GUANICA Site of the first U.S. troop landing in 1898, is now noted for the Guanica Forest Reserve. It has 48 rare tree species, earning it a place on UNESCO's list of Biosphere Reserves. Several beaches are also part of the reserve. Also interesting are the abandoned buildings of a sugar mill near the town. CABO ROJO WILDLIFE REFUGE (787) 851-7258 M-F: 7:30am-4:00pm > EL FARO Cabo Rojo lighthouse SAN GERMAN An old town with colonial buildings, San German (pop. 35,000) can easily be seen in a few hours. Be sure to visit the Porta Coeli Chapel and religious art museum. > PORTA COELI CHURCH (787) 892-5845 Tu-Su: 9:00am-noon San German 1:00pm-4:00pm Oldest church in the USA to remain intact. It's museum display wooden statues, paintings, ornaments and liturgical objects. ROSELL ART MUSEUM 1:00pm-3:00pm San German Art museum and library displays collections of religious art and objects. > MAYAGUEZ If driving around the western end of the island, stop in this bustling town (pop. 100,000) to look around and perhaps purchase the locally-made embroidery. Sights include the Federal Agricultural Experiment Station, the university and the zoo. Side trips are also possible to Monte del Estado, Phosphorescent Bay and San German. > MAYAGUEZ ZOO (787) 834-8110 W-Su: 9:00am-4:00pm > BOTANICAL GARDENS (787) 831-3435 M-F: 7:00am-4:00pm MONA ISLAND (787) 723-1616 (787) 721-5495 Reached only by chartered boat, primitive camping permitted with reservation MUNDILLO SHOPS Downtown Moca, Isabela, Aguada and Aguadilla > LAS CASCADAS (water park) (787) 882-3310 Daily: 10:00am-6:00pm Aguadilla
The West is something special
The West offers such popular ares as Rincon and Mayaguez for starters. The West also has some of the deepest dive spots in the Caribbean. If you are looking for peace and quit, the West IS the best. So many spots to visit that are off the beaten path.
Places to visit out West
1 Puerto Rico Rules