Cidra, Puerto Rico

(SEE-drah)

Known as "Known as "La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera" (The City of Eternal Spring)," (The City of Eternal Spring), because of its cool temperatures. Cidra is a picturesque mountain municipality in central Puerto Rico celebrated for its mild climate, scenic lake, rolling green hills, and agricultural heritage. Just under an hour from San Juan, Cidra offers a refreshing escape where visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views, outdoor recreation, local cuisine, and a slower pace of life. The municipality is also one of Puerto Rico's leading poultry-producing regions, earning the nickname "La Cuna de la Industria Avícola" (The Cradle of the Poultry Industry).

Why Visit Cidra?

Cidra combines natural beauty with small-town charm. Visitors come to kayak across the tranquil waters of Lago de Cidra, enjoy scenic mountain drives, explore local farms, and experience authentic Puerto Rican culture away from the busy tourist centers.

Its pleasant year-round climate makes outdoor activities especially enjoyable, whether hiking nearby nature trails, dining with panoramic views, or attending one of the municipality's lively festivals. Conveniently located in the island's central region, Cidra also serves as an excellent base for exploring neighboring mountain communities.

Top Attractions in Cidra

Lago de Cidra

The centerpiece of the municipality, Lago de Cidra is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, located on the confluence of Rio de Bayamon, Rio Sabana, and Quebrada Prieta, about 3.0 kilometers northeast of the town of Cidra. The dam is owned and operated by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), and was constructed in 1946 and supplies water to San Juan, Rio Piedras, Catano and neighboring towns. Popular for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and photography, the lake offers peaceful scenery and spectacular sunsets. Restaurants and cafés overlooking the water make it one of the area's favorite gathering places.

Paseo Lineal de Cidra

This scenic walking and cycling trail follows portions of the lake and surrounding countryside, providing visitors with an excellent place for exercise, birdwatching, and enjoying Cidra's refreshing mountain climate.

Plaza Pública Francisco M. Zeno

Located in the heart of downtown, Cidra's historic plaza features landscaped gardens, fountains, public art, and the beautiful Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish. Throughout the year, the plaza hosts festivals, concerts, artisan markets, and community events.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish

Dating back to the nineteenth century, this historic church has long served as the spiritual center of Cidra. Its elegant architecture and prominent location overlooking the town plaza make it one of the municipality's most recognizable landmarks.

Hacienda Muñoz

Coffee lovers can experience Puerto Rico's agricultural traditions at Hacienda Muñoz, where visitors tour the coffee plantation, learn about the roasting process, and sample locally grown coffee while enjoying beautiful mountain views.

Cerro La Santa

One of the highest points in the municipality, Cerro La Santa rewards visitors with panoramic views of Puerto Rico's Central Mountain Range and surrounding valleys. On clear days, the scenery stretches for miles across the island.

Bosque Estatal de Carite

Part of this protected forest extends into Cidra, offering hiking trails, rivers, wildlife viewing, and lush subtropical forests. The reserve is popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful outdoor escape.

El Salto de Beatriz

Hidden among Cidra's hills, this picturesque waterfall flows into a refreshing natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. It is a favorite destination for hikers and locals looking to cool off during warmer months.

Cidra is home of "La Paloma Sabanera" (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei), the only bird in Puerto Rico with blue eyes. This pigeon is endemic to Puerto Rico. Its original geographical distribution included the valleys and low mountains of the western region, from Añasco to Morovis. According to the Federal Recovery Plan, the Paloma Sabanera is in danger of extinction due to deforestation and urban development. It is estimated that only about 200 or 300 pigeons remain in the wild, living primarly in Cidra, and areas of Cayey, Caguas, Comerio and Aguas Buenas.

Plan your Visit

Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend in the mountains or exploring Puerto Rico's central region, Cidra offers beautiful scenery, excellent local cuisine, and easy access to many nearby attractions.

Nature & Resources

Geography

Located in Puerto Rico's central mountain region, Cidra is bordered by Comerío and Aguas Buenas to the north, Aibonito to the east, Cayey to the south, and Caguas to the west. Rolling hills, fertile valleys, rivers, and forests define much of the municipality's landscape.

Among its most important natural features is Lago de Cidra, a reservoir that supplies drinking water to several municipalities while providing opportunities for recreation, wildlife observation, and environmental conservation.

Cidra has four rivers: Bayamon, La Plata, Clavijo, and Arroyata; and ten streams: Galindo, Caña, Bocana, Del Blanco, La Catalina, Ceiba, Pueblo Viejo, Solano, Prieta, and Quebradillas.

Neighborhoods & Barrios

Cidra consists of 12 barrios (PDF) (wards/districts):

Climate

Thanks to its elevation, Cidra enjoys one of Puerto Rico's most comfortable climates. Warm days, cool evenings, and refreshing mountain breezes have earned it the nickname "The City of Eternal Spring." Rainfall throughout the year keeps the hills green and supports the municipality's agricultural economy. Cidra annual precipitation is approximately 63.38 inches and the average temperature is 81.2°F.

