Utuado, Puerto Rico

Utuado   was founded in 1739. It has a population of approximately 40,000 and is located high in the central mountain region of Puerto Rico. It is located some forty minutes south of Arecibo on PR State Road # 10. This road, rebuilt in the late nineties, has some portions located in geologically unstable areas. Massive mudslides have washed away portions of the road, and constitute a driving hazard, when using this road during periods of intense rainfall. Having said that, we might add that it is the best access to Utuado, compared to winding, narrow roads from other towns. Some other choices are State Road # 2 north from Ponce, passing through Adjuntas . It's about a fifty minute drive. Utuado also adjoins in the east Ciales (PR State Roads #140 - 146)and Jayuya (PR State Roads # 111-140-144). To the west it connects with Lares using PR State Roads 111 - 129. To the north, it also connects with Hatillo via PR State Roads 111-129-130-134.

Prior to the arrival of Spanish settlers, this area was populated by several Taíno indian tribes. Centro Ceremonial de Caguana, considered by some the most important Indian ceremonial center in the Antilles has been restored as an open-air museum of Taíno history and culture. The area has been recreated with the plants from which the Taínos obtained their food products and building materials. The park is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance is free and parking is available. There are limited facilities for the handicapped.

The area between Utuado and Adjuntas is known to have copper and gold reserves. Pressure from ecological conservationists has prevented the commercial exploitation of the area.

Utuado has four lakes, the most important of which is Lago Dos Bocas. It is used to produce electric power. Fishing is very good there and a small resort community has developed around the area.

The patron saint for Utuado is "San Miguel Arcángel", celebrated on September 29.

Hostal Villas del Lago
Carretera PR #140, Km 28.1, Bo. Caonillas
Apartado 868 (PO Box)
Utuado , Puerto Rico 00641
Phone: 787-894-3481

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Photo of Dos Bocas Lake ©Alexis Gonzalez