Places to Visit in Guanica, Puerto Rico, America

Places to Visit in Guanica, Puerto Rico, America

Guanica is a municipal town located in an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico. It is in the southern part of the island, bordering with Lajas in the east, Sabana Grande towards south and Yauco in the west. Guanica is situated around 160 km away from the capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan and 40 km away from the city of Ponce.

Geography of Guanica:

Guanica is placed between 17°58′18″ N latitude and 66°54′29″ W longitude with a total area of 138.35 sq. km.

History of Guanica:

The history of Guanica dates back to 1508 when it was initially founded by a Spanish explorer and conquistador, Juan Ponce de Leon and after 3 years, in 1511, Guanica was destroyed due to indigenous uprising. Guanica became a separate municipality on 13 March, 1914 by carving out from Yauco municipality.

Connectivity to Guanica:

Mercedita Airport in Ponce is the closest airport to Guanica located at a distance of 46 km with a connection to New York, served by JetBlue Airways.

Guanica is situated around 50 km from Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayaguez and 80 km from Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla.

Guanica also has good connectivity with nearby San Germán and Ponce through Highway 116 by frequent bus services. Tourists can rent a car or taxi or bike from the local travel agencies to round the city and to reach the airport.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Guanica:

The prominent cultural events celebrated in Guanica are:

Patron Festivities (July)
Juan Ponce de Leon Celebration (August)
Festival del Juey (June)

Guanica houses numerous modernized shops and the major restaurants in Guanica are as follows:

Bodegas Andreu Sole
Brisas del Mar
Brisas de playa santa
Lechonera Guaniquena

Places of interest in Guanica:

Guanica Lighthouse:

Guanica Lighthouse is a historical identity of Guanica and it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places list in 1981. It was built in 1893 and used until 1950. Now tourists can spot some unique architectural elements of the lighthouse.

Central Guanica

Situated in the suburb of Ensenada is the Central Guanica sugar mill (now it is closed). Two chimneys of the sugar mill achieved the place in the historic monuments list of Puerto Rico in 2002. It was earlier Caribbean’s largest sugar mills.

Cana Gorda Beach:

Cana Gorda Beach is a spectacular beach in Guanica and tourists are allowed for exploration between Tuesday-Sunday.

Gilligan’s Island:

Gilligan’s Island (Cayos de Caña Gorda) is few kilometers away from Guanica town and it can be accessible by boat. It is renowned for its white sandy beaches, mangroves and snorkeling activities.

Other places of interest near Guanica are:

Ballena Bay
Azul Beach
Caprón Fortress
Casa Alejada
Guánica Bay
Guánica Hacienda
Manglillo Beach
Mimi’s Guest House
Playa Santa Beach
Punta de Brea
Santa Rita Hacienda
Serra Beach

Best time to visit Guanica:

Throughout the year is best, especially from December to April will be the most ideal time to travel Guanica.

Accommodation options in Guanica:

Copamarina Beach Resort is the prominent accommodation centre in Guanica charging $175 during low season and $215 during peak season per night. Mimi’s Guest House is relatively cheaper than Copamarina Beach Resort, charging from $90 – $160 per night. A list of prominent hotels and resorts in Guanica and Ponce (40 km) are as follows: