Today, horsedrawn carriages pass by elegant colonial mansions and buildings complete with wrought iron balconies that bear a striking resemblance to those of New Orleans. The atmosphere is complete with gas lamps, sidewalks edged with pink marble, and tree-lined streets, parks and plazas. A walking tour of Ponce's Historic District is not to be missed and will make it clear to you why this city is home to so many artists, musicians, poets, and writers. Located just outside of Ponce, Hacienda Buena Vista was established in 1833. This plantation thrived as it produced coffee, corn, and citrus up into the 1950s.
Visitors can walk through the perfectly restored Hacienda and see how plantation used to be.
About one hour to the west of Ponce is the third largest city in Puerto Rico, Mayaquez. Christopher Columbus landed near the city's current site in 1492. Visit the historic city plaza with its Columbus statue and stone walk surrounded by colonial buildings. The city also has a zoo and botanical gardens and serves as a gateway to beaches on the west coast. On the drive from Ponce to Mayaguez, stop at San Germain, one of the hidden treasures of Puerto Rico.