Go Where The Locals Go!
Playas
While Buyé Beach is within walking distance from Villa Encanto PR, the beaches listed on the this guidebook are within driving distance.
Special Thanks to www.caborojopr.com, www.discoverpuertorico.com and www.puertoricitravelguide.com for the information about all the beautiful beaches, historic sites and restaurants in the area.
Buyé is know for its cristal clear water and festive ambient. Have a drink on the sunset bar or go for a walk and take a selfie on the "Playa Buyé" sign! If you ask someone about Buyé Beach, you’ll most likely get a sigh of “Ahhh, Buyé”. Playa Buyé is one of the prettiest beaches in Cabo Rojo and certainly one of the best beaches on the west coast. The waters are calm with gentle waves and the colors of the water range from emerald green to jewel turquoise. The far end to the right is postcard-worthy with palm trees and almond trees in the background, with fewer crowds for a quiet relaxing beach day.
176 locals recommend
Buye Beach
Camino BuyeBuyé is know for its cristal clear water and festive ambient. Have a drink on the sunset bar or go for a walk and take a selfie on the "Playa Buyé" sign! If you ask someone about Buyé Beach, you’ll most likely get a sigh of “Ahhh, Buyé”. Playa Buyé is one of the prettiest beaches in Cabo Rojo and certainly one of the best beaches on the west coast. The waters are calm with gentle waves and the colors of the water range from emerald green to jewel turquoise. The far end to the right is postcard-worthy with palm trees and almond trees in the background, with fewer crowds for a quiet relaxing beach day.
The most scenic beach location on the main island of Puerto Rico. This beach has won Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice for 3 years in a row as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. La Playuela / Playa Sucia is a tranquil beach cove with playful waves. From your lounge chair marvel to scenic views of Los Morrillos Lighthouse, and limestone cliffs.
247 locals recommend
Playa sucia
The most scenic beach location on the main island of Puerto Rico. This beach has won Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice for 3 years in a row as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. La Playuela / Playa Sucia is a tranquil beach cove with playful waves. From your lounge chair marvel to scenic views of Los Morrillos Lighthouse, and limestone cliffs.
Playa El Combate is one of the local’s favorite beaches with mostly a younger crowd. Take a dive into the turquoise waters from the dock, swim, play beach volleyball or just relax. Many boats dock at this beach, the wood pier is a popular spot for afternoon fishing and watching the sunset.
33 locals recommend
Combate
Playa El Combate is one of the local’s favorite beaches with mostly a younger crowd. Take a dive into the turquoise waters from the dock, swim, play beach volleyball or just relax. Many boats dock at this beach, the wood pier is a popular spot for afternoon fishing and watching the sunset.
Under 10 minute drive from Villa Encanto PR, El Balneario de Boqueròn is a picturesque beach beautifully framed by hundreds of tall palm trees. This beach is one of the most beloved family-friendly beaches in Puerto Rico. Families from all over the island make it a tradition to visit this attractive beach. The waters are calm making it a great beach for children. Here you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing tours, water bike rentals, snorkeling tours, and paddleboarding.
16 locals recommend
Balneario Publico De Boqueron
Under 10 minute drive from Villa Encanto PR, El Balneario de Boqueròn is a picturesque beach beautifully framed by hundreds of tall palm trees. This beach is one of the most beloved family-friendly beaches in Puerto Rico. Families from all over the island make it a tradition to visit this attractive beach. The waters are calm making it a great beach for children. Here you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing tours, water bike rentals, snorkeling tours, and paddleboarding.
Punta Aguila has the feel of a beach that you can only find in Vieques and Culebra, seclusion, and crystal clear water in beautiful shades of turquoise and emerald green. The coast is undeveloped, the shore is in its natural state, for an experience the way nature intended. You can get there by parking at the observation tower at the Salt Flats and taking the first hiking trail on the right, you may walk south from Annie’s Place in Combate.
Punta Aguila
Punta Aguila has the feel of a beach that you can only find in Vieques and Culebra, seclusion, and crystal clear water in beautiful shades of turquoise and emerald green. The coast is undeveloped, the shore is in its natural state, for an experience the way nature intended. You can get there by parking at the observation tower at the Salt Flats and taking the first hiking trail on the right, you may walk south from Annie’s Place in Combate.
Neighborhoods
Beautiful Fishing Village turn into a chic little town filled with restaurants, shops and street fare!
226 locals recommend
Boquerón
Beautiful Fishing Village turn into a chic little town filled with restaurants, shops and street fare!
San Germán established in 1573, making it the second-oldest city in Puerto Rico (behind Old San Juan). The San Germán Historic District includes more than 100 significant buildings, and the most iconic is Porta Coeli, a convent and church originally erected in 1609. The austere structure is accessible via a grand staircase that leads what is now a religious art museum, with wood-carved saints, hand-painted tiles depicting biblical passages, and other items of Christian interest.
24 locals recommend
San Germán
San Germán established in 1573, making it the second-oldest city in Puerto Rico (behind Old San Juan). The San Germán Historic District includes more than 100 significant buildings, and the most iconic is Porta Coeli, a convent and church originally erected in 1609. The austere structure is accessible via a grand staircase that leads what is now a religious art museum, with wood-carved saints, hand-painted tiles depicting biblical passages, and other items of Christian interest.
