Lares: Coffee, History and Art

The Grito de Lares refers to the events that took place in Lares on September 23, 1868. From this historical point of reference, the story extends to architectural history, art and coffee: these themes offer different ways to get to know the town. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Lares, considering your personal interests can help you organize your travel plans.

History, Architecture and Collections

La Rambla, also known as Mansión Levy, was built in 1932 by engineer and architect Francisco Levy González. The complex is located in the center of Lares. The residence is designed in an eclectic modernist style. Its architecture offers a distinct perspective alongside the history of the Grito de Lares.

The Museo de Recursos Históricos de Lares displays local handicrafts, paintings and historical photographs of the town of Lares. Its collections offer a different focus from the architectural history of La Rambla: here, the emphasis is on handicrafts, paintings and images of the town. Together, these themes offer different perspectives on the cultural history of Lares.

Coffee, Art and Panoramic Views

The Ruta de las Haciendas Cafetaleras invites visitors to explore Lares’s coffee haciendas and learn more about coffee growing and processing. There are also several coffee farms in the municipality. They grow, roast and package coffee, and sell their varieties. This distinguishes the route’s focus from local production: the route highlights growing and processing, while the farms also handle packaging and sales.

The Ruta del Arte de Lares offers a different way to explore the town. It leads to murals by Puerto Rican artists in downtown Lares. The Mirador Mariana Bracetti, meanwhile, is a viewpoint in Lares offering panoramic views. Art enthusiasts can focus on the Ruta del Arte; those who want to experience Lares from a scenic vantage point can make the Mirador a destination in its own right.

A Local Landmark on the Main Square

Heladería Lares has been a landmark on the main square of the town of Lares since 1968. It is a longstanding point of reference in the town’s local history.

Cultural History Across the Broader Destination of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico also offers a broader perspective on the region’s cultural history. Parque Ceremonial Indígena Caguana in Utuado is considered one of the most important Taíno archaeological sites in the Antilles. Several ceremonial plazas, known as bateyes, are located in the center of the park. Ceremonies, ritual dances and ball games called batos were once held there.

Parque Ceremonial Indígena Caguana also displays petroglyphs, pottery fragments and other limestone artifacts made by the Indigenous population in the 14th and 15th centuries. Another Taíno archaeological site is Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes in Ponce, on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. The museum there displays weapons, ceramic artifacts and figures representing deities, known as cemíes. Caguana and Tibes are located in Utuado and Ponce; they broaden the regional cultural context, while the historical, artistic and culinary themes described above relate to Lares.

Discover more destinations: Bartolo, Guaynabo, Bayamón, Carolina, Manatí, Luquillo, San Germán, Naguabo.

For the main travel overview: Puerto Rico.