Private Guavate Local Gastronomic tour
A Tour Through Puerto Rican Dining
If you want to experience the gastronomy of Puerto Rico firsthand, this tour is for you! Every year, thousands of Puerto Ricans and tourists visit Guavate to enjoy traditional island dishes, including roast pork, BBQ ribs, rice and beans, ‘pasteles’ (mashed green banana filled with meat), pavochón (turkey cooked like pork), Puerto Rican sweets, and ‘piña colada.’
On this unique excursion, you’ll have a great time in the mountain town of Cayey. There, you’ll visit La Ruta del Lechón to enjoy its signature dish of roast pork while learning more about the history and culture of Puerto Rican cuisine. Follow your guide to the famous lechoneras in Guavate, a place that Anthony Bourdain of the Travel Channel’s No Reservations visited for its world-famous barbecue. Lechoneras are outdoor restaurants that specialize in slow-roasting seasoned whole pigs over an open fire. The pig is mounted on ‘la varita,’ which is typically a steel bar that slowly turns the spit for about six to eight hours. Once done, the taste will be like nothing you’ve ever had before. A little juicy and a little crunchy, the pig’s roasted skin is called ‘cuerito.’
Along with your main pork dish, you’ll get to select from a dizzying array of sides. Since virtually all lechoneras serve meals cafeteria-style, what you choose to eat is completely up to you! A sampling of native Puerto Rican side dishes include:
- Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas)
- Yuca (cassava)
- Pana (breadfruit)
- Sweet potato
- Tostones
- Mofongo
- Morcilla (blood sausage)
While you’re devouring your food, you might be serenaded with some fantastic local live music that gets people dancing and singing (music is typically only available for weekend tours).
Depending on timing and if guests are interested, you might make a final stop at Charco Azul. This small natural pool is located 30 minutes from Guavate. You can get to it via an easy 10-minute walk. If you’re anxious to cool off after your meal, you can take an optional dip in the beautiful waters of this secret spot.
What Is Not Included?
Meeting Location
-
Bespoke Lifestyle Management offers roundtrip transportation from select areas in San Juan. Depending on where you are located, we might be able to provide transportation as well. Exact pick-up times and locations will be confirmed the day prior to your tour.
Please Note:
If you are traveling with children under the age of six, a booster/car seat is required. Please notify Bespoke Lifestyle Management of this when you make your reservation. You may bring your own car seat or request one from our team. We can provide them as part of your tour, but they are subject to availability.
If you are interested in finishing your tour at Charco Azul, make sure to wear a bathing suit and bring a towel. Please also let your guide know that you would like to make this stop as it is only typically done upon request.
