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):

Restaurants

• Aquarium Sea Food Restaurant (Sea Food), (787) 894-1500
• Dona Fela (Puerto Rican), (787) 894-2758
• El Faro (Puerto Rican), (787) 894-3206
• Jungle Jane's (Puerto Rican), (787) 894-3939
• Rancho Marina Restaurante (Puerto Rican), (787) 894-8034
  Fax (787) 725-0859

Accommodations

• Casa Grande Mountain Retreat (Small Inn), 1-888-343-2272
  787-894-3939
  787-894-3900
  

Festivals and Events

• Festival Tierra Adentro - April
  
• Fiesta del Barrio Angeles - March
  
• Fiestas de Guarionex - April
  
• Fiestas Patronales de San Miguel Arcangel - September
  Every year, Utuado celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 894-3505
• Rosario de Cruz - May
  

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.

Climate

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Map References

Coordinates: 18.2656° N, 66.7006° W

ZIP Code: 00611, 00641

Driving Distance from San Juan: 71.8 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes