Few visitors to Puerto Rico make it to the West Coast, but it’s extremely accessible via car rental. It’s only a two-hour drive from San Juan to Rincon on the far west but we recommend taking your time along the northern coastline with periodic stops for local beer and beaches. Take in the local flavors and spend time with Puerto Ricans who rarely see the likes of visitors.
Rincon is a municipality on the western coast offering delectable restaurants, beaches with dynamic surf, and photo-ready sunsets over the Caribbean horizon. While here, be sure to head to the beach where you can observe the local surfers and simply kill some time with the locals.
The tropical ecosystem of Puerto Rico is enough reason to pick up some ice cream to cool down with, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Head inland to the town of Lares to the ice cream shop Heladería Lares. This is no Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone knock off; no, it’s unique all to itself. The exotic and unique flavors offered here include: carrot, rice and beans, cod fish, garlic, etc. It’s not the weak stomachs out there, but well worth the visit.
Being on the western coast you can capture nightly photos of the sunset dipping into the horizon. Beyond that, the coastlines offer fantastic perspectives for astounding photos. Head to Punta Higuera Lighthouse for iconic lighthouse shots, then take in the Caribbean architecture in town, and spend hours playing around the various beaches for more one-of-a-kind photos such as Steps Beach and Domes Beach.
Puerto Rico's west coast winter, from December to February, offers warm and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. It's an ideal time to visit this region of the island as it allows for enjoyable beach days and water activities. Winter is perfect for exploring the town of Rincón, known for its world-class surfing beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can catch impressive waves or simply relax on the sandy shores and watch the surfers in action.
Spring in Puerto Rico's west coast, from March to May, brings slightly warmer temperatures with highs in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The landscapes remain lush and green from the previous rainy season. Spring is ideal for exploring the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a coastal reserve with diverse birdlife and stunning salt flats. Visitors can also visit the photogenic Los Morrillos Lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
Puerto Rico's west coast summer, from June to August, marks the beginning of the rainy season. While it can be hot and humid with temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, it also provides a refreshing atmosphere amid the tropical landscapes. Summer offers opportunities for enjoying water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in the clear waters of Boquerón Beach and Guánica Bay. Visitors can also take boat tours to explore the nearby mangrove forests and spot wildlife.
Fall in Puerto Rico's west coast, from September to November, is the peak of the rainy season. The weather remains warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Despite the rains, fall is an excellent time to experience the region's natural beauty and take advantage of lower tourist crowds. Visitors can explore the Cueva Ventana, a scenic cave with stunning views overlooking the Río Grande de Arecibo valley. Fall is also an ideal time to participate in local festivals and taste traditional Puerto Rican dishes at the region's restaurants and food stands.