Statue in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico - Things to See and Do

What to see and do in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Visited September 2023

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Mayaguez is one of the oldest cities on the island of Puerto Rico

Mayaguez is located on the western coast of Puerto Rico. Plaza Colón is a historic town square which features a statue of Christopher Columbus and is surrounded by colonial-style architecture. The city is located on the shores of Mayagüez Bay, which provides opportunities for water-based activities like swimming, boating, and fishing in it's Caribbean waters.

We have passed through Mayaguez numerous times as we traveled from Isabella to Cabo Rojo.

Mayagüez was founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, making it one of the oldest cities on the island. It played an important role in Puerto Rico's history and development, including being the site of several battles during the 19th-century struggles for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Historically, Mayagüez's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly sugarcane production. However, over the years, the economy has diversified to include manufacturing, services, and education. The city is home to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, which is a leading institution in science and engineering education.

The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) is a prominent educational institution known for its strong science, engineering, and agricultural programs. The Tropical Agricultural Research Station is affiliated with UPRM and conducts research on tropical agriculture and natural resources.

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Mayagüez is known for hosting various festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Mayagüez Carnival (Carnaval de Mayagüez), which features colorful parades, music, dance, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

Mayagüez is well-connected by road and has a transportation infrastructure that includes major highways. The Eugenio María de Hostos Airport serves the region, facilitating air travel.

Mayagüez is a vibrant city with a rich history, a strong educational presence, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy.