Mayagüez

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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