Located on the westernmost coast of the Island, Mayaguez is a good place to
make a stopover if you are exploring the western side of Puerto Rico. The name "Mayaguez"
comes from the taíno indian name of the river that crosses the town. One of the
largest cities on the Island, Mayaguez is more known to Puertorricans as being
the home of the Mayaguez College or "el Colegio", a campus of the University of
Puerto Rico. Other attractions include Puerto Rico's Only Zoo, and its port
serves as a connection to other countries such as Dominican Republic and ferries
to Mona Island.
How to Get There
Mayaguez is easily accessible via road #2. If you are coming from San Juan,
you can either travel south towards Ponce and connect to road #2, or take route
#22 towards Arecibo / Aguadilla and then head west / south west.
Exploring the Area - What to Expect
Mayaguez is a commercial town, it has the biggest hospital and the biggest
shopping center in the western side of the Island. And of course, it has the
only zoo in Puerto Rico. The town is a good stop if you are exploring the waves
of north-west Puerto Rico (like Rincón, Isabela or Hatillo), and it is a great
place to stay since it is located in the middle of both the north-west and
south-west, the area called Porta del Sol due to its rich abundance of beach
activities.
