Places to Visit in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, America
Mayaguez is one of the major municipalities on the island of Puerto Rico, an incorporated territory of the United States. The city of Mayaguez is placed in the heart of the western coast of Puerto Rico with a maximum altitude of 480.6 meters.
Mayaguez has a land area of 201.07 sq. km and its coordinates are 18°12′04″ N 67°08′23″ W. It enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with moderate dry and cool winter and very hot and humid summer.
History of Mayaguez:
Mayaguez was initially founded as ‘Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria’ on September 18, 1760 and was also called by different names such as ‘La Sultana del Oeste’, ‘Ciudad de las Aguas Puras’ and ‘Ciudad del Mangó’. The Spanish named it as ‘Excelente ciudad de Mayagüez’ (Excellent City of Mayaquez) on April 6, 1894.
Connectivity to Mayaguez:
Mayaguez is accessible Eugenio María de Hostos Airport situated 5 km north from the downtown Mayaguez. Mayaguez Airport is served by Cape Air with daily 5 flights (during the high season) and daily 3 flights (low season) to the capital city, San Juan.
There is ferry service available to Dominican Republic from Mayagüez Port by America Cruise Ferries.
Mayagüez Urbano is the bus operator within the city and Linea Sultana which operates between Mayagüez and San Juan. Private taxi companies also offer healthy and comfort transportation services.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Mayaguez:
There are many palatial festivals celebrated throughout the year at Mayaguez and the list of major festivals include:
- Danza National Festival (February)
- Mayagüez Carnival (May)
- Three Kings Festival (February)
- Mango Festival (August)
Mayagüez Mall is the main shopping centre of Mayaguez boasting 100 stores which includes branded product shops and entertainment centres.
The famous food corners in Mayaguez include:
- Mia Bistro
- Sancho Panza Restaurant
- Gonzalez Sea Food
- Pizza Circo
Places of interest in Mayaguez:
Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo:
Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo is the only zoo on the island of Puerto Rico covering an area of 45 acres. It is home to diverse species of native and exotic animals and zoo is divided into two sections such as African Forest and the African Savannah. The zoo features a museum, recreational area, bird sanctuary and much more. It is open from 8:30 AM-4 PM (Wednesday- Sunday).
Centro Cultural Baudilio Vega Berríos:
Located in the centre of the town, adjoined by City Hall, Centro Cultural Baudilio Vega Berríos is the prime cultural center of Mayaguez featuring majestic theater, historic museum, and conference rooms. A must visit place.
Mayagüez City Hall:
Mayagüez City Hall is located opposite of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Cathedral. It was initially built in 1845 and damaged by the earthquake of 1918, it was rebuilt in 1926 in neoclassical architectural style. Arq. Carmoega and Ing M. Font Giménez were the architects of this splendid structure.
Other places of interest near Mayaguez are:
- Casa Grande Museum
- Gomez Residence
- India Brewery
- Customs House
- Plaza Colón
- Parque del Litoral Israel “Shorty” Castro
- Hostos Museum
- Eugenio María de Hostos Monument
- José de Diego Park
- Mayagüez Mall
- Mayagüez Children’s Library
- Parque de los Próceres
- Tropical Agricultural Research Station
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Best time to visit Mayaguez:
Generally from November to July will be the ideal time to visit Mayaguez for both festivals celebrations and healthy weather.
Accommodation options in Mayaguez:
Mayaguez highly houses luxury accommodation centres and budget options are less in number. Hotel rates are higher compared to other Puerto Rican cities. List of famous hotels and resorts in and around Mayaguez are:
- Holiday Inn Mayaquez & Tropical Casino
- Hotel Colonial
- Howard Johnson Downtown Mayaguez
- Mayaguez Resort & Casino
- WesternBay Mayaguez
- IHP Mayaguez Plaza
- Rincon Beach Resort
- Horned Dorset Primavera
- Parador La Cima
- Casa Islena Inn Rincon
- Ocean Front Hotel & Restaurant
- Parador Villa Parguera