Puerto Rico > Puerto Rico Destinations > Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Family & Budget Friendly…Authentic Laid Back Island Life…Excellent Destination for Nature Lovers
Cabo Rojo is a municipality of Puerto Rico situated on the south west corner of the island; about 1.45 minutes from the capital city of San Juan. Ask any Puerto Rican about Cabo Rojo and they’ll most likely tell you that this beach town is a favorite family vacation destination. Cabo Rojo offers great beaches, affordable family owned restaurants with fresh seafood served daily, golf, excellent tarpon and deep sea fishing, a natural reserve with educational attractions for the whole family, and scenic hiking / bicycling trails.
Due to its large wildlife reserve many areas are still green and free of development, giving residents and visitors various places to enjoy fun outdoor activities while connecting with nature. Cabo Rojo is one of the preferred locations to purchase an investment / vacation home due to reasonable real estate prices, low crime, its beaches, island location and services. Caborrojeños (locals) are warm, friendly, and helpful, you’ll feel right at home here.
The “Pueblo of Cabo Rojo” (center town) is a colorful, lively and inviting place that has retained a very traditional feel. At the center of the town you can visit the active plaza (square), where friends gather to play dominoes, have a cup of coffee, and have dinner al fresco to the sounds of salsa, old ballads and jazz.
Quick Facts about Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
- The original name of Cabo Rojo was Los Cabos Rojos, Tierras de Los Morillos.
- Cabo Rojo is known as “El Pueblo de Cofresí”.
- Cabo Rojo was founded in 1771 by Nicolás Ramírez de Arellano who was also Cabo Rojo’s first mayor.
- Mayor of Cabo Rojo: Hon. Roberto (Bobby) Ramírez Kurtz
- Slogan: Capital of Tourism
- Population: About 47,000 residents
- Locals are known as: Caborrojeños
- Currency: U.S. Dollars.
- Language: Spanish is the preferred language but most locals around tourist areas speak English.
- Temperature: Average of 79-82 F.
- Electric: Current is 110 volts AC, same as the United States.
- Tourism Information Office: Muñoz Rivera Street, Ruiz Rivera #43, La Campana Building Tel. (787) 255-1560
Points of Interest & Things to Do in Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is home to three popular places in Puerto Rico: La Playuela (Playa Sucia), one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico, Boqueron Beach, one the most family friendly and best swimming beaches in Puerto Rico and Los Morrillos Lighthouse, the most scenic spot on the entire island. Following are sights and points of interest that await in Cabo Rojo.
Beaches of Cabo Rojo
Ask any Puerto Rican family where they love to go in the summer for a family beach vacation, most of them will tell you…Cabo Rojo. Cabo Rojo has always been a popular beach destination among residents of the island for it’s family friendly beaches, budget friendly accommodations and great food at non-tourist prices. No other town offers so many beaches, most of them with calm waters safe for swimming all year round. More about beaches in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
Las Salinas / The Salt Flats
Home to the famous pink, reddish waters. A highly educational point of interest for the entire family and eco travelers. The observation tower offers sweeping views, you can schedule a tour, go bicycling or hike the trails that take you up close to the salt flats. A wonderful place for photographers. More about Las Salinas / Salt Flats in Cabo Rojo.
Rock Bridge / Puente de Piedra
Frequently appearing on front covers of magazines for its mesmerizing beauty. The bridge is part of the Boqueron State Forest and well worth the hike, it is only a few minutes walk from Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Please respect and follow the rules of visiting, refrain from standing on it, or soon we may no longer have it. More about El Puente Natural, Cabo Rojo, PR.
Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve
Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve is one of the most interesting hiking trails on the west coast. Trails lead through a meadow, goat trails leading to intimate beach spots, scenic outlooks, beaches lined by mangroves with crystal clear water and ultimately the lagoon…where you can observe unique rock formations archeologists say are 11,000,000 years old.
Watch the Sunset
After fun filled days exploring the natural wonders of Cabo Rojo, be sure to make time before dinner to watch the sunset. Everyday of the year, there’s a new work of art created right before your eyes right over the Caribbean Sea.
Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel
Santuario Schoenstatt
Schoenstatt translates to “beautiful place”, the setting feels peaceful and inspiring. This sanctuary is a replica of the Church of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt in Germany.
Los Morrillos Lighthouse
The most visited point of interest in Cabo Rojo. A visit to Los Morrillos Lighthouse is a must…there is history, heavenly views and the most amazing backgrounds for the best travel photos.
Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
The Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a number of trails, where visitors can go hiking, bicycling. The trails offers many opportunities to connect with nature and learn about the local flora, see both native and migratory birds and enjoy the sport of fishing. Visit official website.
The Cliffs of Los Morrillos
Los Morrillos Cliffs are a major point of interest in Cabo Rojo, the views are magnificent and awe-inspiring. There are many works of art along the cliffs, bring your camera to capture the shape of a rhinoceros head, an urn, natural bridge, caves and more.
Isla Ratones
Isla Ratones is still one of the secret gems of Porta del Sol. The island offers picnic facilities, plenty of shaded spots, clear water and coral reefs to explore by snorkeling. You can get there by a 5 minute boat ride or kayak there. Please take care of this treasure by keeping it clean and never stepping on, touching or taking anything away from the reef. More of Isla Ratones.
Boqueron State Forest
The Boqueron State Forest is a must visit, explore the trails through a subtropical dry forest with breathtaking views at every turn. Here you can birdwatch, admire native flora, and see gorgeous rock formations along the cliffs. Bring your fishing rod, there are various good spots for shore fishing.
Monuments
To pay tribute to important people that made great contributions to the community of Cabo Rojo, various monuments are front and center around the plaza. Take a walk around, stop to read the plaques and learn about the history of Cabo Rojo.
Play Dominoes at the Plaza
We invite you to come to the Plaza in center town of Cabo Rojo, during the day and each night of the week you’ll find friends playing an enthusiastic game of dominoes. The cafeteria has tables you can use, so just bring your set of dominoes, get a cup of coffee and join the tradition that lives on in Cabo Rojo.
Cabo Rojo is a great central location to explore all the attractions and things to do on the west coast region. From here you can take a scenic drive along the country roads to the coastal towns of Lajas & Guanica. If you’re a history buff you can visit the neighboring town of San German. High tourism season is during the summer months, making Cabo Rojo a nice escape for relaxation and fun without crowds.