The well-traveled readers of USA Today recently voted Puerto Rico the #1 Caribbean Island, highlighting the island's hundreds of annual festivals, stunning offshore islands and sun-kissed beaches like Boquerón Beach on the island's southwest coast.
A quaint little beach village located 85 miles from San Juan, Boquerón lies just south of Cabo Rojo near the western edge of the Boquerón Forest Preserve. Its beaches are among Puerto Rico's finest. Boquerón Beach, the largest, is a mile-long stretch lined with coconut palm trees. It is one of five designated Blue Flag beaches in Puerto Rico. According to local legend, Puerto Rico's most renowned pirate, Roberto Cofresí, stashed treasure in one of the area's many caves.
A protected wildlife refuge, this 1,836-acre subtropical dry forest is home to more than 50 species of native birds. Interpretive displays and bird-watching trails are highlights.
Telephone Number: 787-851-7258
Address: Route 310, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Built in 1881 under Spanish rule, the Cabo Rojo, Los Morrillos Lighthouse is perched on the edge of limestone cliffs dropping 200 feet to the sea. This old lighthouse was automated and electrically charged in 1967 and is considered to have some, if not the, most spectacular ocean views in Puerto Rico’s West coast.
Telephone Number: 787-851-1025
Thought to be the oldest industry in the New World, salt has been mined here for centuries. Free guided tours of the area’s flora and fauna are offered at the visitor’s center.
Telephone Number: 787-851-2999
Perfect for adrenaline junkies, there are eight mountain adventures and/or excursions. Each has launching and landing platforms and some are connected by narrow suspended bridges or zigzagging walkways.
Telephone Number: 787-867-7020
World’s largest radio telescope and a fascinating visitors’ center
Carr. 625, Arecibo
Telephone Number: 787-878-2612
Is part of the most dramatic and massive system of caves from the occidental hemisphere. This subterranean treasure has an approximate extension of 300 acres.
Carr. 129, Km 18.9, Camuy.
Telephone Number: 787-898-3100