Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Mayagüez,  with a population of 125,000 and a thriving economy, is the most important city in the western part of Puerto Rico. It is roughly 2 1/2 hours by car away from San Juan and about an hour away from Ponce. The patron saint for Mayagüez is "La Virgen de la Candelaria", celebrated on February 2.

The Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico (CAAM) is the largest science and engineering college on the island. It spans across 5500 acres of land on the outskirts of the urban limits of Mayagüez.

The only full-scale zoo in Puerto Rico is located in the outskirts of the city, minutes away from the city-s main square (la plaza de Mayagüez). The zoo features some of the great African beasts, plenty of primates and a good collection of birds, reptiles and other creatures.

While in Mayagüez, you may pick up a bag of mangos, sold by many street vendors in the outskirts of the City. They are reputed to be among the best in Puerto Rico. They sell for about two dollars per bag in season.

Hotels in Mayagüez include:
Holiday Inn Tropical Casino (787-833-1100)
Hotel Colonial (787-833-2150)
Hotel Mayagüez Plaza (787-832-9191
Hotel y Parador El Sol (787-834-0303)
Mayagüez Resort & Casino (787-832-3030)

Aeropuerto Eugenio María de Hostos (787-833-0148) offers several daily flights to San Juan.