Caguas launches La Ruta Criolla to boost tourism, community dining
Caguas, Puerto Rico, has launched “La Ruta Criolla,” a culinary tourism initiative that highlights more than 130 local restaurants across two designated gastronomic zones — one in the town center and another in the Bairoa sector.
The creation of the two routes is expected to generate an estimated $58,000 in monthly economic activity, according to government officials.
“At the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, we are committed to increasing tourism capacity and maximizing economic activity in all regions of the island,” said Executive Director Willianette Robles-Cancel. She emphasized that the food sector “is a key element in boosting the tourism industry in each region.”
Caguas Mayor William Miranda-Torres called the effort a reaffirmation of the town’s cultural identity. “La Ruta Criolla reaffirms Caguas as the center and heart of Puerto Rican gastronomy,” he said.
Miranda-Torres described the program as more than a culinary experience, calling it a celebration of the city’s vibrancy, diversity, and criollo heritage. “Every dish served at our more than 130 restaurants along the route tells stories of tradition [and] innovation,” he said.
The initiative targets both local and international tourists and aligns with the Tourism Company’s broader strategy to diversify the island’s tourism offerings while fostering public-private partnerships and cultural preservation.
Promotional efforts for the program began Tuesday. Officials expect the project to strengthen regional development and drive greater engagement with local businesses.
