We stayed in a mountain home in Angeles and the owner recommended that we go to Gran Batey for the best coffee in Puerto Rico… It was only about a 15 minute drive from the house(very curvy, narrow and bumpy roads though). The owner gave us an amazing tour of the plantation and the machines, then his wife offered us amazing coffee and cake. Since it is out in the mountains, not too many people come out here(there were two more couples that came at the time we did), but it is definitely worth the drive if you want an intimate tour with the sweetest couple and have great coffee. We bought a couple pounds of coffee there to bring back home with us, and will definitely order more in the future!
Pixel S.
Place rating: 5 San Juan, Puerto Rico
We visited here for a couple of hours talking to the owners while they gave us a tour and explained their processes and a bit of history. We felt incredibly welcomed and were even prepared a few cups during our time there. It was simply the best coffee I have ever had. We now send a couple of bags to our coffee addict friends and family on special occasions and they always beg me to send more. If you’re in the Utuado area you must pay them a visit, reservations are preferred but we got lucky on our visit and caught them just in time.
Robert R.
Place rating: 5 Baton Rouge, LA
This was almost certainly the highlight of our Puerto Rico trip. Arriving around 2:30 in the afternoon, the place was nearly abandoned and we thought we had missed out on this great coffee tour. We introduced ourselves to Lotty, who said she spoke little English but she could give us a Spanish tour. We agreed, my brother and I both being fairly well versed in the language. The following tour lasted about 45 minutes, and though not as in depth as the one mentioned in the previous review, was incredibly informative and enjoyable. Lotty had a great sense of humor and liked to throw in little jokes here and there. She showed us around the grounds and the facilities, explaining which machines were used for which purposes. At the conclusion of the tour she invited us in to try the finished product. It was amazingly fresh and delicious, and we talked with her at length over several cups of it. She also offered us some tasty vanilla crackers with cheez whiz. I was pretty skeptical about it at first, but they’re actually quite delicious. She even gave us recommendations for things to do on the island as well as warnings about what to avoid. By far one of the most incredible hostesses I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is in the area as probably the pinnacle of enjoyment of my vacation.
Michael R.
Place rating: 5 Houston, TX
This place is amazing and well worth the journey! My brother and I visited this family run coffee operation when we were in the area. It is situated in the rolling hills in the middle of the island. We went on a Friday afternoon. The only person there was a very nice lady named Lotty. She didn’t speak any English, but we knew enough Spanish to where we made it work! She took the time to show us around the different parts of the plantation. It is not a very big place, but man is it cool! It is very peaceful up in the mountains and there is significantly cooler temperatures. After the tour around, she invited us into the little café there and made us a wonderful pot of the coffee. The taste is out of this world. She also sat with us and chatted. We were there for almost two hours! She offered us tasty little crackers with cheese. We talked about our families and such. It was a terrific experience. We also purchased a pound of their coffee, which cannot be purchased anywhere else that I know of. In summation, this is a fantastic little trip and I will definitely go again if I am ever in the area.
Chy L.
Place rating: 5 Madison, WI
We visited this lovely family-run coffee farm on Mother’s day. Our hosts(the entire family!) graciously invited us to participate in their coffee tour even though it was a holiday where many businesses were closed. Daniel, the son and our tour guide explained they work 7 days a week and dedicate their lives to their farm. Daniel was very patient in giving us directions when we were on our way. Just watch for mile maker 11 on road(Carr) 111. You will see a big trailer and the el Gran Batey sign. The tour started with the introduction and orgin of different coffee species and then we took a nice stroll through the coffee farm. After a short while, Daniel’s beautiful wife and daughter joined us. She was also very knowledgeable about the coffee process telling us she works at the farm sometimes to help out. She was so caring and accommodating, offering us fresh bananas from their land and going to search for a specific kind of coffee fruit for demonstration. The genuine love and passion is notable immediately. Daniel’s knowledge of agriculture and horticulture is abundant. After showing and explaining to us the process of coffee from their farm to table, we sat down in their lovely indoor café area for a sampling of fresh roasted(the batch was roasted while we picked oranges from their yard!) coffee and Lotty’s delicious sweet bread. The coffee is sublime! We sat and talked story for a while longer before having to part ways. We couldn’t fathom such a intimate and enriching tour like this one existed, they really dedicated their time to us and we truly could not have asked for a better way to spend our time in Utuado. They sell their coffee there and to other cafes in the area. There’s absolutely zero hard sell of their coffee, Daniel and family simply want to pass on their tradition and knowledge of coffee. We have done coffee tours in Kona, Hawaii, but nothing holds a candle to a tour like this one. Don’t miss your chance to try some of the best tasting and locally grown coffees around!