Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, presented Hacienda Lealtad with the Agrotourism Certification.
Hacienda Lealtad, a coffee plantation located in Lares, offers travelers the opportunity to learn about coffee made on the Island and Puerto Rico’s local agriculture scene.
“We are happy to continue developing the agrotourism market on the Island. This new certification highlights Puerto Rico’s potential to continue enhancing and promoting such a niche market,” said Rivera Rocafort.
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Myrna Comas Pagán, said, “In order to diversify farmers’ income opportunities and increase visibility for our agricultural practices, the Department of Agriculture partnered with PRTC to begin agrotourism project assessments. For this project, the Department of Agriculture collaborated on the evaluation and implementation of the coffee plantation and its roasting process. We are thrilled about this certification and hope it results in additional employment opportunities and generate higher revenues.”
Visitors at Hacienda Lealtad begin their tour at Café Bistro, known for utilizing local products and natural juices to create its dishes and desserts. The next stop takes visitors to an onsite greenhouse to learn about a variety of coffee seeds and how they are grown. Afterwards, the group observes how the coffee plant transforms the coffee seeds to coffee grains. The final stage takes place in a laboratory where travelers get the opportunity to taste the rich coffee flavors available.
“We are very pleased to receive this endorsement from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This new partnership will allow us to continue our work promoting the Island’s agrotourism scene, as well as Puerto Rican coffee, through a unique and educational experience for both local and international tourists,” said Edwin Soto Ruíz, President of Café Lealtad, Inc.
Tours at Hacienda Lealtad are available Monday through Thursday at 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
