Utuado was named after a local Taíno chief, Otoao. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with blue lakes, the town sits in the middle of lush, natural beauty. The drive along Route 10 between Arecibo and Utuado is an experience—imposing brown limestone cliffs flank the road, and clouds often hover above surrounding hills. Utuado’s narrow and sometimes busy streets lead to a double-steepled church on the main plaza. The best sights, however, are outside town along winding side roads.
Give yourself plenty of time when navigating the Ruta Panorámica (Panoramic Route), which runs through the Cordillera Central. Almost all segments of the route are marked by hairpin curves and bridges originally built for horse-drawn carts. The area also sustained significant damage during Hurricane María.
