An hour and a half from San Juan via Highway 52, Ponce is best known for its art museum and its beautifully restored historic district, a showcase of nineteenth century Creole architecture. The city is liveliest during Carnaval when the streets fill with parades of musicians, floats, dancers and vejigantes - revellers in devilish-looking painted masks. Things also heat up here in November, during the Fiesta Nacional de Bomba y Plena when drummers and dancers gather to compete. There are also a number of interesting sights on the outskirts of town, including Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park and Hacienda Buena Vista. Hotels in Ponce |