Things to do in Carenero

Paseo Tablado La Guancha is a boardwalk that hugs the shoreline of Ponce’s dazzling waterfront district, Playa Barrio. Experience life like the Ponceños and revel in the live salsa music, tasty street food and exciting beachside atmosphere. Visit the marina and rent a paddleboat or take advantage of the sweeping sea views from the observation tower.

With its broad expanse of soft golden sands, pristine ocean waters and natural setting, Boquerón Beach is one of the village’s premier attractions. Stretching over a mile (1.6 kilometers) south of the picturesque bayside village of Boquerón, the beach has plenty of space for fun and relaxation. Bring the kids to this family-friendly beach and play in the shallows or explore the coast on a thrilling Jet Ski adventure tour.

Spend some time in Ponce’s Plaza of Delights (Plaza las Delicias) and the city will show you its heart. Landmark colonial architecture dominates the city’s main square, while leafy Indian laurel trees and pretty gardens provide a feeling of serenity. Take a break from the bustle of downtown Ponce and enjoy people-watching in the city’s favorite meeting place. The plaza is split into two halves, Luis Muñoz Rivera Plaza to the north and Frederico Degetau Plaza to the south.

Sample locally grown coffee and learn about coffee production, both today and in the past at the Hacienda Buena Vista. This traditional coffee farm in southern Puerto Rico is one of the best illustrations of a centuries old industry. When Don Salvador de Vives formed the farm in 1833, he grew fruit. It wasn’t until later in the 1800's that coffee was first planted. The Hacienda Buena Vista hit its stride during the coffee boom of the 1880s. For the next fifty years the farm was considered one of the finest producers of coffee in the world, exporting to the United States, Europe and even the Vatican. Today visitors to the Hacienda will find 87 acres (35 Hectares) of fertile farmland, a series of restored historic buildings and a museum in the Hacienda itself.

Disappear into the vast expanse of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. This area of stunning natural beauty sits in southwestern Puerto Rico and stretches down onto the Morrillos Peninsula. Follow miles of walking trails, relax on sheltered beaches and meet the wildlife of this scenic Caribbean refuge.