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People > Photos > Gallery: Ds R. > Album: Puerto Rico > Have a Guavate Experience In Cayey!!!!
Have a Guavate Experience In Cayey!!!!

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Date: 09/09/07

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First up are the first two "lechoneras," El Mojito, pioneer in the "pavochon" segment, and Brunny’s. The food is superb and the best spot for those who don’t want to stray too far up the hill. Press on the gas and give your 4 x 4 a run for its money, because you’re going up, up, up, and past many curves. Bonine does wonders for carsick-prone people. Check out La Casona de Guavate, an imposing former mansion turned restaurant overlooking a hill that serves all-you can-eat buffet for $10 and gathers local bands for a great bash. The place is also rentable, perfect for weddings.On the way you’ll spot different stands selling all sorts of earthy goodies, such as Guavate Bonsai, where Miguel Angel and his family will orient you on the best way to treat your new perfectly-manicured, green son. Rafi’s Pique is another well-organized makeshift stand in front of a white house that sells honey, noni extract, natural pique (hot sauce), Puerto Rican sweets and the best coconut "limbers" (natural snow cones) this side of the island. Try the orange honey, it is heavenly. You can also get your hands on an honest-to-God "pilon" (mortar and pestle) at Arte Guavate, a quaint arts and crafts store where you are bound to find that unique souvenir for that special someone. There are also nut cakes, sangria and cloth dolls to acquire on your climb up the mountain. At Jardin El Nuevo Rancho’s tent you can get your hands on stunning bougainvilleas (3 for $20) in all kinds of vivid colors. Francisco "Paco" Burgos, the owner, will also tell you all about strawberries and the rose of the desert cactus. Once you hit the intersection with PR-763, keep on trucking on the same road. That’s where the mambo starts. The lechoneras start amassing, the music gets louder and the lines get bigger. If you want to eat in a quieter place where you can enjoy the view of the emerald mountain, stop by the Lechonera Muller, which during the week is also an upholstery business, as well as a little "colmado" (market) with a pool table. The place is simple and smaller than most, but you can breathe peace while you sink your teeth into a perfectly boiled breadfruit and one savory pastel, as you watch the Puerto Rican bikers whiz and rumble by. So get your car tuned-up, get your family in gear and get yourself into the mood and head to the lush hills of Guavate. The drive will be one to remember. To vroom off to jibaro heaven from San Juan hop on the Luis A. Ferre Expressway going South (PR-52) as if you were going to Ponce, when you get near Cayey, take exit # 33, which says Guavate, turn left and head up the mountain on PR-184. From there on, your colorful adventure begins. Mmmmmm....Enjoy the local barbecue and salsa dancing!!!!!