Yauco

About

Founded by the Spanish in 1756 as an agricultural center for commodity crops like tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee, a huge number of Corsican immigrants in the 19th century developed the coffee industry even further, putting Yauco on the map as “Town of Coffee”. Today, the surrounding hills are still filled with coffee plantations that produce some stellar beans, which are used by the many charming local coffee shops. Yauco has also become a Puerto Rican icon for its urban art. Spearheaded by Jonathan “Pito” Hernández, the Yaucromatic and Y2 projects have transformed blank walls into brilliant murals all over town. The “macromural” Brisa Tropical (Tropical Breeze) alone stretches across 19 homes and stairways in the La Cantera community. You can find an interactive map of all the murals at www.yaucromatic.com. These vibrantly painted homes surround a historic town center, with many historic buildings dating back to the 19th century.