Guayama: The Enchanting Southern Charm of Puerto Rico

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)La hora y media (10)
  [lah oh-rah ee meh-dee-ah (deh-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Guayama was founded on January 29, 1736, by Matías de Abadía. The city name is derived from the Taíno language, meaning 'great place' or 'big river'. It started as a small settlement and grew into a significant community in the southern region of Puerto Rico.

During the Spanish colonial period, Guayama played an essential role in the agricultural industry. The region was known for its fertile lands, which were ideal for the cultivation of sugarcane, tobacco, and other crops. The Spanish influence is still visible in the city's architecture and urban layout.

In the 19th century, Guayama experienced a significant economic boom due to the sugarcane industry. Sugar mills and plantations were established, bringing wealth and development to the area. This period also saw the construction of many of the town's historic buildings and the rise of prominent local families.

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Guayama was the site of a notable battle between Spanish forces and the United States Army. The Battle of Guayama took place on August 5, 1898, resulting in a victory for the Americans. This event was part of the larger campaign that led to the end of Spanish rule in Puerto Rico.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Guayama's economy. With the decline of the sugarcane industry, the city diversified its economic activities. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and services became more prominent. The establishment of the Central Aguirre Sugar Refinery in nearby Salinas also impacted the local economy.

Guayama is home to several historic and cultural landmarks. The Casa Cautiño, a beautifully preserved 19th-century residence, serves as a museum showcasing the lifestyle of a prominent family during the sugarcane era. The Parroquia San Antonio de Padua, a neoclassical church founded in 1827, stands as a testament to the town's rich religious heritage.

Guayama is known for its vibrant cultural traditions and festivals. The annual Fiestas Patronales, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, feature parades, music, and traditional foods. The Festival de Bomba y Plena celebrates the city's Afro-Puerto Rican heritage with performances of traditional music and dance.

Guayama is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers) from San Juan. The nearest international airport is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to reach Guayama. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via PR-52. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from San Juan to Guayama, but this may take longer.

Once in Guayama, getting around is relatively easy. Renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the area, especially if you plan to visit surrounding attractions. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. Public buses and vans (known as 'guaguas') operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. However, service can be infrequent, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash as needed. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, or rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Guayama is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and do not display valuable items openly. The neighborhoods of San Antonio and Puente Jobos have higher crime rates. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and always be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Guayama has a local police station and medical facilities, including the Hospital Menonita de Guayama. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate. Don't wear overly revealing attire, especially in religious or formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and avoid disruptive behavior. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'Hola.' Don't be surprised if locals are more informal and use first names. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'lechon asado' and 'pasteles.' Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Guayama like a local, visit the Plaza de Recreo Cristóbal Colón, the town's main square, where you can mingle with residents and enjoy local events. Explore the local markets to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Don't miss the Guayama Art Museum and the Casa Cautiño Museum for a dose of local culture and history. For a unique experience, visit the Carite Forest Reserve, offering beautiful hiking trails and natural pools.