Our Unforgettable Southwest Puerto Rico Adventure
- khaoseverywhere
- May 3
- 4 min read
Intro
Our road trip through the southwest coast of Puerto Rico was filled with stunning beaches, unexpected adventures, and a few plot twists along the way. From crashing my drone at Playa Buye to missing out on Caja de Muertos, and even being shaken awake by an earthquake, this journey was anything but ordinary. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our adventure and the beautiful places we explored.
Day 1: Playa Buye & Drone Crash Drama
We kicked off our trip in Cabo Rojo, staying at a cozy Airbnb beach house just steps from the shore. First stop: Playa Buye—a gem of a beach known for its calm turquoise waters and golden sands. Unfortunately, my drone met its match here and crashed, which was a bummer. But Playa Buye’s serene beauty and family-friendly vibe made up for it. It’s a local favorite and one of the best beaches for a laid-back start.
Day 2: Cabo Rojo Lighthouse & Playa Sucia
The next day, we headed to Faro Los Morrillos (Cabo Rojo Lighthouse), perched on dramatic limestone cliffs. The views here are jaw-dropping—azure sea on one side, salt flats on the other. Just a short hike away is Playa Sucia, a wild and rugged beach with epic waves and sweeping ocean views. It’s remote, undeveloped, and absolutely stunning. This was the night we woke up to our bed's shaking due to the earthquake. We were totally nervous when it happened and realized it was an earthquake. We got up and looked for tsunami notifications because our beach house was right on the water but luckily the earthquake was far enough away where we didn't have to worry. it made for quite the adventure!
Day 3: Caja de Muertos Cancelled, Manglillo Chiquito & Yaucromatic
This was supposed to be our day to explore Isla Caja de Muertos, but high surf and red flag warnings led to our tour being canceled. Major disappointment. Instead, we headed to Manglillo Chiquito in Guánica, a lesser-known mangrove beach that’s perfect for kayaking and enjoying nature. We also stopped by La Jungla beach—off the beaten path but super peaceful. Later, we swung through Yauco to visit Yaucromatic, a colorful street art project that transformed the hillside into a vibrant patchwork of murals. It’s a must-see for any art lover.
Day 4: Boqueron Solo Adventure
After a much-needed chill day, I took a solo trip to Boquerón. The beach was wide, breezy, and mellow, while the town had a great mix of seafood spots, artisan shops, and beach-town charm. Boquerón is also known for its nightlife and is one of the liveliest beach towns on the island.
Day 5: La Parguera’s Cays & Bioluminescent Bay
This was one of our favorite days! We rented a small boat in La Parguera and cruised out to the cays. Mata La Gata, once a popular island park, had sadly been damaged by storms, but Cayo Caracoles was everything we hoped for—crystal-clear water and total island vibes. That night, we stayed for the bioluminescent bay tour and got to swim in the glowing water. Pure magic. La Parguera is one of only five bioluminescent bays in the world!
Day 6: Solo Trip to Ponce During Carnaval Prep
While the family stayed back at the beach house, I hit the road to Ponce. Carnaval was being set up—giant masks, colorful tents, and so much energy in the air. I wish I had more time to stay for the festivities. I wandered around Plaza Las Delicias, visited Parque de Bombas (the iconic red-and-black firehouse museum), then made my way to Museo Castillo Serrallés and the Cruceta del Vigía. The Japanese garden there offered a peaceful contrast to the city views.
Days 7-8: Exploring Old San Juan Again
For the last two days, we stayed in Old San Juan and tied up all the loose ends from our first trip. We walked the cobblestone streets, revisited El Morro and San Cristóbal forts, watched the sunset from Paseo de la Princesa, and explored hidden gems like Calle Fortaleza, the Red Gate, and Canon Club. Old San Juan never gets old.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a mix of epic highs and a few lows—from the surreal glow of bioluminescent water to missing Caja de Muertos and even being woken up by a real earthquake that had us double-checking tsunami alerts. But that’s travel—unpredictable, humbling, and unforgettable. Southwest Puerto Rico surprised us at every turn. We’ll be back—with a new drone and maybe a little more luck with the weather.
Have you been to this part of Puerto Rico? What was your favorite spot? Drop a comment below or share your must-see places!
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