Ponce, Puerto Rico

Travel distance from San Juan: 73.4 mi (about 1 hour 36 mins)

Background:

Ponce is known as the "Majestic City," because of its many neoclassic-style buildings. This city is an important trading & distribution center, and has its own port of entry - one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean.

The beautiful downtown Plaza de las Delicias is worth a visit. There you will find decorative fountains, a cathedral and be amused by the local bench sitting denizens. The unique red and black, century old wooden firehouse, known as "Parque de Bombas" is a landmark and still in use.

Parque de Bombas originally built in 1882 for an exposition and from 1883 to 1989 it served as headquarters of the Ponce Fire Corps. In 1990, the firehouse was reopened as a museum, there are exhibits on the second floor, and the municipal band plays a free concert every Sunday night.

On a different note: Ponce has many of the same problems that San Juan and other major metropolitan areas. In general, tourist areas on the island are very safe. Crime against tourists is almost non-existent. Notwithstanding, use common sense and take the same level of care you would in any big city. A small number of thefts take place on beaches, even in daytime. So it’s advisable not to leave your belongings lying around unattended on the beach, or anywhere else for that matter.

Make sure to stay away from public housing complexes known as "caserios", which are located throughout the island, and avoid shanty slums as well. These "caserios" are frequently the location of drug dealers and other illegal activity, in addition to violent crimes. If you must venture into such a locations, avoid doing so at night and do not take pictures or film the locals without permission. Avoid drawing a lot of attention to yourself and be polite at all times.

Other Southern Cities: