Orocovis, Puerto Rico

Orocovis is a small town of 23,800 inhabitants (2000 census), located near the geographical center of Puerto Rico, high up in mountains, at elevations between 500 and 1,000 meters above sea level. The town's name was originally Barros, changed in 1938 to Orocovis in remembrance of a Taíno chief who ruled in that area many centuries ago.

Orocovis has many neighbors, which include Morovis to the north on PR Road # 155 and Barranquitas south on PR Road #156.

El Chorro de Doña Juana, seen at left, is found within the Toro Negro Forest Reserve, one of the most popular places in Puerto Rico for those who love the outdoors and raw nature. Within reach are Lago Matrullas and Lago Guineo, the two highest lakes in Puerto Rico. The lakes are teeming with edible fish waiting for the right bait. Kayaks and rowboats are available for rental in the area.

There are camping facilities in the Toro Negro area, managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources (Departamento de Recursos Naturales). You need a permit issued by the DRNA in order to camp in the area.

Festival del Plátano is celebrated in late November.

The patron saint for Orocovis is "San Juan Bautista", celebrated on June 24.