Mayagüez (Spanish pronunciation: [maʝaˈɣwes])
is the eighth-largest] municipality of Puerto Rico.
Originally founded as "Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria" it is also
known as "La Sultana del Caribe" (The Sultaness of the
Caribbean), "Ciudad de las Aguas Puras" (City of Pure
Waters), or "Ciudad del Mangó" (City of the Mango).
On April 6, 1894, the Spanish crown gave it the formal title of "Excelente
Ciudad de Mayagüez" (Excellent City of Mayaquez
The city's
main Roman Catholic church, "Our Lady of the Candelaria" (plot
consecrated on August 21, 1760, first masonry building erected in 1780, current
church originally built in 1836) was rebuilt in 1922. The original redesign by
architect Luis Perocier sought to restore the building to its original
splendor. Not only had the 1918 Puerto Rico earthquake destroyed the temple's
ceiling, but a lightning bolt also struck and tore down a wedge-shaped corner
of one of its two bell towers. However, lack of proper funding and the extent
of the damage of the original structure forced the actual rebuilding to be
scaled-down considerably.
Mayaguez is located near the geographical center of the
west coast of Puerto Rico about two hours by automobile from San Juan. Its land
area is 77.6 square miles (201.06 km2). The city's terrain
includes; coast plains, river valleys, marshland, hills and mountains. Of its
multiple rivers and streams, the two most important are the Río Yagüez, which flows
from the Central Mountain Range through downtown until it empties into the Mona
Passage; and the Río Guanajibo, which flows through several neighborhoods in
the southern portion of the municipality until it empties in the Mona Passage
as well.
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.
In 1911, the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts was
founded in Mayagüez. Today it is known as the University of Puerto Rico at
Mayagüez (UPRM) — the Caribbean's leading science and engineering institution. 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.
Places to
visit…
Best Western Mayaguez Casino
Open daily from noon to 4am.
Casa Aduana
Cervecería India
Annual capacity of
800000 barrels.
Christopher Columbus Town Square
Club Deportivo del Oeste
Design by
Jack Bender, this golf course opened in 1965 and expanded to an 18 hole in
2003. Green Fees: $10.00. Open daily 6:30am to 7:30pm
Maricao Forest Reserve
Home of a
vast amount of flora, 582 species, 339 genera and 113 families. Open Tue-Sun
7:30am-4pm.
Mayaguez Zoo
Home of numerous
birds, mammals and reptiles. Cages and open compounds stand in an attractively
landscaped setting of small islands, a lake, tropical vegetation and children
playground. Open Wed-Sun 8:30am-4:00pm. Admission kids under 4 are free, 5-11
US$8, adults US$13, seniors $6.50. Parking - cars US$3 and buses US$4.
Mayaguez Mall
Plaza Colon
An interesting
landmark to explore, the Plaza Colon features a large statue of Christopher
Columbus that dominates the main square of Mayaguez. Sixteen smaller brass
statues imported from Barcelona surround the main monument and add interest to
this Spanish-style plaza.
Teatro Yaguez
This historic
landmark first opened its doors in the early 1900s. This theater has an Art
Deco style that is based on the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
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