Guayama, Puerto Rico

(gwah-YAH-mah)

Guayama is known as "La Ciudad Bruja" (witch city) or "Pueblo de los Brujos" (city of witches). Guayama was founded in 1736 by Matías de Abadía.

The "Casa Cautiño" is a beautiful home designed in creole-style architecture, built in 1887, now is a museum and cultural centre. Open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm and Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm; (787) 864-9083.

The Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was established in 1987. The reserve is located between the coasts of Salinas and Guayama, approximately 2,883 acres of mangrove forest and freshwater wetlands. The two main components: Mar Negro mangrove forest, which consists of a mangrove forest and a complex system of lagoons and channels interspersed with salt and mud flats; and Cayos Caribe Islets, which are surrounded by coral reefs and seagrass beds, with small beach deposits and upland areas. Open Daily: 8:00am-4:00pm, (787) 864-0105. Guided tours are offered upon request and reservation.

The Aguirre Forest includes: mangroves, tidal flats, bird rookeries, research lakes & large manatee population. (787) 864-0105.

The Carite Forest a 6,000-acre nature reserve is inhabited by 50 species of birds, making this spot a recognized area for birding. The reserve with a dwarf forest that was produced by the region's high humidity and moist soil. The highest point is Cerro La Santa, at 3,000 feet. From several peaks there are panoramic views of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. There is a picnic area and 10 campgrounds (permit is necessary for camping). Located at Rt. 184.

Guayama territory is located on the Southern Coastal Valley region, bordering the Caribbean Sea, south of Cayey; east of Salinas; and west of Patillas and Arroyo.

Economy

The surrounding areas produces sugar, tobacco, coffee, and livestock. Guayama has been noted for its developments in irrigation, which have increased agricultural production, as well as in electrification.

Notable People

There are many well-known "guayameses", among them:

• Luis Palés Matos,
• Joaquin Lopez Lopez
• Leopoldo Santiago Lavandero
• Eluterio Derkes
• Enrique Lefebre
• Jacinto Texidor
• Fran Cervoni
• Franciscp Antonio Ortiz
• Andres Jose de Rivera

Symbols

Education

There are 26 public schools in Guayama, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Guayama is also home of 4 colleges and universities.

Geography

Guayama is made up of 17 barrios (wards/districts):

Rivers
There are several rivers that run through Guayama. These rivers include Rio La Plata, Rio Guamani, and Rio Seco.

Climate

The annual precipitation is approximately 52 inches and the average temperature is 81ºF.

10 Day Forecast

Restaurants

• Brandemar (Sea Food), (787) 864-5124
• China Garden (Chinese), (787) 864-8983
• Costa Brava (Sea Food), (787) 864-4496
• El Sabor de Mi Tierra (Puerto Rican), (787) 864-6949
• Pizza Hut (Pizza), (787) 866-2649
• Restaurant El Bohio (Puerto Rican), (787) 866-1408

Accommodations

• Caribbean View House (Rental), (518) 827-5403
  

Festivals and Events

• Carnaval Brujo - March
  
• Carnaval de Guayama - April
  The region around Guayama still honors African legends of sorcery and witchcraft. The Brujo Carnival retells these old stories "brujo" means warlock or spell, and incorporates them into a weekend-long festival. (787) 864-0600
• Feria Dulces Suenos - March
  
• Feria y Exposicion de Caballos de Paso Fino - March
  
• Festival Jibaro - October
  
• Fiestas Patronales de San Antonio de Padua - June
  Every year, Guayama celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 864-0600
• Semana Puertorriqueña - December
  

Map References

Coordinates: 17.9742° N, 66.1100° W

Zip Code: 00704, 00784, 00785

Driving Distance from San Juan: 52 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes