Puerto Rico What to Expect

Aguadilla is known as La Villa del Ojo de Agua (village of the eye of water). Aguadilla is also known as El Pueblo de los Tiburones (town of the sharks), and recently El Nuevo Jardín del Atlántico (the new garden of the Atlantic). Aguadilla was founded in 1775 by Luis de Córdova. Aguadilla derives its name from a name given by the Indians Guadilla or Guadiya which means garden.

Aguadilla is best known to visitors for its beaches mundillo lace-making (bobbin lace)-->. Aguadilla's most popular surfing beaches include Crash Boat , famous for it's crystal clear waters, Gas Chambers , and Wilderness . Among Aguadilla's main attractions you will find the popular Parque Acuático Las Cascadas (tel. 787-819-1030), a modern aquatic theme park, the biggest in the Caribbean and the Merendero , with a beautiful view of the town's bay and the nearby Desecheo islet. The town center is known as Plaza de Recreo , located in front of the old catholic church and the Alcaldía (Major's House). Another o`f Aguadilla's attractions is the Ojo de Agua (water eye), this is an underground fresh water source that anciently was used by the Aguadilla Harbor in times of Spanish Occupation. The city is also home of the Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena (tel. 787-819-5555), the only ice skating facility in the Caribbean region. Aguadilla was home of the Ramey Air Force Base and its former base airport was converted into Rafael Hernandez Airport , considered one of the most active commercial airports on the island. The paved runway extends for 11,701 feet. The facility is at an elevation of 238 feet at a distance of about 3 miles from Aguadilla, owned by Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The Punta Borinquen Lighthouse , built in 1889, has been designated a historic site worthy of preservation by the National Register of Historic Places. Aguadilla territory is mostly flat because the city it is located on the Western Costal Valley, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Aguada and Moca ; and west of Isabela . Aguadilla highest peak is Jimenez Peak (222mt, 728 ft) and the largest river is Culebrinas. The town is a processing and trading center for agricultural products such as: sugar, coffee, fruits, tobacco, and cotton. There are many well-known " aguadillaños ", among them: Rafael Alers , danza composer and musician María Bibiana Benítez , writer José de Diego , writer Narciso Figueroa , musician Rafael Hernández , composer, considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century popular Puerto Rican music Agustín Stahl , scientist Monserrate Deliz, writer Carmen Gómez Tejera, composer
Land Area: 92.3 sq km (36.59 sq mi) Water Area: 38.97 sq mi Population: 64,685 Density: 700.8 per sq km (1,826.9 per sq mi) Housing Units: 24,882 Housing Density: 680.0 Per Capita Income: $6,996 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Playita Aguadillana Driving Distance: 86.8 miles * Driving Time: 2 hours, 7 minutes * Barrios (wards) (16): Aguacate Aguadilla Pueblo Arenales Borinquén Caimital Alto Caimital Bajo Camaceye Ceiba Alta Ceiba Baja Corrales Guerrero Maleza Alta Maleza Baja Montaña Palmar Victoria 1. Aguadilla Bowling Center
Location: Rt. 2 Km 129
Aguadilla, PR 00603 Phone: (787) 891-3495 2. Aguadilla Shopping Mall
Aguadilla Shopping Mall features anchor stores like Kmart, Capri, and Amigo, plus more than 70 stores. Open Mon-Thu 9am-7pm, Fri-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Location: Rt. 2, Km. 126.5
Aguadilla, PR 00603 Phone: (787) 882-0014 3. Christopher Columbus Park
The Christopher Columbus Park is located in a small forest at the southernmost beach of Aguadilla. The park harbors a romantic boardwalk along the beach.
Location: Aguadilla 4. Crash Boat Beach
A popular surfing and sports beach located just north of Aguadilla on the west coast.
Location: Route 458 end, off Route 107
Aguadilla 5. La Ponderosa Beach
Location: Aguadilla 6. La Poza Beach
Location: Aguadilla 7. Las Cascadas Aquatic Theme Park
The biggest aquatic theme park of the Caribbean, the park offer different attractions such as: the Crazy River, The Giant Waterslides and the Wave Pool to mention a few. Located on Highway #2 in front of the city stadium. Adults $15.95, children $13.95.
Location: Carr 2 Km. 126.5
Aguadilla, PR 00603 Phone: (787) 819-1030 8. Pro-bowl Recreational Center
Location: Aguadilla Phone: (787) 890-1320 9. Punta Borinquen Golf Course
Built in 1940 for the US Air Force golf aficionados stationed at the former Ramey Base, this course was played by such well-known generals as Dwight D. Eisenhower. Course designed by Pete Dye around 1940. Punta Borinquen is now a public golf course. Green Fees: $31 weekdays, $33 on weekends. Open Mon-Sun 7:00am - 6:00pm.
Location: Golf Station
Aguadilla, PR 00604 Phone: (787) 890-2987
Fax (787) 890-1196 10. Punta Borinquen Lighthouse
The Punta Borinquen Lighthouse was built in 1889, has been designated a historic site worthy of preservation by the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: Aguadilla Phone: (787) 891-1005 11. Punta Borinquen
Four tennis courts.
Location: Aguadilla Phone: (787) 890-2987 12. Rafael Hernández Monument
Monument to the memory of such as composer Rafael Hernández, considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century popular Puerto Rican music.
Location: Aguadilla Phone: (787) 891-1005 13. Tropical Trail Rides
Guided tours of secluded beaches, tropical forests, cliff caves and more. Paso fino horses for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Offering a variety of possibilities for your horseback riding adventure.
Location: 703 Belt Road Suite 117
Aguadilla, PR 00603 Phone: (787) 782-9256
Fax (787) 872-9256 14. Alicia Sotomayor Art Home Studio
Original watercolors and prints.
Location: Carr. 107 Interior Km 3.5
Aguadilla, PR 00603 Phone: (787) 997-4877 15. Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena
The arena is the only ice skating facility in the Caribbean region. The facility opened its doors in 2005 and is owned and administered by the City of Aguadilla. Open daily from 9:40 am to 11:00 pm. Admissions: $10-$13. Credit cards accepted.
Location: Paseo Colón, Plaza Plácido Acevedo, Carr. 442 Km. 4.2
Aguadilla, PR 00605 Phone: (787) 819-5555

