If you're driving around the western end of the island, stop in Puerto Rico's third-largest city to look around and perhaps purchase the local embroidery or a
brazo gitano (a jelly-filled cake roll with either chocolate, creme or tropical fruit pastes). The town's plaza is lovely, with a large statue of Columbus surrounded by 16 striking bronze statues of ladies from Barcelona. Be sure to visit the Tropical Agricultural Research Station (phone 787-831-3435), a former plantation that has an extensive collection of tropical and semitropical plants. (It's part of the University of Puerto Rico.)
Mayaguez also has one of the most complete zoos in the Caribbean. The kids will enjoy Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo of Puerto Rico because they can see giraffes, hippopotamuses, camels, monkeys, lions and reptiles. There's also a museum, playground and cafeteria. It's open Wednesday-Sunday. Phone 787-834-8110.
The Maricao Forest Preserve (also known as Monte del Estado) is east of Mayaguez and has more than 6,000 acres/2,400 hectares of excellent hiking and splendid views. The fish hatchery in the preserve raises some 25,000 fish—bass, tilapia and tropical varieties—in large outdoor pools in a garden setting. Phone 787-724-3647. Mayaguez is 70 mi/115 km southwest of San Juan.
