At the turn of the 20th century, Guayama was the center of Puerto Rico’s sugar industry; today, it is a busy business hub congested with traffic. Nevertheless, several attractions await those visitors who dare venture off Highway 53. With an historic square that hearkens back to the sugar cane glory days, Guayama is also close to several natural attractions, from beaches to a butterfly sanctuary.
Rte. 3 leads directly into downtown Guayama. Públicos leave from the station at the corner of C. Ashford and C. Enrique González for: Patillas (30min., $0.90) via Arroyo (10min., $0.60); Ponce (45min., $4.35); San Juan (1hr., $7) via Caguas (45min., $7); and Salinas (30min., $1.55). Most públicos leave in the morning or early afternoon. From the público station exit onto C. Ashford, turn left, walk two blocks, and turn left again to reach the plaza.
The commercial area of Guayama is near the intersection of Rte. 3 and Hwy. 54. Route 3 runs southwest from Hwy. 54 to Jobos, and Rte. 7710 breaks off to Jobos Bay and the barrio Pozuelo, which is known for its seafood. Route 3 also heads northeast toward the plaza. The tall church steeple on the plaza is visible from a distance and serves as a useful landmark. Coming from the east, Rte. 3 becomes Calle Ashford, a major thoroughfare that runs parallel to C. Santiago Palmer, which passes the plaza. Drive past the church, then turn left on C. Vicente Pales, then left again on C. Martínez, going around the plaza, to stay on Rte. 3. C. Derkes forms the southern border of the plaza. Plaza Guayama Mall, Rte. 3 Km 135.2, east of town, has many shops and services, including a six-screen movie theater.
Fine dining is sparse in Guayama; however, several restaurants in the barrio of Pozuelo, off Rte. 3 at the end of Rte. 7710, west of town serve fresh seafood near the water. The city center is filled with panaderías serving up hearty sandwiches. Stock up on basic supplies at Pueblo Xtra, next to Plaza Guayama Mall. (☎866-1225. Open M-Sa 6am-midnight, Su 11am-5pm. AmEx/MC/V.)
Museums. The cultural tour of Guayama begins on the plaza at Museo Casa Cautiño. Built in 1887 by a guayamés architect, this magnificent house has been restored to its former glory and decorated with much of the original artwork and furniture, including magnificent chandeliers and sculptures. A 40min. tour provides insight into the life of Guayama’s wealthy sugar producing families. (C. Vicente Pales 1, at the corner of C. Palmer on the plaza. Recommended that groups reserve tour. ☎864-9083 or 864-0600, ext. 3001. Open Tu-Sa 9am-4:30pm, Su 10:30am-4pm. Free.) Housed in a Classical 1927 Superior Tribunal building, Guayama’s Centro de Bellas Artes displays a variety of paintings, sculptures, and prints by professional Puerto Rican artists and incredibly talented art students. One room holds Taíno artifacts, but all the explanatory signs are in Spanish. (Rte. 3 Km 138, heading northeast toward plaza from Hwy. 53. ☎864-7765. Open Tu-Su 9am-4:30pm. Free.) The quirky Pabellón de la Fama Deporte Guayamés (Pavilion of Guayaman Sports Fame) details local sports accomplishments through photos, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia. A good number of track stars are represented, and who knew that a guayamés had played for the Yankees? (C. Ashford 22, at C. Derkes. ☎866-0676. Open M-F 8am-noon and 1-4:30pm.)
Reserva Natural Mariposario Las Limas. The first butterfly sanctuary in Puerto Rico hides high in the hills, about 5 mi. north of Guayama. Created by an environmentally minded Puerto Rican couple, the 198-acre, semi-tropical reserve has received support from several government facilities, including the DRNA, but still retains the personal feel of a private enterprise. A 1hr. guided walk leads visitors from a small museum filled with hundreds of butterfly specimens, past ponds filled with shrimp, turtles, and fish, and into the woods, where guides point out the various species of plants and animals. Of course, there is time for a stop at the small butterfly cage, and a cafeteria and gift shop await at the end. (From Guayama take Rte. 15 north to Rte. 179. After about 2 mi., turn onto Rte. 747 and make a right at Km 0.7 where signs lead to the forest. ☎864-6037 or 864-5133. Open only by reservation; Th-Su 10am-3pm preferred. Mostly Spanish, but guides speak some English. Mandatory tour $5. Cash only.)
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