Utuado, Puerto Rico
(oo-too-AH-do)
Utuado is known as "El Pueblo del Viví" (city of the viví). Utuado was founded in 1739 by Sebastían de Morfi. Derives its name from a local Indian Chief Otoao which means "entre montañas" (between mountains).
Utuado is located in Central Mountain Range, north of Adjuntas and Ponce; south of Hatillo, Arecibo and Florida; east of Lares; and west of Ciales and Jayuya.
The most important archaeological deposit in the Antilles is located in this town, the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park, the most representative example of primitive engineering. Built by the Taino Indians, dates from about 1100 AD. Cobbled walkways birder ten Indian courts, each named after a Taino cacique (chieftain). The courts vary in size, the longest being about 85m by 20 (Guarionex), the largest 65 by 50 (Agueybana). These two have monoliths in the stones that line the level 'pitch', and on those of Agueybana are decorated with petroglyphs, some quite faint. None of the monoliths is taller than a man. A path leads down to the Río Tanamá. The setting, amid limestone hills, is very impressive. It is believed to be a site of some religious significance and has been restored with a small museum in the landscaped park. For information call: (787) 894-7325 or (787)724-5477.
Utuado is made up of 22 barrios (wards/districts):
- Angeles
- Arena
- Caguana
- Caniaco
- Caonillas Abajo
- Caonillas Arriba
- Consejo
- Don Alonso
- Guaonico
- Las Palmas
- Mameyes Abajo
- Paso Palmas
- Pueblo
- Río Abajo
- Roncador
- Sabana Grande
- Salto Alto
- Salto Arriba
- Santa Isabel
- Santa Rosa
- Viví Abajo
- Viví Arriba
Restaurants
-
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Accommodations
-
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Festivals and Events
-
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Symbols
Anthem: Valle bendito el de mi Otoao...
Education
There are 20 public schools in Utuado, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Utuado is also home of 2 colleges and universities.
