Cataño is a municipality located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. Cataño was founded in 1927 by Hernando de Cataño. This town is also known as “La Antesala de la Capital”. It is positioned west of the capital city, San Juan, and is part of the San Juan Metropolitan Area. Cataño has a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. Although officially founded in 1927, the town’s roots extend much earlier. It played a significant role in the sugar industry during the Spanish colonial period and continued to be an essential economic center in the subsequent years.
A notable landmark in Cataño is the Bacardi Distillery, recognized as one of the largest rum distilleries globally. The distillery offers tours for visitors to learn about the history of Bacardi and the rum-making process.
Traditionally tied to agriculture, particularly sugar production, Cataño’s economy has evolved with the growth of the Bacardi Distillery. The town has become a hub for the production of rum, contributing to its economic development.
If you’re a shutterbug, the town of Cataño celebrates various traditional festivals and events throughout the year, providing opportunities for vibrant photographs and insights into local customs.
Places to eat while in Cataño, Puerto Rico:
Container Bay:
This is a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves dishes like mofongo, churrasco, and seafood in a container-like setting. They also have live music and a bar.
La Cabana Bar & Grill:
This is a Latin American restaurant that offers dishes like arepas, empanadas, and burgers. They also have a variety of drinks and cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere.
Toston Jibareño:
This is a Puerto Rican restaurant that specializes in tostones, which are fried plantains. They have different toppings and fillings for the tostones, such as cheese, meat, and vegetables. They also have soups, salads, and desserts.
Casilda Cocina Creativa:
This is a gastropub that serves creative and fusion dishes, such as pork belly with guava sauce, shrimp and grits, and lamb chops with mint pesto. They also have craft beers and wines, and a modern decor.
Los Serranos:
This is a seafood restaurant that offers fresh and local fish, lobster, shrimp, and more. They also have Puerto Rican dishes, such as rice and beans, plantains, and mofongo. They have a spacious and colorful dining area and a view of the bay.
Best time to visit Cataño:
The best time to visit Cataño is from early December to mid-April. This is the dry season in Puerto Rico, and the temperature is typically around the mid-80s°F. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can enjoy the attractions and activities in Cataño and nearby areas, such as the Casa Bacardi Distillery, the AcuaExpreso Ferry, and the Parque Recreativo La Esperanza. However, you may also encounter higher prices and crowds during this time, so you may want to book your hotel and flights in advance. If you prefer a quieter and cheaper time to visit, you may consider the months of October and November, which are also relatively dry and warm, but less busy than the peak season. However, you should also be aware of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and may affect your travel plans.