Aibonito is known as La Ciudad de las Flores (city of the flowers). The town was founded in March 13, 1824 by Manuel Vélez. Aibonito derives its name from a name given by the Indians, "Jatibonucu" which literally means "Great People of the Sacred High Waters". ro de la noche )-->The tribe or yucayeque living in the area was known as Jatibonicu and it was lead by Cacique Orocobix (Indian chief). In fact, the Jatibonicu region covered the same area as the current towns of Aibonito, Orocovis, Barranquitas, Morovis and Corozal.
A legend also claims that one day a Spaniard wake up over the Asomante mountain and overwhelm by the beauty of the place he exclaim " Ay, que bonito " (Oh, how beautiful!). Aibonito is territory is mountainous, located in the Mountain Range of Cayey , north of Salinas ; south of Barranquitas and Comerio ; east of Coamo ; and west of Cidra and Cayey. Aibonito reaches one of the highest elevation point in the island. The town's highest peaks are Verdún (760 m), Piedra Degetau (730 m), El Indio (620 m), and Amoldadero (530 m). Many rivers cross the town including Aibonito, La Plata, Usabón, and Cuyón. The annual precipitation is approximately 90 inches and the average temperature is 75ºF. The first Catholic church was built in 1825. The building was later replaced by the current church, which was started in 1887 and completed in 1897. Aibonito is known for its flowers, and since 1969, a two-weekend event draws big crowds of locals and visitors. The Festival de las Flores (Flowers Festival) is celebrated every year from the last weekend of June up to the first weekend of July. It's considered the most important flower event on the island, the festivities include flower shows, handcrafts displays, kid rides, music and food. Aibonito's main industry is chicken, followed by flowers, some tobacco, coffee and cattle. There are many well-known " aiboniteños ", among them: Rubén Berrios Martínez , politician Rafael Pont Flores, journalist Juan Martínez Capó, writer Manuel Alvarez Nazario, writer


Land Area: 81.6 sq km (31.4 sq mi) Water Area: 0.01 sq mi Population: 26,493 Density: 324.6 per sq km (843.7 per sq mi) Housing Units: 9,163 Housing Density: 292.8 Per Capita Income: $6,579 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Aibonito Barrios (wards) (9): Asomante Algarrobo Caonillas Cuyón Llanos Pasto Plata Pueblo Robles Driving Distance: 48.8 miles * Driving Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Mayagüez is known as " La Sultana del Oeste " (the sultana of the West). Founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte.

