Caguas: See
1 Caguas Pueblo (downtown Caguas). See the historic Roman Catholic church, Spanish-style recreational plaza, diverse architecture, and the municipal buildings surrounded by streets and shops. You can drive around the pueblo or park your car and walk around the square and into the plaza. The Spanish law, which regulated life in Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, stated the plaza's purpose was for celebrations and festivities. (updated Oct 2024)
Plaza Palmer in the center of the old town, is the main point from where to explore Caguas by foot. One of the largest plazas (town square) of Puerto Rico, it is famous for its gardens, fountains, food stands and public events. At the center there is a statue of José Gautier Benitez, a Romantic Era poet who made Caguas famous in the 19th century. There is also a clock that highlights some of the most prominent cagueños.
Caguas Museum of Art, Calle Luis Padial, esquina Segundo Ruíz Belvis, ☏ +1 787-258-3505. A local museum housed in a historic block house known as Casa Amarilla that showcases folk arts and crafts and cultural events.
Caguas Museum of Folk Arts, 48 C. Betances, ☏ +1 787-258-3505. A small museum dedicated to the work of various Criollo artists from around Puerto Rico.
Old City Hall or Casa Alcaldía has been very well preserved and now functions as the Caguas Museum of History, 26 PR-1, ☏ +1 787-744-8833. Built in the Isabelino Neoclassical style it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its unique Victorian Creole architecture.
Catedral El Dulce Nombre de Jesús, built in the 18th century and renovated after an earthquake destroyed most of it. It has the remains of the first Puerto Rican saint, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez (Blessed Charlie), born in Caguas in 1918.
Herminio Torres Grillo Tobacco Museum, Calle Betances, esquina Calle Padial, ☏ +1 787-258-3505. A small museum located in a former tobacco factory dedicated to the history of the tobacco industry in Puerto Rico.
William Miranda Marín Botanical and Cultural Garden, PR-156, ☏ +1 787-653-0470. A large botanical and cultural garden developed at the site of a former sugarcane plantation (Hacienda San José) with its chimney, slave quarters and trapiche ruins still preserved within the grounds. The garden also contains archaeological sites containing a ceremonial ball court (batey) and Taino remains. The garden also contains an arboretum and hiking trails, and hosts cultural and educational events.