Sample locally grown coffee and learn about coffee production, both today and in the past at the Hacienda Buena Vista. This traditional coffee farm in southern Puerto Rico is one of the best illustrations of a centuries old industry. When Don Salvador de Vives formed the farm in 1833, he grew fruit. It wasn’t until later in the 1800's that coffee was first planted. The Hacienda Buena Vista hit its stride during the coffee boom of the 1880s. For the next fifty years the farm was considered one of the finest producers of coffee in the world, exporting to the United States, Europe and even the Vatican. Today visitors to the Hacienda will find 87 acres (35 Hectares) of fertile farmland, a series of restored historic buildings and a museum in the Hacienda itself.
Begin your visit to the farm at the museum to discover the intriguing history of the de Vives family and the farm they operated. The museum features old photographs, artifacts from the farm and an overview of the coffee production process. Try locally grown coffees from nearby farms, brewed by your hosts, before you make your way out on a two-hour tour of the property.
You’ll stroll through the jungle as your tour guide takes you to the hydroelectric system built to power the farm. See the de-pulping and husking mill, a two story wooden building that has been completely restored by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. All the machinery used during the production process has been carefully restored and today stand as monuments to the history of the farm.
Hacienda Buena Vista is located in the hills behind Ponce, on the south coast of Puerto Rico. The farm can only be reached by car, and there is ample parking on site. The farm is only open on weekends and reservations are required so be sure to call ahead. There is a small fee for admission.