Nestled in the Carite Forest, the mountainous town of Guavate, home to the Pork Highway, will never rise to the top of the tourism industry. That is its beauty- it is reflective of the robust culture and tradition of the locals (and their delicious cuisines!). Although the pristine beaches and large cities make for postcards and immaculate Facebook posts, this stop will fill your soul. If you are looking for a break from the beach and want a more authentic experience, this stop will change your life!
Located approximately thirty miles south of the colonial capital in San Juan, the Pork Highway is bustling with life. Each Saturday morning, locals living in the hills will slow roast entire swines over a spit fire for eight hours. As the sun rises, the authentic Puerto Rican cooking on the Pork Highway, a strip of road along PR-184, is in full swing. Around lunch time, PR-184 is lined with open Lechoneras, specialty restaurants, live merengue music, and hungry customers.
How do I Get There?
About thirty miles South of San Juan, the Pork Highway is a stretch of a few miles along Route 184.
It will take you through the Carite Forest, a scenic and secluded area. It may feel as if you are lost, but just keep following the map or GPS and you will be there in no time! Take in its beauty on the way to this gem of an attraction.
I dined at Lechonera Los Pinos (Address: Carrer 184, Cayey 00736 Puerto Rico) for an authentically delicious Latin cuisine. The pork is cooked to perfection and the caramelized outside is delectable. When you go, make sure to ask for the part from the ribs as it is the most flavorful. I would highly recommend trying the yuca which is prepared with onions and traditional seasoning. If you are not the biggest pork fan, the blood sausages are equally famous and also made to perfection. It was also a reasonable bill, as an order for a family of four which had us more than full totaled to thirty dollars!
The ambient is warm and welcoming and is a reflection of the unique and fascinating culture and strength of character on the island. I spoke to many locals on my trip, and oftentimes the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 came up. Many of the locals suffered tragically, not having power for over one year or losing a loved one to malnutrition. The consequences of this natural disaster bleed into their current life, but the overall attitude was one of strength and positivity.
Watching an older local couple dance to the live salsa music in that lechonera was so impactful. They laughed and were totally present on the breezy steps of the Puerto Rican mountains. Beyond the pristine beaches and hotels, there is so much strength and culture that is the beating heart of this island. I implore you to come to Guavate to see it for yourself!
