Ciales, Puerto Rico

Ciales   is located in the mountains of central Puerto Rico, about 25 minutes south of Manatí on PR Road 149, which then continues soutn into Jayuya . Ciales also connects with Florida, heading southwest on PR road 146 and with Morovis going southeast on Pr road 145. The patron saint for Ciales is "San José", celebrated on March 19th.

Ciales, with a population of 19,800 (2000 census), is essentially agricultural with many large coffee plantations in its mountainous terrain. A local family of artisans, los Villalobos, are known throughout the island for keeping alive the tradition of building mahogany and cane furniture.

Juan Antonio Corretger (1908-1985), a native of Ciales, was a noted poet and leading figure in the cause of political independence for Puerto Rico.

Taíno indian tribes had settled Ciales territory long before the Spaniards arrived in Puerto Rico. Cueva de las Archillas is a network of caverns that hold many relics of the Taíno culture. The area now known as Ciales held much importance in Taíno traditions who celebrated religious rites known as "la cohoba".