Exploring the Ruta Panoramica
Tuesday, September 18: Right after breakfast, we take highway 52 across Puerto Rico heading south. At Guavate, we leave the highway and follow the Ruta Panoramica through the island's interior heading west.
We stop in Aibonito, the highest-elevation town on Puerto Rico.
The road leads us over the mountains to Cañón San Cristóbal, a 1,210 m deep canyon suitable only for experienced hikers, as the descent is extremely steep.
We continue through Forestal Toro Negro. The road is practically enveloped by bamboo.
We leave our panoramic road and head back toward the coast to Ponce. If you have the time, you should definitely drive this beautiful extended scenic route.
Most locals don't understand why anyone would, though — more than once we heard: "It's faster to the west via Route 52."
Route 52, becoming Route 2 past Ponce, is the coastal highway you can take as an alternative if time is short.
Ponce in Southern Puerto Rico
Late in the afternoon, we reach Ponce, the second-largest city on Puerto Rico with nearly 200,000 inhabitants, located on the southern coast. Also known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South) and La Ciudad de los Leones (City of the Lions).
We check into the Hotel Ponce Meliá, right in the center next to the famous Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Parque de Bombas.
