Best of Puerto Rico’s South Coast

Bosque Estatal de Guánica [1]: The 10,000-acre subtropical dry forest and United Nations Biosphere Reserve features hiking trails, caves, beaches, the ruins of a Spanish fort, and great bird-watching opportunities.

Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes [2]: Discovered in 1975, this site just a couple of miles north of the city of Ponce was once the ceremonial grounds to two indigenous groups, the Igneri, who lived in the region from 300 B.C. to A.D. 600, and the Pre-Taínos, who inhabited the island from A.D. 600 to 1200. The site contains several ceremonial bateyes (ball fields), plazas, and petroglyphs.

Museo de Arte de Ponce [3]: In addition to its impressive collection of Italian baroque and British pre-Raphaelite work, the museum contains a solid collection of work by Puerto Rican artists.

Castillo Serrallés [4]: An elaborate Spanish Revival mansion built in 1934 atop El Vigía Hill overlooking the city of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. It was built for Eugenio Serrallés, a major player in the local sugarcane industry and founder of Serrallés Rum Distillery, maker of Don Q rum.

Hacienda Buena Vista [5]: Reservations are required to take the two-hour tour of this restored 19th-century coffee plantation in the municipality of Ponce.

Paseo Tablado La Guancha [6]: This modern new waterfront development in Ponce features a panoramic seaside boardwalk, lots of bars and restaurants, and a huge playground for children.