White erosion adorning a meditative ravine

UTUADO, Borikén (Puerto Rico)

CAÑÓN BLANCO

Nestled within Rio Caonillas (see below), a vast river running through the town of Utuado, discover white erosion adorning the body of water nourishing the Indigenous people of Borikén, also known as Puerto Rico. Cañón Blanco has gained notability from a marked erosion, colloquially named "El Sofa," offering a striking settee along the riverbank. This canyon is bountiful, enchanting, and picturesque.

Etched along the ravine are recorded Taíno petroglyphs hallmarking the backyard-paradise of the Indigenous people who inhabit the surrounding land. The harmonic sound of rumbling waterfalls, chirping birds, and quintessential coqui's offers a meditative ambience to practice grounding and stillness. Set down your bag and hardware, disengage, and connect with the nature surrounding you. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you later.

Getting There

There Google Maps designates parking areas and coordinates for El Sofa (see below). If you're traveling to Puerto Rico, expect narrow and winding roads in areas where nature is bountiful. Be mindful of oncoming vehicles and leave enough room for cars to pass when parking. Parking areas may not be designated. If you need help, locals frequent the area and are happy to guide you and provide directions.

Facing the landmark sign on your left, you will find a trail heading east towards the river and into the canyon. Along the way, you will come across cascades and a waterfall. The easiest way to get in the water is jumping off a mid-level ridge in the canyon. For more heedful travelers, walking further east will get you to a lower elevation. You will eventually come across smaller rocks and soil meeting the river. I recommend wearing water/hiking shoes with proper gripping - rocks are slippery, especially if it recently rained.

Rio Caonillas, Utuado

LOCAL TREATS

SABOR ISLEÑOS BY LOS PANELES

The best place to stop and add fuel to your body before or after el Cañon's strenuous hike is this spot! Sabor Isleño offers creole Borikén food you definitely need to try before leaving the island. Upon arriving on the island, I craved the classic meal - arroz con gandules and chicharron (see below). From the first bite, you notice the natural hints of onion, garlic, and cilantro satisfying your palate. The chicken was perfectly crunchy and juicy, as chicharron should be!

My favorite part of the restaurant is the rear section, a dining area adorned with twinkling lights, a seated hammock, and high tables almost completely enclosed by nature.

Mural of a farmer cutting a bunch of plantains with a machete and a woman looking into the distance holding flowers. On the far right, Puerto Rico's flag.

Getting There

Sabor Isleño offers ample parking space. It is one of the many restaurants on Carretera 10 in Utuado but, it is by far the freshest.

Remember that wherever you go in Borikén is someone's backyard.

TAKE YOUR GARBAGE WITH YOU!