Coffee Tourism Route in Puerto Rico Set to Drive Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation

Published on December 29, 2025

In a move aimed at revitalizing Puerto Rico’s coffee tradition and improving the island’s agrotourism potential, Puerto Rico Sen. Jeison Rosa-Ramos, a member of the New Progressive Party, has presented Senate Bill 878, attempting to enact the “Coffee Tourism Route and Coffee Haciendas of Puerto Rico.” According to the intentions through which the legislation is guided, the main aim is the promotion and advancement of tourism, particularly within the coffee-producing zones of Puerto Rico.

A New Vision for Puerto Rico’s Coffee Industry

Puerto Rico’s coffee industry, which once played a crucial role in the island’s economy, has seen a decline in recent decades. However, the proposed legislation is set to restore the island’s rich coffee culture by blending agricultural heritage with tourism. By officially designating a coffee tourism route, the bill aims to position Puerto Rico as a key destination for coffee enthusiasts, agrotourists, and those seeking to explore the island’s scenic mountain regions.

Sen. Rosa-Ramos highlighted the historical importance of coffee production to Puerto Rico, noting that during its peak in the 16th to 19th centuries, the island ranked as the sixth-largest coffee exporter in the world. At its height, Puerto Rico shipped around 60 million pounds of coffee annually to international markets, earning a reputation for premium-quality coffee enjoyed by European royalty and even the Vatican.

Official Designation of Coffee Tourism Route

Senate Bill 878 outlines the creation of a Coffee Tourism Route that will span 22 municipalities across Puerto Rico, many of which are located in the island’s central mountainous region. These areas, which include towns such as Orocovis, Jayuya, Villalba, Coamo, Adjuntas, and Ponce, were once the heart of Puerto Rico’s coffee industry. The bill will formally recognize this route as an official tourist destination, linking the coffee-growing communities and their rich history to modern tourism.

The initiative will also involve the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) and the Agriculture Department working together to design and promote coffee-related tourism experiences. This partnership aims to draw visitors to explore not just coffee farms, but also the culture, cuisine, and traditions of Puerto Rico’s central mountain regions, providing a holistic travel experience for tourists.

Revitalizing Puerto Rico’s Coffee Haciendas

A key component of the bill is the restoration and repurposing of Puerto Rico’s historic coffee haciendas. Many of these haciendas, which were once the cornerstone of the island’s coffee industry, are now abandoned or underutilized. The legislation proposes an inventory and assessment of these properties to determine which ones can be restored as cultural and tourism assets.

By transforming these historic haciendas into tourist attractions, Puerto Rico can preserve its agricultural heritage while generating economic activity in its rural communities. Not only will this help preserve the island’s coffee legacy, but it will also provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to step back in time and learn about the history and production of one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic crops.

Collaboration with Multiple Government Agencies

The success of the Coffee Tourism Route will depend on the coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies, as outlined in the bill. Agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority will be tasked with improving the infrastructure and utilities necessary to support tourism along the route. This could include upgrading transportation systems, improving signage, and ensuring that facilities meet the needs of both tourists and local businesses.

Additionally, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will provide historical guidance to ensure that the route and its attractions accurately represent the cultural and historical significance of Puerto Rico’s coffee heritage. These efforts will be essential in transforming Puerto Rico’s coffee regions into a world-class tourist destination that offers both educational and recreational opportunities.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

Beyond promoting coffee tourism, the bill is seen as a way to invigorate the local economies of Puerto Rico’s coffee-growing municipalities. These areas have historically faced economic challenges, and the establishment of a coffee tourism route could provide much-needed opportunities for job creation and business growth. Local artisans, coffee farmers, and tour operators stand to benefit from the influx of tourists eager to explore Puerto Rico’s coffee culture.

Additionally, the proposed tourism route will encourage the development of new businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels, all of which could cater to visitors interested in experiencing the island’s coffee culture firsthand. This creates a win-win situation where both tourism and local agriculture can thrive simultaneously.

The Future of Coffee Tourism in Puerto Rico

If approved, Senate Bill 878 would take effect immediately, with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company tasked with developing a strategic plan for the Coffee Tourism Route. Participating municipalities will identify local attractions, cultural festivals, and potential infrastructure improvements that will enhance the overall tourist experience. Public agencies will conduct studies to assess the feasibility of transportation upgrades, utilities, and other logistical considerations that will support the success of the route.

Looking ahead, Puerto Rico could become a premier destination for coffee lovers and agrotourists from around the world. The Coffee Tourism Route would not only celebrate the island’s rich coffee heritage but also attract a new generation of travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences in an idyllic, natural setting.

A New Era for Puerto Rican Tourism

Senate Bill 878 represents a tremendous forward movement in the transformation of the coffee industry in Puerto Rico. Through the combination of the long history of farming on the island with the concept of tourism, the Coffee Tourism Route has the potential to become a revolutionary project with a great impact on the communities on the island and a great attraction for tourists who would have the unique experience of being on the island. If passed into law, Puerto Rico will definitely be on the list of destinations that everyone wishes to visit.