San Juan may be Puerto Rico’s highest-profile vacation destination, but the “island of enchantment” offers lots to see and do outside the metropolitan area — especially on the island’s western side.
Puerto Rico measures just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, and it’s divided into six distinct tourism regions — North, South, East, West, Metro and Central Mountains — each with its own unique allure. The West is one of my favorite parts to visit.
Located less than three hours by car from San Juan, western Puerto Rico (sometimes called Porta del Sol by Discover Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company), includes 17 municipalities. It’s a region graced with lovely historic towns, sparkling beaches, vast natural beauty and lots of cultural attractions and events.
I was lucky enough to marry someone from this area, so I’ve had years to explore the region during family visits. These are some of the best places to spend vacation time in western Puerto Rico.
Porta Coeli in San German dates back to 1609.
Credit: 2024 Departure LevelSan German
Founded in 1573, San German is the second-oldest city on Puerto Rico. It’s known for its gorgeous historic architecture — especially Porta Coeli, a convent and church that dates to 1609. Porta Coeli is located in the heart of downtown San German, which is a lovely place to stroll the picturesque streets and admire the pastel-colored buildings.
Museo de la Historia de San German (San German History Museum) provides an in-depth look at the city’s history, with temporary and permanent exhibits that highlight everything from politics and sports to finance (the museum is set in what was originally the home to one of Puerto Rico’s first banks). The nearby city of Mayaguez offers the most accommodation options, including Holiday Inn Mayaguez & Tropical Casino and Tryp by Wyndham Mayaguez.
Aguadilla
This western coastal city is home to Crash Boat Beach, a hot spot for snorkeling and swimming. During the summer months, it’s an especially good place for surfing, as is the entire stretch of coastline that runs from Crash Boat to the appropriately named Surfer’s Beach. Because there are many food kiosks and vendors near the pier, it’s easy to find food and drinks at Crash Boat. Properties within driving distance include Hotel El Faro and Punta Borinquen Resort.
La Parguera is a walkable community with a beloved Christmas boat parade.
Credit: 2024 Departure LevelCabo Rojo
The municipality of Cabo Rojo, in the southwest corner of the island, is home to several of the region’s most popular tourism destinations. The iconic Los Morrillos Lighthouse is one of the most-photographed attractions in the area; built in 1882, it’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and looks out onto a dramatic stretch of coastline marked by limestone cliffs and thundering Caribbean waves. Nearby, La Playuela (also called Playa Sucia, or “dirty beach”) is a stretch of sand that, despite its nickname, is inviting, peaceful and uncrowded.
Nature lovers, meanwhile, may want to make time to visit Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,836-acre subtropical dry forest that’s ideal for hiking and spotting a variety of bird species, including the yellow-shouldered blackbird.
Sun seekers should also check out some of Cabo Rojo’s laid-back beachfront communities, including Boqueron (my personal favorite) — which has a cute waterfront downtown with lots of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a lovely beach — and El Combate, which is also great for swimming and diving. Hotels in Boqueron include Boho Beach Club and Parador Boquemar.
Even my husband, who’s from the municipality of Lajas, admits that many Puerto Ricans can’t point out Lajas on a map. But if you mention La Parguera, its legendary seafront community, people are more likely to know what you’re talking about. La Parguera isn’t a beach destination, but rather a relaxed place to explore by foot and by boat; its Caribbean waters are home to a variety of small islands and cays, as well as a bioluminescent bay that also draws many visitors.
La Parguera is easily walkable and has several restaurants and bars. Annual events here include a vibrant Christmas boat parade, during which boat owners and renters deck out their vessels with holiday lights and other decorations. Hotels in La Parguera include Parador Villa Parguera and the recently renovated, adults-only Parguera Plaza, both of which are in the center of the community.
Rincon
The municipality of Rincon is known for its excellent surfing conditions, especially at beaches such as Maria’s, Sandy Beach, Tres Palmas and Domes. In addition, snorkelers can enjoy the views at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. The town’s interesting collection of small hotels includes Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel & Villas and Casa Verde Hotel.
In Yauco, clients will see numerous public murals in the public art project Yaucromatic.
Credit: 2024 Departure LevelYauco
The town and municipality of Yauco is known as the “coffee town,” thanks to its rich history of coffee farming. El Cafe de Marta is one of the many places to sample local brews. Yauco is also a rewarding destination for art lovers; it’s home to Yaucromatic, a spectacular public art project that features dozens of colorful and creative murals set among a variety of buildings downtown.
Getting to Western Puerto Rico
Visiting the island’s western region is even easier when clients fly into one of the two closest airports: Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla and Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, although the greatest number of flights are offered at San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
