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Tourist Places to Visit in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, America

Guayanilla is a town located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, around 140 kms southwest of San Juan and 20 km west of Ponce. It is basically an industrial town known for petrochemicals and thermo electrical industries and it serves over 50% electricity needs of Puerto Rico.

 

Geography of Guayanilla:

Guayanilla is surrounded by Adjuntas in the north, Penuelas in the east and Yauco towards west and is located at the coordinates of 18°01′09″N 66°47′31″W at an altitude of 49 meters, covering an area of 109.9 sq. km.

 

History of Guayanilla:

Guayanilla derives its name from the native Taino language word. It was earlier one of the boroughs and an important agricultural centre of Yauco town and later it became a separate municipality under the administration of Governor Miguel de la Torre on February 27, 1833.

 

How to reach Guayanilla?

Guayanilla is served by Mercedita Airport placed in Ponce city, about 30 km away from the heart of Guayanilla. This airport is served by JetBlue Airways with scheduled flights from and to New York in USA.

Other nearby airports include Rafael Hernandez Airport (85 km) and Eugenio Maria De Hostos Airport (60 km).

There are luxury buses plying between Guayanilla and Ponce and Yauco at regular intervals. Taxis and cars are also available to get around.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Guayanilla:

Guayanilla is home to many grand cultural events taking place throughout the year. The major festivals are listed below:

• Beach Festival – May
• Fishing Festival – June
• Virgen del Carmen Festival -June
• Immaculate Conception Festivities -December
• Cross Festivities –May

Guayanilla is also famous for its upgraded shops selling branded clothes, shoes, grocery items, facial kits, jewelry as well as different traditional artworks.

Tourists can taste some of the popular Puerto Rican dishes in the restaurants of Guayanilla and the major food corners in Guayanilla are:

• Amapola’s Restaurant
• Restaurante La Guardarraya
• El Triangulo

 

Things to do in Guayanilla:

• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Shopping
• Cultural events

 

Places of interest in Guayanilla:

Guayanilla City Hall:

Guayanilla City Hall is a combination of a yellow and white painted building, exhibiting drama, music and dance programs.

 

Guayanilla Church:

The church of Guayanilla is in the Guayanilla town plaza with tower clock at left side.

 

Julio Rojas Reyes Children’s Park:

Julio Rojas Reyes Children’s Park is a beautiful park offering different activities for children.

 

Other places of interest near Guayanilla are:

• Mario Mercado Castle
• Chorro de Oro Waterfall
• Cuevas del Convento
• Guilarte Forest
• Emajagua Beach
• La Ventana Beach
• Central Rufina Ruins
• Tamarindo Beach
• Museo de Arte de Ponce
• El Museo Castillo Serralles
• Hacienda Buena Vista
• Serralles Castle
• Museum of the History of Ponce
• Isla de Caja de Muertos
• Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center

 

Best time to visit Guayanilla:

The best months to visit Guayanilla are May, June and July while many grand festivals are celebrated.

 

Accommodation options in Guayanilla:

Guayanilla houses few upgraded hotels, due to this, tourists can find hotels of the nearby Ponce city (20 km) for the latest facilities and services. Some major facilities offered by Ponce hotels are swimming pool, spa, sauna, hot spring baths, massages and therapies. The prominent hotels in Guayanilla, Ponce (20 km) and Guanica (17 km) are as follows:

• Mimi’s Guest House
• Copamarina Beach Resort
• Hotel Parador Guanica
• Mary Lee’s by the Sea
• Villa Bonita
• Hotel Melia Ponce
• Howard Johnson Ponce PR
• Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
• Hotel Belgica
• Quality Inn El Tuque
• Casa del Sol Guest House
• Hacienda Pomarrosa
• Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino
• Ramada Ponce Hotel

Places to Visit in Guanica, Puerto Rico, America

Guanica is a municipal town located in an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico. It is in the southern part of the island, bordering with Lajas in the east, Sabana Grande towards south and Yauco in the west. Guanica is situated around 160 km away from the capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan and 40 km away from the city of Ponce.

 

Geography of Guanica:

Guanica is placed between 17°58′18″ N latitude and 66°54′29″ W longitude with a total area of 138.35 sq. km.

 

History of Guanica:

The history of Guanica dates back to 1508 when it was initially founded by a Spanish explorer and conquistador, Juan Ponce de Leon and after 3 years, in 1511, Guanica was destroyed due to indigenous uprising. Guanica became a separate municipality on 13 March, 1914 by carving out from Yauco municipality.

 

Connectivity to Guanica:

Mercedita Airport in Ponce is the closest airport to Guanica located at a distance of 46 km with a connection to New York, served by JetBlue Airways.

Guanica is situated around 50 km from Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayaguez and 80 km from Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla.

