Museo Castillo Serrallés — Attraction in Ponce

Museo Castillo Serrallés is not just a museum; it's a picturesque retreat steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Located in the heart of Ponce, this stunning location offers a glimpse into Puerto Rico's rich cultural heritage, housed within an elegantly preserved Spanish Revival mansion.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the beautifully manicured gardens that envelop the castle. These gardens are a serene oasis, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life. Each pathway and corner tells a story, perfectly complemented by vibrant floral displays and lush greenery.

A particular gem within these gardens is the "Jardin Japones" or Japanese Garden. This meticulously designed landscape is a masterclass in tranquility and design, featuring traditional elements such as koi ponds, stone lanterns, and perfectly pruned bonsai trees. The attention to detail is exquisite, and the atmosphere of peace is palpable. Walking through the Japanese Garden, one feels transported to another world, one of quiet contemplation and natural beauty.

The museum itself is equally impressive, with well-curated exhibits that tell the story of the Serrallés family and their famous rum empire. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the experience with fascinating anecdotes and historical insights.

Every aspect of Museo Castillo Serrallés, from the stunning architecture to the verdant gardens, is maintained with great care and attention to detail. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making every visitor feel like a special guest.

In conclusion, Museo Castillo Serrallés is a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Ponce. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and everyone in between. Whether you're strolling through the lush "Jardin Japones" or exploring the historic halls of the Castillo, your visit will surely be a...

I visited with a group of PR first timers for the Rum tour. It really does not disappoint. The property is incredible. Our tour guide was not the most informed, but she was animated, fun and kept us moving. Met great people along the way. If anything is potentially a minor issue it that there is a lot of alcohol cocktails to take (4) in the last 45 minutes of the tour. I wish we had an option to taste some of their products directly. We came from Lajas, so it was a somewhat short drive. I would still recommend it for those in San Juan. The highway goes fast. Plus you can spend time in wonderful Ponce.

Having said that, if you can only do one tour, and you like Rum; do Barrilito (a boutique operation in Bayamón). Don Q is a much bigger production and the house history and family is espectacular. Very different tours, so do both.

Here are my thoughts on Bacardi. It is like a Disneyland of Rum tours. Bacardi is an institution and the tour reflects that. A bit of production, good tastings and an awful cocktail awaits you. But the store is the best.

So if you like history and getting out of SJ metro area: DonQ. If your interest lies deep in rum and top notch drinks: Barrilito. If you got kids and you enjoy a rare sip or two of rum every now and then: Bacardi.

Or do all...

You'd think as a former local, I would've been here a long time ago! I thought it was just hype, but the place is actually very nice and I learned a lot from it! Be aware there's not a lot of "official" parking space. We parked on the side of the road near the ticket office. One ticket also gives you access to la Cruzeta de Vigia and el Jardín Japonés (I highly suggest you do all three, you won't regret it!). The first thing I noticed is the abundance of bathrooms! They are everywhere which is so nice! None of the parks are wheelchair accessible. You can't take photos of the inside of the Museo de Serrallés, but you can take photos everywhere else. The inside of the castle is tour-guided ONLY and our tour guide, Paola, was amazing with how quick and efficient her English/Spanish translation was. She'd put me to shame any day of the week! Truly impressed. The inside is GORGEOUS, by the way!

Once the tour is done, you can wander the premises as much as you'd like. I got a Don Q spiked Piña Colado and we walked the beautiful gardens and aviary that had some VERY noisy macaws! Afterwards, we walked uphill to la Cruzeta de Vigia (must see, but be aware of a lot of steps) and then the Jardín Japonés. I really enjoyed the...