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Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo, Mayagüez /Dean

West June-2005, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience Porta del Sol (the West)
San Sebastián, Moca, Mayagüez

When you take a trip out west to the area known as Porta del Sol, make sure you discover its major attractions: The legendary Panadería bakery in Quebradillas. Isabela, Aguadilla, Rincón (with its lighthouse park) and Añasco offer some of the world¹s great surfing areas and beaches. The small towns of Moca, Aguada and Hormigueros are known for their beautiful handicrafts. San Sebastian, Las Marías and Maricao represent fascinating examples of the mountainous towns dedicated to agriculture. In the port city of Mayagüez, you can enjoy a first-rate zoo, historic theater and beautiful city plaza. The Cabo Rojo area (Joyuda, Boquerón, El Combate and Mona) entices visitors with its beautiful beaches, excellent seafood and the Boquerón Wildlife refuge, a paradise for bird-watchers. Unique architecture helps to define San German; its neighbor Sabana Grande is considered the gateway to the Luis Muñoz Marín Panoramic Route. Lajas (a major pineapple producer) includes La Parguera, which attracts divers and water sports fans. And Guánica offers nature trails in the Guánica Dry Forest (a World Biosphere Reserve) and the clear waters of Gilligan¹s Island. Throughout the area, you will find a good supply of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company¹s approved small inns and restaurants‹the Paradores and Mesones Gastronómicos.

San Sebastián

(Photo: Hammock Festival /Efra.)
San Sebastián is at the very center of the Karst region. It is known as the "pepinianos" town because local residents call the haystack hills (mogotes) "pepinos." On the town plaza you will find well-maintained and attractive buildings including a distinctive church facing the plaza from the north side. The Agriculture Department hosts a weekly family-friendly bazaar at the Plaza Agropecuaria. The Hammock Festival offers an exhibition of different kinds of hammock weaving, local fritters, typical music and "trovadores."

Moca

(Photo: Palacete Los Moreau /Dean.)
This is the lace center of Puerto Rico. The traditional "Mundillo" style lace (or bobbin lace) is produced and available year-round. These delicate and intricately woven lace patterns are in great demand due to their timeless beauty. Examples may be found of tapestry, linens, wedding gowns and high-fashion accessories. The women that create the lace are internationally recognized for their skills and expertise. For the best examples, plan to attend the annual Festival del Mundillo. You may also find wood-turning crafts at the festival. At the town¹s entrance is the Hacienda Enriqueta, a small museum of colonial artifacts. In the center of town, across from the plaza, is the beautiful Catholic church, built in 1846 and declared a historical monument in 1983. After you explore the town looking for lace, stop by the Palacete Los Moreau, a historic French-provincial-style mansion located north of town.

Mayagüez

(Photo: Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo /Dean.)
Mayagüez is the Island¹s third largest city. Its elegant plaza has a stone walk, fountain, benches and a statue of Christopher Columbus on a globe pedestal. On the west side of the plaza is the impressive City Hall; on the east side is the historic church. Walk west on McKinley St. one block from the plaza to view the Teatro Yagüez. This historic theater has been restored to its status as a cultural center of the community and the west coast.

The newly renovated zoo, the only one in Puerto Rico, is a great place for the kids. The zoo follows a savanna-style design with large animals in open areas protected by moats and walls designed to imitate naturally occurring geology (rock walls and the like). Close to the zoo is the Experimental Agricultural Station. The grounds are well maintained, starting with the historic administration building. On the western boundary of the Agricultural Station is the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico, a major educational center. Mayagüez is also a good jumping-off spot if you want to take a trip to Mona Island.

Connoisseurs should search out a Mayagüez "sangría" (a drink of wine and fruit juices). Another special local treat is the "brazo gitano" (a tropical fruit-, vanilla- or chocolate-filled jelly roll). Mayagüez also offers major health facilities including the Ramón E. Betances Medical Center, the only regional hospital with specialized cardiogenic services. Photos: On the coast/Frazier Nivens

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West Article Archive
2007-04 Explore the West, Porta del Sol
2005-08 Lajas: La Parguera, Rincón, San Germán
2005-06 San Sebastián, Moca, Mayagüez
2005-04 Isabela, Aguadilla, Hormigueros
2005-02 Cabo Rojo, Las Marías, Maricao, Mona
2004-12 Rincón, Sabana Grande, Lajas
2004-10 Añasco, Guánica
2004-08 Lajas, Lajas: La Parguera, San German
2004-06 Moca, San Sebastian, Rincón, Desecheo, Mayagüez
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2004-02 Mayagüez, Maricao, Las Marías, Cabo Rojo, Joyuda
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