South Region

Coamo, Puerto Rico The Villa of San Blas de Illescas Coamo (ko-AH-mo) is known as the “Villa of San Blas de Illescas”, “the old town”, “the town of the thermal waters”, and “the center of the universe”, the towns people are known as the “marathon runners”. The name of the town, a Taino word, means “extended plain”. The patron saint is San Blas de Illescas, whose day is celebrated on February 3. Another traditional festival, the day of Our Lady of Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2. The world-famous San Blas de Illescas half-marathon is held during these festivities. Coamo is located to the south of the Central Mountain...

Guayama, Puerto Rico Town of Wizards Guayama (gwah-YAH-mah) is known as the “Town of the Witches” and the “City of the Guamaní.” The patron saint of Guayama is Saint Anthony of Padua. Guayama is bordered on the north by the municipality of Cayey, on the east by Patillas and Arroyo, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by Salinas. Although it is part of the southern coastal plain, the Jájome range 2,395 feet high and Cayey range rise to the north of the municipality. The highest points in Guayama are Cerro de la Tabla and Cerro Tumbado, which are part of the Cayey mountain range...

Guayanilla, Puerto Rico Agüeybaná’s Land Guayanilla (gwah-yah-NEE-yah) is known as the “Land of Agüeybaná” and the “Fishermen’s Village” and its residents are known as the “mare riders.” The patron saint of Guayanilla is the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. This zone is considered one of the most important tropical marine areas in the Caribbean. It is bordered on the north by the municipality of Adjuntas, on the east by Peñuelas, on the south by the Caribbean Sea and on the west by the municipality of Yauco. Geographically, it is part of the western region of the southern coastal plain. To the north, on its border with Adjuntas, the region...

Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico Mabí City Juana Díaz (HWAH-nah DEE ahz) is known as “the Mabí City”, “the city of the Jacaguas River”, the “city of the Three Kings”, and the “Bethlehem of Puerto Rico”. This municipality is where the centuries-old tradition of Three Kings Day is celebrated with the most enthusiasm. The famous kings have traveled to Rome to meet Pope John Paul II. The patron saint is Saint Raymond Nonnatus, whose day is celebrated on August 31. Juana Díaz is located in southern and south coast of Puerto Rico. Is bordered by Ponce to the west; Jayuya, Villalba and Ciales to the north; Coamo and Santa Isabel...

Peñuelas, Puerto Rico Valley of the Flame Trees Peñuelas (PAIN-wai-lahs) is known as “The Valley of the Flamboyan Trees” and “The capital of the Güiro”. The patron saint is Holy Christ the Healer and the festivities held in his honor are held in September. There are also musical festivals during the summer months. The town is located on the south coast of the Island and is bordered by Adjuntas to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the south, Ponce to the east, and Guayanilla to the west. It is located on the southern coastal plains, but the northern part of its territory is located in the central mountain range....

Ponce, Puerto Rico Pearl of the South Ponce (PON-sai) is known as the “Pearl of the South,” the “Noble City,” “The Lions,” and the “Genip City”. The patroness of Ponce is Our Lady of Guadeloupe. The municipality is located on the south coast of Puerto Rico. Is bordered on the north by Utuado and Jayuya, on the northwest by Adjuntas, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, on the east by Juana Díaz, and on the west by Peñuelas. The municipal territory reaches the central mountain range to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The city is also known for landmarks such as the Old Ponce...

Salinas, Puerto Rico Town of the Islander Dip Salinas (sah-LEE-nahs) is known as “The town of the Island Mojo” and its residents are called the Marlins. “Mojo” is a sauce that is used to marinate fried fish and is made from a base of tomato sauce, oil, garlic, bay leaves and onion. The patron saint of the municipality is the Virgin of Monserrate. Salinas is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It is bordered on the north by the municipalities of Coamo, Aibonito and Cayey, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, on the west by the municipalities of Coamo and Santa Isabel and on the east...

Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico Land of Champions Santa Isabel (SAHN-tah ee-sah-BEL) is known as the “Land of Champions” and the “City of Colts.” The patron saint is Santiago Apóstol. Santa Isabel is located on the south coast of Puerto Rico in the region known as the southern coastal plain. Is bordered on the north by the municipality of Coamo, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, on the east by the municipality of Salinas and on the west by Juana Díaz. The Santa Isabel beach, the Petrona and Aguila points, Jauca Bay and Rincón Bay are located in Santa Isabel and Salinas. Off of Petrona Point are the keys...

Villalba, Puerto Rico City of the Advancers Villalba (vee-YAHL-bah) is known as “Cuidad de los Avancinos”, the “City of Cooperatives” and the “City of Pigeon Peas.” Its residents are called Villalbeños. The patron saint is Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The municipality is known as the City of Advances because the first hydroelectric plant in Puerto Rico was built there in 1929. This event made Villalba the first town on the island to have electricity. Today, the plant is called Toro Negro and generates electricity for all of Puerto Rico. Villalba is bordered on the north by the municipality of Orocovis, on the east by Coamo, and on the south...

Yauco, Puerto Rico Land of Coffee Yauco (YOU-ko) is known as the “Coffee Town,” the “Taino Capital,” and the “Town of Corsicans.” Its patron saint is the Virgen del Santísimo Rosario. Its name comes from the Taino word Coayú or Coayuco, which was used to identify the region and is related etymologically to the word yuca or cassava. Yauco is bordered on the north by the municipalities of Maricao, Lares and Adjuntas, on the east by Guayanilla, on the west by Guánica and Sabana Grande and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. The municipality is part of the southern coastal plain. Although the northern zone of the municipality...