San Juan, come in for the chocolatito, a delicious hot chocolate jolted by an espresso shot.
Café Colao – In Old San Juan, indulge in a café con leche with wonderful views of San Juan Bay. Expert baristas will assist you with your selection.
Café con Cé – Relish devilishly good coffee and drinks, as well as homemade pastries, at this local San Juan favorite.
Café Regina – Come for the coffee, then delight in the surprising brunch at this spot in Santurce, a spirited San Juan suburb.
Friends Café – Savor a flavorful cup of espresso under the shade of a colorful umbrella in the historic center of Mayagüez at Plaza Colón.
Wall mural street art above the entrance to Café con Cé
Getting There
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan services many airlines from destinations worldwide. Ground transportation via bus, taxi or car rental is readily available. Getting around the island is a breeze. San Juan and other major tourist areas are quite walkable and Old San Juan has a free trolley. You can also get around via taxi, bus, rideshare and bike rental.
