The South of Puerto Rico is often named as one of the Island’s main hubs of culture and history, and also provides stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for outdoor recreation such as boating excursions and sightseeing.

Ponce, the “Pearl of the South”, is the main city in the South, and second largest city in Puerto Rico, with daily flights from the US to Mercedita International Airport. Ponce’s architecture is bright and colourful, highlighting the colonial and European designs of the 19th century. Plaza las Delicias is the main square in Ponce, and main tourist attraction of the city. Here you can find Parque de Bombas and access the Cathedral as well as the famous fountain Fuente de Los Leones.

Salinas is a quaint coastal town with a widespread reputation as a foodie mecca/paradise in Puerto Rico. It is the birthplace of mojo isleño, a special creole tomato-based sauce with a distinctive flavour. Locals love it so much there’s even a festival dedicated to it - Festival Internacional del Mojo Isleño - that attracts thousands of visitors each July.

Coamo is a town nestled in the centre of a prehistoric volcano, now a valley. Coamo’s top attraction is the famous Coamo Hot Springs which offers visitors a relaxing escape from the bustle of city life. There is believed to be magic in these waters (local legend says it's Juan Ponce de León's coveted Fountain of Youth). Coamo is also home to the historic Hollywood theatre, a

100+ year old building located near the town square, showing movies 7 days a week.

Top Attractions

● Parque de Bombas - an old fire station found in Ponce’s main square, and one of the Island's most photographed landmarks

● Castillo Serallés - the home built by the Serrallés family of the famous Don Q rum. Visitors can take a tour which involves learning about the history of rum in Puerto Rico and a mixology workshop

● Isla Caja de Muertos - a secluded and uninhabited nature reserve, Caja de Muertos is one of the most pristine settings you’ll find on the island. Try hiking, birdwatching, or exploring lighthouse ruins

● Coamo Hot Springs - offering thermal pools and spa services

● Hacienda Buena Vista Coffee Plantation - visit for a history lesson and tour paired with a local coffee tasting

● Museo de Arte de Ponce - museum with an internationally renowned collection including works of art from many cultures, dating from the 9th century to the present

● La Guancha - boardwalk in Ponce facing the Caribbean sea. Enjoy seaside bars, feeding the pelicans, going up the Guancha lighthouse at sunset

Dining

The southern region is well distinguished by its fresh seafood restaurants and mesones gastronómicos (restaurants outside the metro area that serve authentic criollo food/local specialities).

For travellers that love seafood, Guayama’s Coastal Gastronomic Route should definitely be part of their trip. On the trail (found on the south coast’s peninsula), you’ll find restaurants with Ruta Gastronómica de la Costa signs on both sides of the street, featuring sit-down restaurants, and open-air restaurants (more casual atmosphere, tend to have menus of fried foods & empanadas).

Dining recommendations:

● El Dorado - enjoy delicious seafood dishes and cocktails overlooking Salinas’ marina, favourites include mofongo stuffed with conch

● La Ceiba Bar & Restaurant - serves Puerto Rican classics with a twist (try their mofongo smothered with your choice of meats or seafood and sauces)

● Lola Eclectic Cuisine - dishes bring together Puerto Rican, Spanish, and international influences in unique combinations