The Intoxicating Aroma of Local Coffee

A coffee break in Old San Juan might last an afternoon. Taza (cup) after taza of Puerto Rico's rich brew will make you desert Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee or Hawaiian Kona forever. The rich local coffees are from beans grown in Puerto Rico's lush, mountainous heartland, in towns such as Adjuntas and Jayuya, Maricao, and Las Marías. There are a growing number of fashionable cafes that offer fine local coffees, as well as gourmet brands from around the world. However, just about anywhere you go that serves coffee, will serve a rich local brew (including Starbucks, McDonald's, and Burger King!). Try Caficultura (tel. 787/723-7731), a gorgeous new spot on a shady corner of Plaza Colón; Cuatro Estaciones (Plaza de las Armas; no phone), the outdoor cafe on the western end of Old San Juan's central plaza, adjacent to the State Department; Hacienda San Pedro (Av. De Diego 318, Santurce; tel. 787/993-1871; www.cafehsp.com) right in the heart of the Santurce Arts District. When ordering, ask for café con leche (with milk), puya (unsweetened), negrito con azúcar (black and sweetened), or cortao (black with a dash of milk).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.