Guayama, Puerto Rico

Guayama is a rapidly growing city of 44,300 inhabitants (2000 census). It is located on the southeastern part on the island, roughly one and a half hours from San Juan and one hour east of Ponce. Guayama's Plaza or main square is one of the most beautiful on the island.

The patron saint for Guayama is "San Antonio de Padua", celebrated on June 13.

Guayama used to be an important agricultural center with important sugar cane plantations. Much of its productive agricultural land has been converted to urban developments. As a result, the city's economy now depends heavily on a few industrial enterprises located within its boundaries.

Famous people born in Guayama include Catalino (Tite) Curet Alonso (1926-2003), professional songwriter; Luis Palés Matos (1898-1959), poet who is credited with creating the poetry genre known as Afro-Antillano; Genaro Cautiño Insúa, Francisco G. Bruno, Francisco Porrata Doria, Vicente Palés Anés.

Where to stay:

Posada Guayama Hotel
Route 3, Vives Sector
Guayama, 00785 Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-866-1515.