Aguada, Puerto Rico

Aguada was founded in 1508 by Cristóbal de Sotomayor. It ;is a rapidly growing city of 42,000 inhabitants(2000 census). Aguada is located on the northwestern part on the island, about five minutes from Aguadilla and some twenty minutes from Mayagüez, on PR 2, currently one of the best freeways on the island. It is popularly held that Christopher Columbus landed in Aguada when he discovered Puerto Rico in November, 1493. There is no specific historical proof of that claim.

Aguada exhibits considerable activity along its beaches: swimming, sailing, and fishing. There are several seafood restaurants that feature mainly fresh seafood. Its long main street is host to a few night spots, something rather uncommon in all that area.

Museo de Aguada, the Aguada museum, (787-252-0177) housed in a former railroad station building, has a small but interesting array of relics of early Puerto Rico settlers, including some from the Taíno indian precolonization times. The museum boasts its custody of a stone said to be the rock of chastity of the Taíno indians. According to legend, sixteen-year old Taínos were required to prove their chastity by laying their penis on the stone during full moon. If the moon did not shine upon him, he was spared as a true virgin. Otherwise, he was beaten by his elders in punishment for sexual sins. (No; this old custom has not continued to the present!)

A famous landmark in Aguada is Ermita Espinar, a chapel erected in the year 1525 by Franciscan priests. Only the ruins remain, as the chapel was destroyed four years later by Caribe indians who also killed many of the priests serving the chapel.

The patron saint for Aguada is "San Francisco de Asís", celebrated on October 4.

Barrios (wards): Wards: Asomante, Atalaya, Carrizal, Cerro Gordo, Cruces, Espinar, Guanábano, Guaniquilla, Guayabo, Jagüey, Laguna, Mal Paso, Mamey, Marías, Naranjo, Piedras Blancas, Pueblo and R’o Grande.

Hotels:
1. Parador JB Hidden Village
Road 416
Aguada, PR 00602
Phone: (787) 868-8686, (787) 868-8687
Fax: (787) 868-8701
Rates: $75-$125
Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Credit Cards