Cayey is a mountain town in central Puerto Rico's South region, set within the Sierra de Cayey in the Central Mountain range, about 25 miles inland from San Juan. It is bordered by Salinas and Guayama to the south, Cidra and Caguas to the north, Aibonito to the west, and San Lorenzo to the east, and is organized into 21 barrios plus Cayey Pueblo, with a population of roughly 41,652 as of 2020 spread across 130.01 km². It is officially known as Cayey de Muesas and forms part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Founded in 1773, Cayey has long been shaped by its mountainous inland setting within the Sierra de Cayey. The town is home to Guavate, known for La Ruta del Lechón, a stretch of eateries and stands centered on roast pork and drink.
For visitorsVisitors come mainly for La Ruta del Lechón in Guavate, a well-known destination for roast pork and drink set in Cayey's mountain landscape.
For living hereResidents live in a mountain town within the Central Mountain range that, despite its inland, rural setting, is connected to the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo metropolitan area.Living in Cayey: rent, commute, schools & safety
Latest from Cayey
Things to do in Cayey
Outdoors & Adventure1
Cerro La Santa
mountain peak
Cerro La Santa is the highest point in the Sierra de Cayey mountain range, located in the Carite State Forest. It is a peak with an elevation in the mountains of Puerto Rico. The peak is situated at a tri-point shared by the municipalities of Caguas, Cayey, and San Lorenzo.
Food & Drink3
La Ruta del Lechón (Guavate)
Known for: whole-roasted lechón and roadside merengue in the mountains
La Ruta del Lechón, located in Cayey, is a mountain highway lined with lechoneras, which are restaurants that specialize in roast pork. These establishments serve whole-roasted pig, accompanied by rice and beans. This area is known for its whole-roasted lechón and roadside merengue.
The Sand and the Sea
Caribbean cuisine
The Sand and the Sea is a restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine and known for its views. It operates in Cayey. The restaurant is popular.
Lechonera Los Pinos
lechonera
Lechonera Los Pinos is a popular restaurant, especially on weekends. It is one of the most famous lechoneras in Guavate.