Jayuya, Puerto Rico

Jayuyais a charming small town of 17,300 inhabitants (2000 census). It is located on the mountains of central Puerto Rico, about thirty minutes from Utuado on PR Roads 111 to 140 to 144. The roads are uphill, windy and narrow. Exercise due care if driving there for the first time.

Jayuya also connects with Florida going north on roads 140 to 141, with Ciales on roads 149 to 144, also going north. It links south with Ponce on roads 10-143-140-144. Orocovis lies to the west on roads 157 to 533 to 141 to 149 to 143.

The trek through the tortuous roads is worth the effort. Jayuya was an important Taíno settlement long before the Spaniards arrived on the island. There are many relics of Taíno culture. Parador Gripiñas, one of several inns and guest houses, offers a guided nature tour through a coffee plantarion that introduces the visitor to much of the natural beauty of this section of the island.

Festival Nacional Indígena is held on November 19 each year, including the dates surrounding the 19th, which is a legal holiday to celebrate the discovery of Puerto Rico. The festival attracts visitors from all over Puerto Rico and is considered to be the most important representation of Taíno culture in Puerto Rico.

The patron saint for Jayuya is "Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate", celebrated on September 8.