Cataño
Cataño is a small municipality and town in the Northern Coast region of Puerto Rico, across from Old San Juan in the Bay of San Juan.
Understand
editCataño is the smallest municipality by size in Puerto Rico, with a land area of 12.5 km² (4.8 mi.²). It had a population of over 23,000 in 2020, down from its peak of about 34,500 in 1990. Although small, the town offers visitors breathtaking views of the San Juan Bay, El Morro and Old San Juan due to its strategic location. The area is also known for its seafood, its waterfront boardwalk, its popular ferry service to San Juan and what is perhaps its most famous landmark, Bacardi's Cathedral of Rum.
Get in
edit- San Juan: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
- Aguadilla: Rafael Hernández Airport
- Ponce: Mercedita Airport
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By car
editCataño is easily connected to San Juan through Puerto Rico Highway-165.
By ferry
editA popular method of getting to Cataño from Old San Juan (or vice versa) is the AcuaExpreso Ferry, most famously known as La Lancha de Cataño (the Cataño Ferry). This ferry service has become a "moving landmark" of both Cataño and San Juan, and an icon of Puerto Rico. The Cataño Ferry Terminal (officially called Cataño AcuaExpreso Terminal) is located on Las Nereidas Avenue in downtown Cataño, next to the popular boardwalk. The short trip takes about 10 minutes and it offers passengers amazing views of El Morro and San Juan Bay.
By public transportation
editAlthough not served by the Tren Urbano metro system, Cataño can be reached by AMA, the public bus system of San Juan and its metropolitan area. Bus routes T4 (from Piñero station) and #37 (from Bayamón station) connect the Tren Urbano system with downtown Cataño,
Get around
editThe downtown area of Cataño is small enough to be explored by foot. The Bacardi Cathedral of Rum is located further north outside of the downtown area and can be easily reached by bus, tourist shuttle or car rideshare.
See
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- Casa Bacardi (The Cathedral of Rum) (along PR-165 north of downtown Cataño), ☏ +1 787-788-8400. W-Su 10AM-4:30PM, closed M Tu. The world's largest rum destillery, popularly known as the Cathedral of Rum, this factory provides the largest commercial supply of rum consumed in the world. The factory has a visitors center, a museum, bars, a rum and gift shop, a small park and various picnic areas. Themed and regular tours offered, bookings must be made online or by phone.
- Malecón de Cataño (Cataño Boardwalk), 20-40 Las Nereidas Avenue (right by the downtown area and the ferry terminal). 24 hours. This is a boardwalk and esplanade extending from half a mile which offers visitors amazing views of El Morro fortress, Old San Juan and the bay. The boardwalk has numerous food kiosks, bars and a tourist pier called Muelle Rosado.
- 1 Cataño Pueblo (downtown Cataño). See the historic Roman Catholic church, Spanish-style recreational plaza, and the municipal buildings surrounded by streets and shops.
You can drive around the pueblo or park your car and walk around the square and into the plaza. The Spanish law, which regulated life in Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, stated the plaza's purpose was for celebrations and festivities. Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen is across from the plaza.
Do
edit- Go to La Esperanza Beach and Park (Playa La Esperanza) (Located immediately to the south of Casa Bacardi). 24 hours. Public beach and park with bathrooms, occasional food kiosks, playgrounds and gazebos.
- Although a method of transportation, riding the Cataño Ferry can be considered a tourist attraction by itself, given its cultural popularity and the beautiful views the ferry ride offers of El Morro and the Bay of San Juan.
Learn
edit- Bacardi Mixology Class, Casa Bacardi, ☏ +1 787-788-8400. Class offered by expert mixologists. Price include a visit to the Bacardi Museum and tour. Must be booked online or by phone. $75.
Buy
editEat
edit- Casa Cataño, 65 Barbosa Street, ☏ +1 787-644-9532. Su noon-10PM, F Sa noon-1AM. Latin American restaurant and rum bar.
- Casilda Cocina Creativa, 76 Las Nereidas Avenue, ☏ +1 787-963-0494. W-Su 11AM-9PM.
- Don Tello Restaurant, 36 Las Nereidas Avenue, ☏ +1 787-788-1951. Su noon-6PM, Tu-Sa 11AM-9PM.
- El Bembé (Bembé by Poliya), 41 Las Nereidas Avenue, ☏ +1 787-469-1859. M-F 1PM-midnight, Sa Su 1PM-2AM.
- El Punto Sabroso, 104 Barbosa Avenue, ☏ +1 787-275-4038. F-Su 11AM-7PM, M 3-11PM. Popular seafood spot.
- El Punto Vegano, 6 Wilson Street esq. El Tren Street, ☏ +1 787-268-5202. Tu-Th 11AM-4PM, F Sa 11AM-8PM. Vegan restaurant.
- Munchealo Bar & Grill, 150 Los Conquistadores Avenue, Marina Bahia Plaza 10-A, ☏ +1 787-234-6579. Daily 11AM-11PM. Puerto Rican dishes and snacks..
- Rebecca Bistro Cafe, 94 Las Nereidas Avenue, ☏ +1 787-370-1051. Tu-F 7AM-3PM, Su 9AM-3PM.
- The Ocean, 92-94 Las Nereidas Avenue, ☏ +1 787-395-1481. F 5-10PM, Sa Su 2-8PM. Seafood restaurant also serving fritters and other Puerto Rican snacks.
- Villa Pesquera, PR-888 Cataño, next to the boardwalk, ☏ +1 787-319-2362. W-Su 10AM-7PM, closed M Tu. Pescaderia with fresh seafood and Puerto Rican meals.
Drink
edit- AquíCBB, 2 Isidra Rodríguez Street, ☏ +1 787-644-9532. M-F 10AM-midnight, Sa Su 10AM-2AM.
- La Bodeguita del Tren, 226 Barbosa Avenue. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, Sa Su 6-11PM.