{"id":1445,"date":"2015-05-13T02:13:10","date_gmt":"2015-05-13T02:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=1445"},"modified":"2015-05-30T02:21:41","modified_gmt":"2015-05-30T02:21:41","slug":"24-hours-in-ponce-puerto-rico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2015\/05\/24-hours-in-ponce-puerto-rico.html","title":{"rendered":"24 Hours in Ponce, Puerto Rico"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puerto Rico, The All-Star Island<\/a> for IZEA<\/a>. All opinions are 100% mine.<\/p>\n

Puerto Rico<\/a> is a great destination for a getaway as it is easy to get to and there’s no passport required for entry if you’re a US Citizen or Legal Resident. Not to be biased, but it’s one of my favorite vacation spots. \u00a0The island is mostly known for San Juan but there’s so much more to see “tierra adentro” (deep in the island). This latest trip, we started our adventure with 24 hours in Ponce, Puerto Rico.\u00a0 Affectionately dubbed as \u201cperla del sur\u201d (pearl of the south), this town is a gem indeed, especially for those who love art and architecture.<\/p>\n

\"24<\/a>
Pig in Guavate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting there:<\/strong><\/em> although there are direct flights from JetBlue to Ponce from New York City, getting there by car can be quite an adventure as well.\u00a0 Cut through the mountains of Puerto Rico and get off on exit XYZ to Guavate, an area known for their split roasted pork and traditional Puerto Rican Cuisine. \u00a0On weekends the lechoneras (restaurants specializing in roasted pig) are bustling with locals on a road trip with live music and tons of food.\u00a0 Don\u2019t like crowds? The weekday is a great option; not all lechoneras are open, but there are still plenty to satisfy your appetite.\u00a0 Your scenic drive to Ponce (with a roasted pork in between) will take you 2.5 hours.<\/p>\n

\"24<\/a>
Lobby at Hotel Belgica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stay:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 We spent the night at Hotel Belgica (aptly named after the Belgians who helped build the building), a beautiful colonial structure.\u00a0 With its wood shutters, balconies, and intricately designed tiles it transports you to old world colonial charm without the throngs of tourists.\u00a0 There are several of other hotels in the town square.\u00a0 More of a beach person? Ponce also has resorts on the coast a well.<\/p>\n

\"24<\/a>
La Guancha, Ponce Puerto Rico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Love art?\u00a0 The museum of art of Ponce (Museo de Arte De Ponce) is renowned for its European art in its permanent collection in Latin America. It also features works from Puerto Rican artists as well. Love architecture?\u00a0 Lose yourself in the colonial structures around the Plaza de las Delicias of Ponce (Ponce City Center) and take in the colorful buildings, charming balconies, and sit on a bench and do what the locals love to do: people watch.\u00a0 Not to miss: the Parque de Bombas de Ponce (the old firehouse of Ponce).\u00a0 It was built for the 1882 Exhibition and it was used as an active firehouse for more than 100 years.\u00a0 It is distinguishable by its broad red and black.<\/p>\n

\"24<\/a>
Mallorcas in Cafe Melao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Be active:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Feeling guilty about your pork lunch at Guavate?\u00a0 Head to La Guancha where there is a trail adjacent to the boardwalk where you can go for a run, ride your bike, or join an outdoor Zumba class.\u00a0 You can also have dinner and drinks and witness an epic sunset.\u00a0 It is one of my favorite spots in Puerto Rico.\u00a0 Tip: there is plenty of parking available at La Guancha area, especially during a weeknight as it is not as crowded.<\/p>\n

\"24<\/a>
The Firehouse of Ponce, Puerto Rico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eat:\u00a0 There are plenty of kiosks at La Guancha where you can indulge in traditional Puerto Rican snacks: octopus salads, fried empanadas filled with meat or seafood, or mofongo (mashed fried plantains).\u00a0 For dinner, we went to La Casa del Chef where we had dorado stuffed with shrimp and lobster in a guava sauce and grilled halibut with a caper sauce.\u00a0 We ended our 24 hours in Ponce adventure with a late breakfast at Caf\u00e9 Melao with a delicious Puerto Rican coffee and a grilled Mallorca breakfast sandwich (Mallorca is a sweet bread served for breakfast).<\/p>\n