What to see and do in Utuado, Puerto Rico

Utuado's name comes from the Taíno word "Otoao," which means "between mountains." 

The town of Utuado was founded in 1739, and the municipality was officially established in 1793.  Utuado is situated in the middle of the Cordillera Central mountain range, which is the highest mountain range in Puerto Rico. It is home to several notable landmarks, including the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, which features pre-Columbian Taíno petroglyphs and ceremonial plazas. 

We have visited the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center on 5/25/2005 and then again on 7/14/2022. The ball courts and petroglyphs have been recently restored.  The Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center is located in the mountainson this Caribbean island  near the Tanama river and was built by the Taíno around 1270 AD. There are 10 plazas and 21 well-preserved petroglyphs located in the park.  The smaller plazas are thought to be where the Tainos used to play a ball game called batos. 

The town is also home to the Lake Dos Bocas reservoir, which is a popular destination for fishing and boating.  Utuado has also been working to promote sustainable tourism and ecotourism as a way to generate economic growth while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Utuado area.  Click here for details.