Ponce. located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, is the second largest city on the island. Ponce is known for its coast and the historic Ponce Pueblo district, characterized for its Rococo, Neoclásico Isabelino, and Ponce Creole architectures. The best places to run in Ponce are some waterfront sections and inland paths along the Portugués & Bucaná rivers. 

La Guancha’s Scenic Walk & Beach

This is a short run in the popular La Guancha waterfront in the Playa barrio area. Start with a loop in the park, and then run along the water through the exercise park (note: fitness equipment), and then the short, scenic wooden boardwalk. It’s known for its food kiosks, bars, marina, playgrounds, and views of the Caribbean Sea and Caja de Muertos island. You can then run along the small beach. 

River Paths & Eco Park

The paths along the Portugués & Bucaná rivers are the best spot for a longer run in Ponce. A dirt path, the Paseo Lineal Rio Portugués, runs along both banks of the Portugués river. Note there aren’t places to cross between the east and west side Rio Portugués paths, so you sort of have to commit. 

  • Rio Portugués West Side Path: The west side path goes for 3.8 miles between C. Guadalupe and the Playa Princess Caitlyn, next to the Hilton. It’s a primarily dirt surface, with some water views, although there are also lots of trees. At the 2-mile park is an Eco Park, where one can do a ~3.5 mile loop around the mainly wooded Eco Ferial Trails.
    • Add-On: Do a loop around the historic Plaza Las Delicias (use C Regina or C. Cristina).
  • Rio Portugués East Side Path. The east side path runs for 2 miles from the Parque Ecológico Urbano (additional 0.5 miles of paths) to the Parque Familiar Julio Enrique Monagas. We add 0.8 miles in the Parque Familiar, which is on the west side of the Río Bucaná. 
  • Río Bucaná Path. The Paseo Lineal Río Bucaná is along the east side of the Río Bucaná. It starts at C. Bambú and runs for 2.4 miles to the sea.