Free Things to do in PR, South Side

The southern region is an under-appreciated jewel of Puerto Rico. When you crest over the mountains and drop down into the glittering Caribbean Sea you immediately notice the difference in the climate. The south is significantly drier and hotter than the northern and eastern side of the island. The jungle is no more and lots of scrub and even cacti are prevalent. It is a rugged shoreline with more rural villages and small towns that dot the landscape.

There is an abundance of free things to do in the region such as museums, walking around various town squares, hiking areas and great places to paddle board (if you own one or have access to one).

Specialty

Ponce has a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s a large town with a charming town center. 

The trolley in Ponce offers free tours of the historic downtown area.

www.visitponce.com

Start at Plaza Las Delicias and admire the lion fountain and visit the numerous free museums:

Museo Casa Armstrong

Museo de la Historia de Ponce

Museo de la Musica Puertorriqueña

Parque de Bomba

Teatro La Perla

Many museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so be sure to check their hours.

Guayama also has a free trolley for exploring around town.

Several free museums are worth visiting, such as Casa Cautiño and Iglesia San Antonio de Padua. 

Check hours before heading there as many are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Visit the Yauchromatic a colorful neighborhood in Yauco. Walk up the stairs, explore the murals, colorful buildings and get a birds eye view of the town. Street parking is available for free and they often have vendors at the bottom of the stairs. 

29-37 Calle E Sanchez Lopez, Yauco. 

Museo Casa Canales and El Cemi in Jayuya is not free, but it’s worth visiting as it is very inexpensive and a great way to see artifacts from and learn about Taino culture. 1 dollar for adults, 50 cents for children. 

Open Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. They close for lunch from 12:00-1:00. 

Carr.#144 km 9.3 Bo. Coabey 

Jayuya, PR 00664

Watch Sunsets in Patillas or Malecón de Arroyo, with its glorious views to the Caribbean Sea. 

Hiking

‍Bosque Estatal de Guánica: 9000 acre nature preserve with subtropical dry forest containing 700 species of plants. Great for bird watching. Ballena Trail is easy 2 km/1.25 miles out and back. Fuerte Trail is 5.6 km/3.5 miles and leads to an old fort built by the Spanish Armada and destroyed in the Spanish American war. You can see the remains of the observation tower. Pack lots of water and a hat as there is very little shade. 

PR-334, Guánica

Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro: Hike the tallest peak in Puerto Rico; Cerro de Punta, 1300 m/4400 feet. While you can drive up in a 4x4, it is recommended to park at the trailhead and take the time to hike up! Access trailhead on Ruta Panorámica.

PR 143, Jayuya

Swimming Holes:

‍Charco Azul: The trail is easily accessible and paved. It is about a 15 minute (1.3 km/0.8 miles out and back) hike to the swimming hole. The drive can be a bit windy up a mountain road. 

PR-184 km 17.8, Patillas

Los Siete Chorros: Access available for free Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM-6PM. Reach the seven falls by going through the bar “Colmado Bar Gonzalez.” Easily accessible for those that can’t or don’t want to hike to a waterfall. 

PR 745 km 4.3, San Lorenzo

Beaches

Playa La Guancha: it’s not a particularly beautiful beach, but it is easily accessible. Shallow water for the kids to play around in, has a bathroom and a playground nearby. Plenty of food kiosks nearby to grab a bite to eat as well. Parking is free and plentiful. 

Calle B, Ponce

Playa Punta Tuna: It’s a gorgeous open beach, but the water is rough and not suitable for swimming. Great for walking and hanging out on the beach. You can also visit the nearby lighthouse; Faro de Punta Tuna. While you can’t go inside, the grounds around it are enjoyable and have great views. 

PR 7760 km 0.5, Maunabo