Aibonito, municipality in Puerto Rico
Aibonito is a small mountain town in Puerto Rico known for its cooler climate and lush surroundings. The winding streets pass old houses, flower gardens, and small shops where locals move at a relaxed pace and neighbors greet each other as they go about their day.
The town was established in the early 1800s and was originally inhabited by the Taíno people, particularly the tribe led by Chief Orocobix. It grew as a center for coffee cultivation and farming, with old mills and terraces still visible as reminders of that agricultural past.
Aibonito takes its name from 'Ay, que bonito' ("How beautiful!"), a phrase that reflects the community's deep connection to nature and its surroundings. The town is known for growing flowers everywhere, and residents tend their gardens year-round, making horticulture a central part of local identity and daily life.
The town is about an hour's drive from San Juan along scenic mountain roads and works well as a day trip. Visitors can walk through the streets on foot or explore nearby trails and parks, with paths leading to viewpoints and waterfalls throughout the area.
The Taíno name 'Aibonito' may come from the language of the original inhabitants and could mean 'place of the hills'. The San Cristobal Canyon area holds the largest canyon in the Caribbean, with waterfalls that drop over 750 feet (229 meters).
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