Originally named " Our Lady of the Candelaria of Mayagüez ", but dwindling tradition from the Indian name of its river, the Yagüez River (the word means "clear waters") the city was eventually named just Mayagüez. Mayagüez (pronounced Mah-yah-goo-ehz or Mah-yah-GWEHZ) is a variation on this name, which means "Land of the Clear Waters". Mayagüez is located in the west coast, north of Cabo Rojo , Hormigueros and San Germán ; south of Añasco ; and west of Las Marías and Maricao . Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city and is considered one of the most important cities in the island. The city itself is centered around the impressive Spanish-style Plaza Colon, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, whose stature stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues. In addition, Mayagüez has become a major college town because with the establishment of the UPRM, the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Law School and the Pontiff Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Among Mayagüez's main attractions you will find the Yagüez Theater and Mayagüez Post Office, which are considered historic landmark buildings, both located on McKinley Street. Mayagüez is home of the only Zoo in the island, Juan A. Rivero Zoo (commonly known as Mayagüez Zoo), home of numerous birds, mammals and reptiles (including Bengal tigers, and Andean condors among others). Cages and open compounds stand in an attractively landscaped setting of small islands, a lake, tropical vegetation and children's playground. Open Wed-Sun from 8:30am to 4:00pm. (787) 834-8110. The Tropical Agricultural Research Station located at University of Puerto Rico host many species of exotic plants and trees such as the traveler's tree, shower of orchids, ceylon cinnamon and pink torch ginger. Self-guided tours are available. Open Mon-Fri 7:00am to 4:00pm. (787) 831-3435. There are many well-known " mayagüezanos ", among them: educator, writer and political leader Eugenio María de Hostos, singer (Armando Hipólito) Chucho Avellanet, Juan Mari Bras, journalist Carmen Jovet, news announcer Luz Nereida Velez, late former governor Roberto Sánchez Vilella, and the late former Mayagüez Mayor, Benjamin Cole, whom served for 24 years in a row as mayor of the city.
Land Area: 197.6 sq km (76.0 sq mi) Water Area: 196.46 sq mi Population: 104,557 Density: 498.1 per sq km (1,295.1 per sq mi) Housing Units: 39,364 Housing Density: 507.1 Per Capita Income: $8,003 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Mi patria es un oasis... Coordinates: Latitude: 18° 12' 22" N Longitude: 67° 8' 20" W Wards: Algarrobo, Bateyes, Guanajibo, Juan Alonso, Leguísamo, Limón, Malezas, Mayagüez, Arriba, Miradero, Montoso, Naranjales, Pueblo, Quebrada Grande, Quemado, Río Cañas Abajo, Río Cañas Arriba, Río Hondo, Rosarío, Sábalos and Sabanetas. Driving Distance: 103.3 miles * Driving Time: 2 hours, 21 minutes *

Mayagüez is known as " La Sultana del Oeste " (the sultana of the West). Founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte.

