Cabo Rojo lighthouse • Beach near lighthouse • Above right is Gilligans Island near Guanica

Although the Guanica Dry Forest is a unique place, visiting it is not so desireable because of the extreme heat. The next stop of interest west of Ponce would be the coast beyond Guanica, then La Parguera ending your day near the Cabo Rojo lighthouse.

Don't miss a quick stop at the Porta Coeli Church Museum in the town of San German. A permanent exhibit of religious wooden carvings is on display.

The Cabo Rojo lighthouse and Nature Reserve are located beyond the salt flats at the extreme south western tip of Puerto Rico. Cabo Rojo lighthouse is located on the cliffs above the sea and is one of the more scenic lighthouses in the Caribbean. Spectacular views early in the morning, later too. There are several places to stay in the area.

Boqueron is an interesting nearby town and beach, there are many places to stay and eat here. It can become very crowded, expecially on weekends and summer weekends are impossible.

From the Cabo Rojo area your next destination would be the Rincon Area, if you wish to continue along the coast... You need to drive through Mayaguez to do this.

Take Road #333 past the town of Guanica and past the Hotel Copamarina. (great Hotel! about $135.00 more) at the turn immediately following turn right and park in the (guarded!) parking lot. Buy a ticket to Gilligans Island on the little ferry. ($4. round trip) Runs everyday (except on Mondays they go somewhere else interesting (Ballena Bay). Waiting for the ferry they sell delicious snacks. How absolutely mouthwatering delicious are those 'rellenos de papas'! Gourmet feast for less than a dollar.