Puerto Rico is a beautiful vacation destination. From the white sand and turquoise water beaches to the bustling city of San Juan, there is something for everyone to enjoy and so many beautiful sights to see.
This list will include things to do on the West side of Puerto Rico – Cabo Rojo, Mayaguez, Isabela, and Rincon. Make sure to check out our list of the top things to do on the East Coast of Puerto Rico/San Juan.
Mayaguez
Mayaguez is located in the center of the Western Coast of Puerto Rico. There are many small cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars located in Mayaguez and it makes for the perfect place to explore on foot. Near Pueblo Nuevo and Downtown Mayaguez is where you’ll want to be. During the day you’ll want to explore Plaza Mayaguez, check out the beaches, and take a lovely drive down Avenida Gonzalez Clemente. The nightlife starts late, around 11pm, and the streets are busy with locals in their best outfits and ready for a night out. The bars are open and airy and it is such a nice place to experience Puertorican nightlife.
Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is home to the Salt Flats, La Playuela (or Playa Sucia), and “El Faro de Los Morrillos”. Salinas de Cabo Rojo is a unique sight and if you are lucky you will see the pale pink side of the flats in contrast to the white/blue side. They are a sight that you do not want to miss! Nearby are the lighthouse and Playa Sucia – both require a walk of about 20 minutes from the parking area but they are worth it. Head to the right to the lighthouse and to the left to get to the private and quiet beach.
La Cara del Indio (Indian’s Face) in Isabela
La Cara del Indio is a roadside sculpture of a Taino chief that fought against the Spaniards in 1511. It is a large face on the side of a mountain welcoming you to Isabela. You can pull off on the side of the road to view it and take photos, but please be cautious as it is a busy highway and it can be dangerous. Behind the sculpture is a small cave to explore, and across the road is a small shop selling handmade jewelry. While you are here, the city of Isabela is beautiful and well worth exploration.
Rincon – Surf Town
Rincon is a beachside town with the best beaches for surfing in Puerto Rico! There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. You can relax at Playa Dona Lala or Balneario de Rincon for a lowkey beach day with food kiosks and restroom facilities nearby (they also sell alcohol). There are many people walking around and if you surf, this is the town for you!
Hiking
There are a couple of hikes on this side of the island – Monte Pirata and Salto Quebrada Grande. Monte Pirata is a moderate hike that is about 6 miles long and will take you past some beaches, as well as old abandoned buildings. It is mainly for biking, but many people enjoy the walk as well. Salto Quebrado is a moderate hike, about 2 miles long, and will take you down a stream of water to a couple of waterfalls. You will need to get your feet wet, so wear appropriate shoes.
Summary
There are a ton of things to do on the West Coast of Puerto Rico within each city or town. The West side is more laid back and relaxing than San Juan or the East Coast. In my opinion you should experience both as they will both give you a different Puerorican vibe. The West Coast is less busy, more surfy, and the beaches are far less crowded. The drives alone down the coast are breathtaking and you’ll want to stop at every beach and shop you see! We saw a lot of horses on this side, please be mindful and do not get close to them or disturb them.
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