Originally named " Our Lady of the Candelaria of Mayagüez ", but dwindling tradition from the Indian name of its river, the Yagüez River (the word means "clear waters") the city was eventually named just Mayagüez. Mayagüez (pronounced Mah-yah-goo-ehz or Mah-yah-GWEHZ) is a variation on this name, which means "Land of the Clear Waters". Mayagüez is located in the west coast, north of Cabo Rojo , Hormigueros and San Germán ; south of Añasco ; and west of Las Marías and Maricao . Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city and is considered one of the most important cities in the island. The city itself is centered around the impressive Spanish-style Plaza Colon, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, whose stature stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues. In addition, Mayagüez has become a major college town because with the establishment of the UPRM, the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Law School and the Pontiff Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Among Mayagüez's main attractions you will find the Yagüez Theater and Mayagüez Post Office, which are considered historic landmark buildings, both located on McKinley Street. Mayagüez is home of the only Zoo in the island, Juan A. Rivero Zoo (commonly known as Mayagüez Zoo), home of numerous birds, mammals and reptiles (including Bengal tigers, and Andean condors among others). Cages and open compounds stand in an attractively landscaped setting of small islands, a lake, tropical vegetation and children's playground. Open Wed-Sun from 8:30am to 4:00pm. (787) 834-8110. The Tropical Agricultural Research Station located at University of Puerto Rico host many species of exotic plants and trees such as the traveler's tree, shower of orchids, ceylon cinnamon and pink torch ginger. Self-guided tours are available. Open Mon-Fri 7:00am to 4:00pm. (787) 831-3435. There are many well-known " mayagüezanos ", among them: educator, writer and political leader Eugenio María de Hostos, singer (Armando Hipólito) Chucho Avellanet, Juan Mari Bras, journalist Carmen Jovet, news announcer Luz Nereida Velez, late former governor Roberto Sánchez Vilella, and the late former Mayagüez Mayor, Benjamin Cole, whom served for 24 years in a row as mayor of the city.
Land Area: 197.6 sq km (76.0 sq mi) Water Area: 196.46 sq mi Population: 104,557 Density: 498.1 per sq km (1,295.1 per sq mi) Housing Units: 39,364 Housing Density: 507.1 Per Capita Income: $8,003 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Mi patria es un oasis... Coordinates: Latitude: 18° 12' 22" N Longitude: 67° 8' 20" W Wards: Algarrobo, Bateyes, Guanajibo, Juan Alonso, Leguísamo, Limón, Malezas, Mayagüez, Arriba, Miradero, Montoso, Naranjales, Pueblo, Quebrada Grande, Quemado, Río Cañas Abajo, Río Cañas Arriba, Río Hondo, Rosarío, Sábalos and Sabanetas. Driving Distance: 103.3 miles * Driving Time: 2 hours, 21 minutes *

Mayagüez is known as " La Sultana del Oeste " (the sultana of the West). Founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte.

Originally named " Our Lady of the Candelaria of Mayagüez ", but dwindling tradition from the Indian name of its river, the Yagüez River (the word means "clear waters") the city was eventually named just Mayagüez. Mayagüez (pronounced Mah-yah-goo-ehz or Mah-yah-GWEHZ) is a variation on this name, which means "Land of the Clear Waters". Mayagüez is located in the west coast, north of Cabo Rojo , Hormigueros and San Germán ; south of Añasco ; and west of Las Marías and Maricao . Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city and is considered one of the most important cities in the island. The city itself is centered around the impressive Spanish-style Plaza Colon, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, whose stature stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues. In addition, Mayagüez has become a major college town because with the establishment of the UPRM, the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Law School and the Pontiff Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Among Mayagüez's main attractions you will find the Yagüez Theater and Mayagüez Post Office, which are considered historic landmark buildings, both located on McKinley Street. Mayagüez is home of the only Zoo in the island, Juan A. Rivero Zoo (commonly known as Mayagüez Zoo), home of numerous birds, mammals and reptiles (including Bengal tigers, and Andean condors among others). Cages and open compounds stand in an attractively landscaped setting of small islands, a lake, tropical vegetation and children's playground. Open Wed-Sun from 8:30am to 4:00pm. (787) 834-8110. The Tropical Agricultural Research Station located at University of Puerto Rico host many species of exotic plants and trees such as the traveler's tree, shower of orchids, ceylon cinnamon and pink torch ginger. Self-guided tours are available. Open Mon-Fri 7:00am to 4:00pm. (787) 831-3435. There are many well-known " mayagüezanos ", among them: educator, writer and political leader Eugenio María de Hostos, singer (Armando Hipólito) Chucho Avellanet, Juan Mari Bras, journalist Carmen Jovet, news announcer Luz Nereida Velez, late former governor Roberto Sánchez Vilella, and the late former Mayagüez Mayor, Benjamin Cole, whom served for 24 years in a row as mayor of the city.
Land Area: 197.6 sq km (76.0 sq mi) Water Area: 196.46 sq mi Population: 104,557 Density: 498.1 per sq km (1,295.1 per sq mi) Housing Units: 39,364 Housing Density: 507.1 Per Capita Income: $8,003 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Mi patria es un oasis... Coordinates: Latitude: 18° 12' 22" N Longitude: 67° 8' 20" W Wards: Algarrobo, Bateyes, Guanajibo, Juan Alonso, Leguísamo, Limón, Malezas, Mayagüez, Arriba, Miradero, Montoso, Naranjales, Pueblo, Quebrada Grande, Quemado, Río Cañas Abajo, Río Cañas Arriba, Río Hondo, Rosarío, Sábalos and Sabanetas. Driving Distance: 103.3 miles * Driving Time: 2 hours, 21 minutes

Cayey is known as " La Ciudad del Torito " (town of the little bull) and " La Ciudad de las Brumas" (city of the fog). Cayey was founded on August 17, 1773 by Juan Mata Vázquez, who became its first mayor. It is said that Cayey derives its name from the Taino Indian word for "a place of waters". Its original name was " Cayey de Muesas ".

