porta del sol - west

Most Beautiful and warmest beaches in Puerto Rico and don't forget One of the best surfing are in the world at Rincon, Isabela and Aguadilla. Beaches at Cabo Rojo are amazing, Boquerón, El Combate, Buyé. If possible visit MONA Island were you can see prehistoric Lizards

I love Porta del Sol tourism area. The breeze of the sea, gastronomical restaurant and the great beaches makes a paradise of the west coast. My favorite place was La Parguera in Lajas, great music and the bay is so smashing.

I had the opportunity to experienced this side of the island in a cycling event! the scenery, the towns, and the people are great. This side of the island provides you with an amazing experience by the ocean like boat tours that includes La Parguera, this is a lake in which the water has micro organism in it that are flourescent so when you take the boat tour you get to see the water completely flourescent!!!! this is unique of the Island you can't find this anywhere else in the world!! make sure you stop by La Parguera!!!

From Mayaguez to Cabo Rojo everything looks beautyful.

This past October (2008) we made our 4th trip to the south western area of Puerto Rico.The area in general is called Porta del Sol.It is like leaving the problems of plant Earth and spending time on planet Relaxation. The area that includes Guanica, Cabo Rojo,Boqueron is worth it's weight in gold as the saying goes.We finally were able to add the beach of Playa Sucia to our list of beaches. It is a good beach, but the sea washes up alot of seaweed and other "junk" onto the beach; and it just accumulates.We spent more time exploring northwards along the coast towards Rincon and Isabela.The beaches are significantly different. Much less beach/sand and tons more waves.You are entering surfing country as you travel north.The scene is very noticeable different.The people were encountered were just as friendly as in the South West.What I would like to suggest to travelers spending at least a week in the area is to rent a house/condo instead of a regular hotel.The price savings are tremendous. For example six of us went this time and we paid US$500 ( no taxes added) for a house with three bedrooms and 2 baths.We spent a couple hundred dollars on food.The "kicker" was Hertz rented a new mini van for $247 for the week. Where else could you get all the this for under a $1,000 for a week for six persons? It is one heck of a deal if you plan it properly.Finally I was able to visit Gilligan's Island off the coast of Guanica. It is worth seeing once.... but the mangroves that surround the island,and is essential for it not being washed away, also spoils the beaches on it.The water around the island and the sand is of a very high quality, but overall abit disappointing.If you do go to Puerto Rico, there are a couple things to note so as to not spoil your vacation plans. One, it is better to visit outside of the hurricane season which is about May-November, use alot of sun screen, and be patient and careful driving in and out of San Juan ( demolition derby driving).Have fun and safe travels.