Guanica also has good connectivity with nearby San Germán and Ponce through Highway 116 by frequent bus services. Tourists can rent a car or taxi or bike from the local travel agencies to round the city and to reach the airport.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Guanica:

The prominent cultural events celebrated in Guanica are:

• Patron Festivities (July)
• Juan Ponce de Leon Celebration (August)
• Festival del Juey (June)

Guanica houses numerous modernized shops and the major restaurants in Guanica are as follows:

• Bodegas Andreu Sole
• Brisas del Mar
• Brisas de playa santa
• Lechonera Guaniquena

 

Places of interest in Guanica:

Guanica Lighthouse:

Guanica Lighthouse is a historical identity of Guanica and it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places list in 1981. It was built in 1893 and used until 1950. Now tourists can spot some unique architectural elements of the lighthouse.

 

Central Guanica

Situated in the suburb of Ensenada is the Central Guanica sugar mill (now it is closed). Two chimneys of the sugar mill achieved the place in the historic monuments list of Puerto Rico in 2002. It was earlier Caribbean’s largest sugar mills.

 

Cana Gorda Beach:

Cana Gorda Beach is a spectacular beach in Guanica and tourists are allowed for exploration between Tuesday-Sunday.

 

Gilligan’s Island:

Gilligan’s Island (Cayos de Caña Gorda) is few kilometers away from Guanica town and it can be accessible by boat. It is renowned for its white sandy beaches, mangroves and snorkeling activities.

 

Other places of interest near Guanica are:

• Ballena Bay
• Azul Beach
• Caprón Fortress
• Casa Alejada
• Guánica Bay
• Guánica Hacienda
• Manglillo Beach
• Mimi’s Guest House
• Playa Santa Beach
• Punta de Brea
• Santa Rita Hacienda
• Serra Beach

 

Best time to visit Guanica:

Throughout the year is best, especially from December to April will be the most ideal time to travel Guanica.

 

Accommodation options in Guanica:

Copamarina Beach Resort is the prominent accommodation centre in Guanica charging $175 during low season and $215 during peak season per night. Mimi’s Guest House is relatively cheaper than Copamarina Beach Resort, charging from $90 – $160 per night. A list of prominent hotels and resorts in Guanica and Ponce (40 km) are as follows:

• Copamarina Beach Resort
• Hotel Parador Guanica 1929
• Mimi’s Guest House
• Mary Lee’s by the Sea
• Villa Bonita
• Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
• Hotel Belgica
• Hotel Melia Ponce
• Howard Johnson Ponce PR
• Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino
• Ramada Ponce Hotel
• Quality Inn El Tuque
• Casa del Sol Guest House
• Hacienda Pomarrosa

Tourist Places to Visit in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, America

Fajardo is a city situated in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, around 60 km southeast of the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. It houses Puerto del Rey (which is the largest marina in the Caribbean) and it is also a recreational boating centre of Puerto Rico. Fajardo is surrounded by Ceiba on the north and Luquillo in the west.

Fajardo is the location of one of the few Bioluminescent Lagoons in the globe. It is also a gateway to small islets such as Palominito, Diablo, Icacos, and Palominos. Fajardo was established in the year 1772 as Santiago de Fajardo and later shortened to Fajardo.

 

Geography of Fajardo:

Fajardo coordinates with 18°19′33″ N latitude and 65°39′09″ W longitude and occupies 81 sq. km land area.

 

How to reach Fajardo?

Fajardo Airport was recently closed, now the closest major airport to Fajardo is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport which is located around 50 km away from Fajardo with connections to major cities of USA, Canada and Europe. It takes around 1 hour to reach Fajardo from the airport by taxi.

Major travel agencies are found at city center and tourists can book a car in advance by phone or through online.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Fajardo:

The prominent festivals celebrated in Fajardo are:

• Kite Festival (April)
• Bomba & Plena Festival (May)
• Paradise Fiesta (August)
• Bicicletada Fajardeña (April)

Fajardo is home to both traditional and modern shops and the popular restaurants in Fajardo are:

• La Estacion
• Don Esteban Restaurant
• El Varadero Seaside Grill
• Tasca OleLelolai

 

Things to do in Fajardo:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Diving

 

Places of interest in Fajardo:

 

Puerto del Rey Marina:

Puerto del Rey Marina is the largest marina in the Caribbean bordered by prominent restaurants and traditional shops. It has a capacity of 1,100 boats.

 

U.S. Customs House:

U.S. Customs House is a historic structure, built in 1930.  Albert B. Nichols was the architect of the customhouse.

 

Seven Seas Beach:

Seven Seas Beach is one of the most popular beaches of Puerto Rico offering different water sport activities including snorkeling and diving.

 

Cape San Juan Lighthouse:

The Cape San Juan Lighthouse is a historical identity of Fajardo, constructed in 1880. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places list on October 22, 1981 by the US government.