Cayey territory is very mountainous because the city it is located on the Central Mountain range, north of Salinas and Guayama ; south of Cidra and Caguas ; east of Aibonito and Salinas ; and west of San Lorenzo . Major rivers include: Guavate, Jajome, Maton, La Plata, and Grande de Loíza. The Carite Forest Reserve located between Cayey and Yabucoa offers more than 6,000 acres of protected parkland. Cayey is home of the Cayey University College (1967), a branch of the University of Puerto Rico. This is the only liberal arts college in Puerto Rico. Cayey is famous for its two twin peaks known as " Las Tetas de Cayey ," (the teats of Cayey), nicknamed for their similarity to a female body part, which were formed by volcanic activity. Another famous tourist attraction is the Monumento al Jíbaro Puertorriqueño , (Monument to the Puerto Rican Countryman) an homage to the Puerto Rican Jibaro, a humble, hardworking and wise man, living in poverty and with little or no education. The surrounding areas produces sugar, tobacco, and poultry. Cigars and clothing are also manufactured. Coca-Cola and Procter Gamble have manufacturing facilities in Cayey. There are many well-known " cayeyanos ", among them: Ramon Frade, Miguel Melendez Munoz, singer Danny Rivera, writer Jesus Colon , Eugenio Fernandez Mendez, Benigno Fernandez Garcia, and Baltazar Mendoza.


Land Area: 130 sq km (50.0 sq mi) Water Area: 0.01 sq km Population: 47,370 Density: 364.3 per sq km (947.4 per sq mi) Housing Units: 17,782 Housing Density: 342.6 Per Capita Income: $7,027 Source: 2000 Census Hymn: Alma Boricua Wards: Beatriz, Cedro, Cercadillo, Culebras Altos, Culebras Bajo, Farallón, Guavate, Jájome Alto, Jájome Bajo, Lapa, Matón Abajo, Matón Arriba, Monte Llano, Pasto Viejo, Pedro Avila, Piedras, Pueblo, Quebrada Arriba, Rincón, Sumido, Toita and Vegas. Driving Distance: 37.3 miles * Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute *

Please.. please learn a few key spanish phrases.

if you go to pompei and you happen to go to sightsee mt. vesuvius make sure to gho into the gift shop because they have absolutely WONDERFUL jewelery and other beautifully handmade items. It is a little more expensive, but definitely worth it to say, "I bought it in Pompei".

Eat at Marmalade in the old city

Get out of San Juan. Go to the radio telescope.

Good food, good salsa dancing, good shopping..everything is good about San Juan Puerto Rico!

Please.. please learn a few key spanish phrases.

if you go to pompei and you happen to go to sightsee mt. vesuvius make sure to gho into the gift shop because they have absolutely WONDERFUL jewelery and other beautifully handmade items. It is a little more expensive, but definitely worth it to say, "I bought it in Pompei".

Eat at Marmalade in the old city

Get out of San Juan. Go to the radio telescope.

Good food, good salsa dancing, good shopping..everything is good about San Juan Puerto Rico!

Definitely stay in the historic part of the city where you can find inexpensive lodging as well as very expensive and check out the yummy bakeries, inexpensive restaurants and cheap street eats. I was lucky to be visiting during the Jazz Festival. I was on a budget, but if your not, there are some excellent restaurants where you can rub elbows with some fabulous looking people and eat wonderful food.
Ladies, I was in San Juan by myself and I felt perfectly safe, although I didn't go out at night, but I would add that Puerto Rico is not the place for women who do not like excessive attention from men.

Hola a todos quisiera informacion sobre la cuidad y lugares de interes

good place to eat and greet

this place is they best i love it its hot all the time cute boys everywhere haha never get tired of this place