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Where to Stay

Local Flavors & Festivities

Where to Eat

Festivals and Events

Displaying 3 results.

1. Festival Paloma Sabanera - November
2. Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Sra. del Carmen - July
   Every year, Cidra celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions.
   (787) 739-4041
3. Semana Myrna Vazquez - February

History

Founded on March 1, 1809, Cidra emerged as an agricultural community in the fertile hills of Puerto Rico's central region. The municipality's name is believed to derive from the citron (cidra), a citrus fruit that once grew abundantly in the area. During the nineteenth century, Cidra's economy was built on coffee, tobacco, sugar cane, and other crops grown on its fertile mountain slopes, while its mild climate made it an attractive place to live and farm.

In the twentieth century, agriculture evolved as poultry farming became one of the municipality's leading industries, earning Cidra the nickname "La Cuna de la Industria Avícola" (The Cradle of the Poultry Industry). The construction of Lago de Cidra in the 1940s further transformed the municipality by providing a reliable water supply while creating one of central Puerto Rico's most scenic recreational areas.

Today, Cidra balances its agricultural traditions with commerce, manufacturing, and tourism. Its beautiful mountain scenery, pleasant climate, and welcoming atmosphere continue to attract visitors seeking an authentic experience in Puerto Rico's interior.

Moments in History

Notable People

Cidra has produced accomplished writers, musicians, athletes, entertainers, and public servants whose contributions have enriched Puerto Rico's cultural and civic life.

Famous Cidreños

City Symbols

Flag

Cidra's flag features green, brown, and gold horizontal fields, representing the municipality's fertile farmland, rich mountain landscapes, and agricultural heritage. The colors reflect the natural beauty that has earned Cidra the nickname "The City of Eternal Spring."

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms incorporates symbols representing Cidra's history, agriculture, and geography. Among its most recognizable elements are references to the citron fruit (cidra) from which the municipality derives its name, along with mountains, fertile valleys, and agricultural motifs that honor the community's farming traditions. A mural crown atop the shield signifies Cidra's status as one of Puerto Rico's municipalities.

Anthem

The municipal anthem, "Del Corazón de Puerto Rico Nació Cidra," celebrates the municipality's natural beauty, agricultural traditions, and the pride of its residents. Its lyrics pay tribute to Cidra's mountains, pleasant climate, and the hardworking spirit of its people.

Written by Felito Felix. The title is Del corazón de Puerto Rico nacio Cidra.

Human & Capital Resources

Economy

Cidra's economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, and it remains one of Puerto Rico's most important poultry-producing municipalities. The municipality is widely recognized as the "Cradle of the Poultry Industry," with poultry production playing a significant role in the local economy for decades. Coffee, plantains, citrus fruits, vegetables, and livestock also contribute to the municipality's agricultural sector.

Today, Cidra's economy is far more diverse. Manufacturing, retail businesses, healthcare, education, government services, and small family-owned enterprises provide employment throughout the municipality. Its convenient location between San Juan and Puerto Rico's Central Mountain Region has encouraged residential and commercial growth, while Lago de Cidra, scenic countryside, and agritourism experiences continue to support a growing tourism industry.

Education

Education has long been an important part of community life in Cidra. The municipality is served by numerous public and private schools that provide educational opportunities from elementary through high school, preparing students for higher education and professional careers.

Residents also benefit from Cidra's proximity to several colleges and universities in nearby municipalities, including University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Ana G. Méndez University, and higher education institutions in Caguas and San Juan. These schools offer programs in business, education, engineering, healthcare, science, and the liberal arts.

Community organizations, libraries, and cultural institutions further enrich educational opportunities through programs that celebrate Puerto Rico's history, arts, environmental conservation, and agricultural traditions.

Map References

Coordinates: 18.1758° N, 66.1614° W

ZIP Code: 739

Driving Distance from San Juan: 29.2 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cidra known for?
Cidra is best known for Lago de Cidra, its pleasant mountain climate, poultry industry, and nickname, "The City of Eternal Spring."

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Where is Cidra located?
Cidra is located in Puerto Rico's Central Mountain Region, approximately one hour southwest of San Juan.

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Why is Cidra called the City of Eternal Spring?
Its higher elevation provides cooler temperatures and pleasant weather throughout much of the year, creating a spring-like climate.

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Can you visit Lago de Cidra?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, scenic drives, and restaurants overlooking the lake.

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What are the best things to do in Cidra?
Popular activities include visiting Lago de Cidra, touring Hacienda Muñoz, exploring Bosque Estatal de Carite, enjoying local restaurants, and attending community festivals.

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Is Cidra a good destination for nature lovers?
Absolutely. The municipality offers mountain scenery, forests, lakes, hiking opportunities, birdwatching, and beautiful countryside ideal for outdoor recreation.

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