 

Other places of interest near Fajardo are:

• Bioluminescent Lagoon
• Santiago Apostol Cathedral
• El Conquistador Resort & Casino
• Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve
• Old Fajardo Sugar Cane Refinery
• Fajardo Port
• Isleta Marina
• Hipolito Robles Sports Complex
• Las Croabas Recreational Park
• Natural Reserve Las Croabas

 

Best time to visit Fajardo:

The months between April and July will be the best travelling time Fajardo while many grand cultural events are celebrated.

 

Accommodation options in Fajardo:

Fajardo is home to all the kinds of accommodation centres including inns, hotels, hostels, resorts, bed and breakfast and guest houses. Inns charge from $50 – $50 per night, bed & breakfast – $80-$150 per night and hostels are cheaper options, charging $23-$45 per night. Some major facilities available in luxury hotels are swimming pool, close circuit TV, safe deposit box, conference hall, different recreational activity, medical service, food on request, 24 hour room service and internet connectivity. The prominent hotels in Fajardo are listed below:

• El Conquistador Resort
• Las Casitas Village
• The Fajardo Inn
• Passion Fruit Bed & Breakfast
• MoonLight Bay Hostel
• El Hotelito at the Rainforest Experience Farm
• The Ocean Club at Seven Seas
• Las Croabas Inn Guesthouse
• Pena Mar Ocean Club
• Casa Gardenia

Dorado Tourist Places to Visit in Dorado, Puerto Rico, America

Dorado is a small town located around 25 km from San Juan in Puerto Rico on the northern coast of the island. It comprises of five barrios and Dorado Pueblo with a total area of 60.16 sq. km. With prominent golf courses, hotels, and beaches, Dorado is one of the famous tourist destinations on the northern coast of Puerto Rico.

 

Geography of Dorado:

Dorado is bounded by Toa Alta in the south, Toa Baja in the east and Vega Alta towards west.

 

History of Dorado:

Dorado was earlier part of the town of Toa Baja as a barrio and it became a separate town by carving out from Toa Baja on November 22, 1842. Dorado Beach Resort witnessed 2nd G7 summit which was held between June 27 and 28, 1976.

 

How to reach Dorado?

Dorado has an airport but not functional, so the nearest airport to Dorado is Isla Grande Airport located in San Juan, around 30 km away from Dorado.

Dorado is 37 km away from Luis Muooz Marín International Airport which is the most important airport of Puerto Rico offering scheduled flights to and from many major cities of USA including New York, Atlanta and cities of Canada, Europe and Caribbean.

Public buses are available and car and taxis are other options to move within the town.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Dorado:

Dorado is the site of many traditional and religious festivals, Fiestas Patronales is the major one that takes place in June and other festivals include El Carnaval del Plata (early February) and Cocolia Festival (end of June/beginning of August).

Town square of Dorado holds of most of the famous shops and food corners and the prominent food corners in Dorado are as follows:

• Mi Casa by Jose Andres
• PIKA Restaurant
• ChopHouse Restaurant
• Katrina’s Restaurant
• La Villa Dorada de Alberto

 

Things to do in Dorado:

• La Plata Zipline Experience
• Puerto Rico Sportfishing Charters
• DiVine Spa
• Club Bacchus

 

Places of interest in Dorado:

 

Museum Casa del Rey:

The Museum Casa del Rey was earlier used as the residence of King and Queen during the Spanish colonial period. It houses artifacts from the colonial era and Doradenos Plaza, and the Juan Boria Theater.

 

Dorado Beaches:

Dorado has many beaches that are frequented by surfers and the major beaches include Sardinera, Kikita and El Unico.

 

Sanctuary of Christ of the Reconciliation:

Sanctuary of Christ of the Reconciliation is a popular worship place in Dorado with the statue of Jesus Christ which is the 3^rd largest in the Caribbean.

 

Ojo del Buey Park:

The Ojo del Buey Park is nestled at the ground level of the River La Plata and is the perfect vocational spot for the entire family.

 

Other places of interest in Dorado include:

• Nolos Morales Park and Beach
• Ritz-Carlton Reserve & Plantation
• Dorado Beach Resort & Golf Club
• Nouvelle D’Spa

 

Best time to visit Dorado:

From February to August will be the ideal time to enjoy holidays in Dorado while numerous culture festivals are celebrated and also good to explore beach.

 

Accommodation options in Dorado:

Dorado is a picturesque town renowned for its golf courses and striking beaches as well as famous resorts and villas. Some facilities offered by Dorado’s hotels are inbuilt and outside restaurant, spa, facial, airport shuttle, laundry, dry cleaning, free Wi-Fi and 24 hour room service. List of major hotels in Dorado is:

• Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort
• Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar
• Kikita Beach Guest House Bar y Grill
• Golden Sands Villas
• Aquarius Vacation Club at Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort
• Gable Breeze Townhouse
• Plantation Resort Residences at Dorado Beach
• Spacious Penthouse Villa
• The Cruz inn