Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coamo
Ponce de León's obsessive search for the fountain of youth - which, according to some
historians, was sought in hopes of curing sexual impotence - led not only to the discovery
of North America, but perhaps also to the founding of this city, still famous for its thermal
springs. León's lagging libido might be responsible for making Coamo one of the oldest
colonial settlements on the island, a place that also staged a decisive battle of the Spanish-
American War.
Coamo today is a major chicken-processing center with more than 30,000 residents. The
main draw for travelers continues to be the
baños
(baths) south of town. Over the years
they've hosted former US President Franklin Roosevelt and millions of visitors.
Coamo also hosts a famous footrace, the hilly 20km
San Blás de Illescas Marathon
(actually more like a half-marathon), in February.
Sights & Activities
Baños de Coamo
THERMAL BATHS
(Coamo's Baths; admission $3; 8am-6pm)
After a recent facelift, the Baños de
Coamo - once filling a fairly dreary set of cement tubs - have taken on the air of a modern
spa. The spa has been a destination for centuries. Today, the facility has handsome chan-
ging rooms, piped-in jazz and a small cafe. It's doubtful that you'll have a very tranquil
soak because of the close quarters, but for fans of thermal waters it is certainly worth a de-
tour. Note that swimsuits are required - bathing au naturel isn't tolerated by local families.
Though both pools are small and can get crowded, taking a dip early in the morning,
during a rain shower or at dinnertime might give you the place to yourself. While the upper
pool has thermal water at about 110°F and the lower one is cooler, both are good places to
take in the scene as trade winds blow across the fields and down the Río Coamo on their
way to the sea.
To get here, take Hwy 153 from Hwy 1 or Hwy 52. Head north for about 3 miles and
look for the sign that points off to the left (west) to the Parador Baños Coamo, which is Rte
546. You'll pass a number of recent condo developments and a golf course, before coming
to a parking area at the bottom of a hill. The parador is next to the river, which flows near
the right side of the fence. You'll see some ruins and two pools built high on the side of the
riverbank.
There's very little public transportation to the
baños.
A público from Ponce will drop
you at the intersection of Hwys 546 and 153, about 1 mile away ($5). For more money it
may go on to the baths, but you'll need to arrange it in advance.
