Time in Full Bloom – The Floral Clock – Reloj de Flores in Aibonito
High in the cool mountains of Aibonito, you’ll find the Reloj de Flores de Aibonito, one of the few large-scale floral clocks in the world. It is both a functioning clock and a living garden. Unlike a traditional clock, the Reloj de Flores is alive — its face is formed by carefully arranged plants and flowers that change with the seasons.
The clock is located on the grounds of Jardín de Jeanny, a garden center, so don’t be surprised by its setting. The floral clock is impressive in size, with a face said to measure about 33 feet in diameter. Keeping a clock like this accurate and beautiful requires constant care, including pruning, replanting, watering, and precise mechanical maintenance.
On the hour and quarter hours the clock chimes and plays music, with songs that can change depending on the season. At noon, it plays “La Borinqueña”, the official national anthem of Puerto Rico. Surrounding the base of the clock is a water garden with koi fish, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The plants and flowers that make up the clock face are also rotated seasonally, giving repeat visitors something new to enjoy.
There is a $5 per person fee to enter the area closest to the clock, which includes access to food and craft kiosks and an additional garden area (El Paseo del Amor). Entry to the plant store, Jardín de Jeanny, is free, and it offers a large variety of ornamental plants. We enjoyed browsing and shopping there as well.
Because there are so few large floral clocks in the world, the Reloj de Flores has become a tourist attraction for both locals and visitors from all over. Personally, I wouldn’t consider it a must-see destination, but it is a lovely stop along the way for anyone exploring Puerto Rico’s Central Corridor or the Ruta Panorámica near Aibonito.
Parking is free, and you can walk around or head up the paved hill on the right to see the clock from a distance — or pay the $5 to get up close and help support the maintenance of this beautiful space.
Details
Admission to the area nearest to the clock and El Paseo del Amor is $5 per person.
The clock is accessible Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
You can call them at 787-372-89005 for more information.
You can visit El Reloj de Puerto Rico Facebook page for more info.
El Reloj de Puerto Rico is located on Carretera 723 at KM 2.2 in Aibonito.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it!
