Southwest of Rincón
The southwest coast of Puerto Rico is especially different, as you will notice while going further east. It feels terrifically Puerto Rican compared to the Americanization of the capital. However, both have to be explored to really grasp the paradox. Each town, has its own landmark and charisma, making it a pleasure to drive hours on end to reach each destination because what awaits you is beyond any word I can write here.
Mayaguez and San Germán
Mayagüez is a college town and much of the connecting area to get from Rincón to the southwest.
Directions: Carr 115 from Rincón then Rt 2 to Mayagüez
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Mayagüez Mall: When you're away from home for a while, you tend to miss the things that you are used to. For me, was and is shopping! Yes, it's the American way to consume everything you possibly can but I love it and when I got to the mall and saw stores like Marshall's and K-Mart, it was like seeing the arches of Mickey D after a bad food experience in a foreign country. Relief... ​The mall is one of the biggest in the island. If you are there long enough, you will see lots of imports from India.
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Mayagüez Zoo: The only zoo in Puerto Rico. The small zoo is worth visiting if you enjoy observing animals. There are 340 species of animals from birds to amphibians, many which are endangered. Admission: $13​
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Directions: Rt 2 from Mayagüez to San Germán
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Porta Coeli: one of the earliest Spanish cathedrals in the Americas, now a museum
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The whole town: San Germán is the second oldest city of Puerto Rico after San Juan, and resembles it greatly. The small town is truly charming with its colorful doors and Spanish architecture. Walk around the town and uncover its hidden gems.
Guánica
Directions: Carr​ 115 from Rincón, then​ Rt 116 to Rt 334​
Anytime:
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Guánica Dry Forest Reserve: Puerto Rico holds some of the most diverse terrain. Guánica's dry forest is an example of such. When you walk many of its trails, you will pass cactus surrounded by green fields. One of the 45 minute trails I walked led to a 1000 year old tree. It is very hot so make sure to take plenty of water. I bought a gallon with me! Wear boots and repellent; mosquitoes are not kind here. No admission fee.​
Directions: Back to Rt 116​
Next day all day:
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Gilligan's Island: It is not known whether this small island off-the- shore of Guánica was where Gilligan's Island was filmed but it is known to be a perfect day trip for snorkeling and kayaking. There are no shops on the island so bring everything you might need. You can take the ferry, located past the Copamarina Beach Resort, for $4 roundtrip. It is best to go extremely early because tickets run out quick. Ferry runs from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am-5pm
Cabo Rojo and Lajas
Cabo Rojo is a must-see.
Directions: Carr​ 115 from Rincón then Rt 2 to Rt 102​
Early Morning:
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Boquerón: One of the most popular and visited beaches in the island. On the way to the beach, you will walk by food stands that make Puerto Rican fritters such as bacalaito. There is public parking at the entrance.
Early Afternoon:
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Playa Sucia: If you are looking for scenic drama, well, the view of these immense red stone cliffs are captivating. On the way to the parking area, you will pass the Salt Flats where indigenous people mined salt for years. Once you park, you will walk up a path that will lead you to the lighthouse. After observing the view, walk down the opposite direction and bathe in the crystal clear water.
Directions: Take Rt 102 from Cabo Rojo then Rt 116 to Lajas
Early to Late Evening:
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La Parguera Nightlife: After all day at the beach, experiencing Lajas nightlife and restaurants would be ideal to let loose.​
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Biobay Tour:​ The bio-luminescent bay stretches out to Lajas. Last boat is at 11:30pm, $6, Note: You can jump off and swim in the bay when the boat stops, but make sure to tell the captain.
Getting from Rincón to Salinas
Rincón to Salinas: I have to admit that if it wasn't for my parents deciding to surprise me in Puerto Rico, it would have been very difficult to get from Rincón to Salinas (where my father is from). The goal here is to get to Ponce with no rental car, since the car you are renting will have to be returned in Añasco. I would advise to make friends while in Rincón and ask them if they would be kind enough to take you to Salinas, the next stop to rent a car. (Of course you would pay for gas.)
Salinas Car Rental: This car rental place is located next to town; unfortunately, the business card doesn't have an address on it. The owner is very laid back. He never inspects the car. He just asks you to pay in full, along with a $100 deposit and hands you over the keys. I rented a Honda for $30/day including insurance. The car had garbage in it but for this price, does it matter? Anyways, it's probably the cheapest you will find! Tel: 787-824-4142; Cell: 787-202-6571
Off to Ponce: Ponce is only 25 minutes away from Salinas. You can decide to stay in Salinas for a few days or stay in Ponce and then visit Salinas. Hotels for both Salinas and Ponce are on the next page. Bon voyage!