Vaca Negra

Cheese shop · Hatillo

Vaca Negra

Cheese shop · Hatillo

3

493 Km. 0.7, Carrizales, 00659, Puerto Rico

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Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null
Vaca Negra by null

Highlights

Vaca Negra crafts artisanal raw-milk cheeses and lactose-free yogurts with local flair, offering tastings, tours, and cheese-making experiences.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured in Afar

493 Km. 0.7, Carrizales, 00659, Puerto Rico Get directions

vacanegra.com
@vacanegrapr

$$

Information

Static Map

493 Km. 0.7, Carrizales, 00659, Puerto Rico Get directions

+1 787 262 5656
vacanegra.com
@vacanegrapr

$$

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Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@cntraveler

The 20 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

"Vaca Negra is a local maker of fine aged cheeses. They offer tours, for which they gather a small group to learn about what they do, have a cheese tasting, and then make their own cheese that will be available in two months. Make the reservation for brunch here as well as the tour, for the full experience. Most of the people who come to Vaca Negra will be a fan of their cheeses already, or interested in how it's made. The focus on local, agroecological ingredients stands out." - Alicia Kennedy

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-puerto-rico
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@afar

Why Puerto Rico is a Great Destination for Food and Nature - AFAR

"Vaca Negra is an artisanal aged-cheese producer in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. The facility offers tours explaining the cheese-making process, followed by a tasting paired with wine, and an opportunity to make your own cheese."

https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-makes-puerto-rico-a-mindful-getaway-for-food-and-nature
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@afar

"This woman-owned artisanal aged-cheese producer was on the front wave of what is an increasingly vibrant local food movement. Wanda Otero, a microbiologist, decided to start her business in part to offer Puerto Ricans an alternative to expensive imported cheeses. She has since expanded into yogurt-making, and her products are now sold in supermarkets and found on the menus of the island’s finest restaurants. Travelers can visit the Vaca Negra facility for a tour, which includes the opportunity to make their own cheese."

The Best Shopping in Puerto Rico
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John Vargas

Google
This was an amazing place. We didn’t book or do the tour, but the employee (Katherine) who attended us was kind, great customer service, she took her time explaining each product from lactose free yogurts, cheeses, wine and other products. Katherine was knowledgeable about everything we asked. This was our first visit and it won’t be our last. We went on a Saturday and it was pretty slow traffic customers wise, which was surprisingly to us. Restrooms, tables, floors and outside surroundings were clean. Employees attire were proper and clean. The cheeses, the guava spread, honey with ginger spread, olives, little dill pickles, croutons, wine were perfect. Each cheese was explained to us. The cheese is processed locally or right next door. Pretty much a straight shoot from San Juan on interstate 52, takes about an hour without traffic. Just minutes from there is a beach called Punta Maracayo a super safe beach surrounded by reef’s and tall rocks which break waves. Locals call it the sardine reef. At this beach there is 3 pools and gazebos for rent. Room for improvement: Remove the Xmas ware down decoration dangling from the beautiful vines in entrance and give some love to those beautiful vines and landscaping which will make your place more beautiful. Also the outside tables are a huge opportunity.

Andre Yeampierre

Google
I was a little disappointed with my visit. The place looked really nice but it was pretty expensive. Plus, they made us sit outside because they had a large group there. There were no shaded spots or patio misters, so we just had to tough out the heat. We got the cheese sampler, and the board listed separate cheeses from what they told us was on the plate, so we couldn't look them up on our phones to learn more about what we were served. My kiddo enjoyed the yogurt, and their ginger honey was tasty. If they closed the place when they are hosting an event, that would be more helpful, but it felt more like we were in the way then welcomed. It was different but not great.

Rafael Magura

Google
Wow, a beautiful destination! So happy to have found this hidden gem. Nice to see a local dairy cheese maker. Delicious and a beautiful destination. Staff was friendly and courteous!

Alexa Rosario

Google
While on vacation in PR I looked up fun things to do and I saw this place had a tour to make your own cheese. We did the tour on August 26 of this year. The tour was AMAZING and we learned a lot and got to taste many different things on menu, which were delicious! We made out cheese and I paid to have it shipped to the US when it was ready, about 60 days or so or when it’s ready. I bought a few items to take home and we can’t wait to get our cheese. I called already and they said they will be contacting me soon, but I haven’t heard back yet. I hope we get our cheese we made soon and see how good it taste! I will keep everyone updated, fingers crossed!!!!

Dan

Google
Really cool wine and cheese shop! Great selection and hostess! Clean and beautiful!

Allen Bearden

Google
This is an amazing cheese shop. We did the tour where we learn about the cheese making process and made our own cheese! The cheese was delicious of course as was the other local items they had for sale. My wife got a batida de fruta with banana and guava shell yogurt, which was delicious. The coffee was great too. Definitely recommend.

Neftali Alverio

Google
Had an excellent experience making our own artesanal cheese and tasting various locally made cheeses paired with wine. The host was very knowledgeable and taught us about the history of the milk industry in Puerto Rico as well as the science behind cheese making. This is a beautiful location that makes some excellent cheeses and is worth a visit even if you don't book a tour or class!

Bradley Edens

Google
Completed cheese tour with friendly staff in August who spoke in both Spanish and English for us. We bought coffee and drinkable yogurt which were both very good! Picked up the cheese wheel a few months later and excited to try it. Would recommend this to friends and family!
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Sarah A.

Yelp
We stop in at Vaca Negra any time we are in the area to score delicious, locally made cheese for our stay on the island. They have many varieties of raw milk cheeses inspired by European favorites like Manchego. More recently, we tried a really interesting one made with an IPA from Ocean Lab brewery in Isla Verde. The Montebello is my personal favorite, but I have never had a cheese I didn't like from here. The shop is a few minutes detour from the expressway, but the easy parking situation, comfortable ambience and friendly staff, make it a nice pit stop. Be prepared to spend some cash for these cheeses, but I love supporting a local, agricultural business in PR. I would love to try their tours and make your own cheese experiences, but these are super pricey at around $100 per person: spendy even after factoring the cheese and wine offered. Would be nice if they could make these more accessible.
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AJ Q.

Yelp
They have in business for more than a decade, I remember the old place and now this location is more attractive for tourists/locals. They craft five cheese varieties, named after the neighborhoods in Puerto Rico where some of the cows graze. Made from raw milk and aged for a minimum of 60 days or longer. The milk used for the cheese is free of antibiotics and hormones. The place is nicely decorated and friendly staff, we had the cheese sampler that includes the 5 flavors was really good and well presented.
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Paulo R.

Yelp
They have delicious cheese and yogurt. We did the VIP maker tour own cheese tour which is very educational and you get your own cheese wheel! It's great!!

Glomarie F.

Yelp
It was not difficult to get there. People we're friendly and the seminar started on time but first we got one of the specialty cheese to try. Eventhough it was not cheap, the experience was nice. Lots of knowledge of the milking industry and in two months I will be able to have one of the specialty cheese they sell but made from scratch by me.