El Litoral was in 2010 the stage for the "Juegos Panamericanos" today it's a strip of restaurants, shops and parks facing the beautiful "Bahía de Mayaguez"
14 locals recommend
Paseo del Litoral Israel "Shorty" Castro
Puerto Rico 102El Litoral was in 2010 the stage for the "Juegos Panamericanos" today it's a strip of restaurants, shops and parks facing the beautiful "Bahía de Mayaguez"
Food scene
Sabor N' Serio is located only 3 minutes from Villa Encanto. Great Food and Great Service! Arroz Mampostea'o and Chicharrones de Pollo is my fave!
10 locals recommend
Sabor N' Serio
Sabor N' Serio is located only 3 minutes from Villa Encanto. Great Food and Great Service! Arroz Mampostea'o and Chicharrones de Pollo is my fave!
Gonzalez Seafood is an icon of Mayaguez culinary scene! Go and enjoy the Sunset! MUST GO !!! Langosta a la parrilla!
27 locals recommend
Gonzalez's Sea Food Restaurant
Puerto Rico 102Gonzalez Seafood is an icon of Mayaguez culinary scene! Go and enjoy the Sunset! MUST GO !!! Langosta a la parrilla!
With over 5 decades serving The Joyudas neighborhood, El Gatito is one of the best seafood restaurants in the west coast!
25 locals recommend
El Gatito
With over 5 decades serving The Joyudas neighborhood, El Gatito is one of the best seafood restaurants in the west coast!
Here you can get anything from pizza, pasta to mofongo and carne frita. One of the favorite restaurants of the Colegio students!
6 locals recommend
Restaurante Sancho Panza
Calle de la CandelariaHere you can get anything from pizza, pasta to mofongo and carne frita. One of the favorite restaurants of the Colegio students!
Enjoy the fresh catch of the day with a view of la Isla de Ratones!
24 locals recommend
RESTAURANTE EL BOHIO
Enjoy the fresh catch of the day with a view of la Isla de Ratones!
When in Mayagüez.... you need brazo gitano from E. Franco & Co.
9 locals recommend
Brazo Gitano Franco
When in Mayagüez.... you need brazo gitano from E. Franco & Co.
Sangre Boricua
623 PR-102Thirsty?
Home of the Artisanal Sangria Sangre Taína.
Sightseeing
Isla Ratones is still one of the secret gems just across the village of Joyuda. The island offers picnic facilities, clear water, and coral reefs to explore by snorkeling. You can get there by a 5-minute boat ride or kayak there. Spend a morning swimming, snorkeling, and getting the perfect tan, then back for plenty of restaurant choices proudly serving fresh fish with a sunset view.
30 locals recommend
Isla de Ratones
Isla Ratones is still one of the secret gems just across the village of Joyuda. The island offers picnic facilities, clear water, and coral reefs to explore by snorkeling. You can get there by a 5-minute boat ride or kayak there. Spend a morning swimming, snorkeling, and getting the perfect tan, then back for plenty of restaurant choices proudly serving fresh fish with a sunset view.
Take an easy hike to a "locals-only" pristine 60ft waterfall on the West end of Puerto Rico.
Gozalandia Falls, located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico - on the West side of the island, features a 60ft+ tall waterfall as the main attraction. The area also has an 'upper-falls' with another swimming area and rope swing. Both tend to get full on hot summer days, so come early and stay for lunch!
Restaurant and Full Bar on site.
203 locals recommend
Gozalandia Hiking Area
Sector LechuzaTake an easy hike to a "locals-only" pristine 60ft waterfall on the West end of Puerto Rico.
Gozalandia Falls, located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico - on the West side of the island, features a 60ft+ tall waterfall as the main attraction. The area also has an 'upper-falls' with another swimming area and rope swing. Both tend to get full on hot summer days, so come early and stay for lunch!
Restaurant and Full Bar on site.
The Basílica of the Virgin of Monserrat (Spanish: El Santuario de la Monserrate de Hormigueros and Casa de Peregrinos) is a historical Marian shrine built in the town of Hormigueros, Puerto Rico dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the honorific title of “Virgin of Montserrat”.
Pope John Paul II granted a Pontifical decree of Canonical coronation towards its venerated Marian image on 15 July 1994 and was crowned via Cardinal Luis Aponte Martínez on 12 February 1995. The same Pontiff issued a decree that raised the sanctuary to the status of minor basilica in 19 May 1998.
12 locals recommend
Basilica Menor Nuestra Senora de la Monserrate
2 Cll Jose a MuletThe Basílica of the Virgin of Monserrat (Spanish: El Santuario de la Monserrate de Hormigueros and Casa de Peregrinos) is a historical Marian shrine built in the town of Hormigueros, Puerto Rico dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the honorific title of “Virgin of Montserrat”.
Pope John Paul II granted a Pontifical decree of Canonical coronation towards its venerated Marian image on 15 July 1994 and was crowned via Cardinal Luis Aponte Martínez on 12 February 1995. The same Pontiff issued a decree that raised the sanctuary to the status of minor basilica in 19 May 1998.
Plaza Colón is the main plaza in the city of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. This plaza and its fountain commemorate the explorer Christopher Columbus, whose name in Spanish was Cristóbal Colón. The plaza presents the traditional urban relationship in Puerto Rico with the church, now Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Cathedral on one end of the plaza and the "Alcaldia" or Mayagüez town hall in the other. Its location was designated in 1760 close to the city founding.
21 locals recommend
Plaza Colon
Plaza Colón is the main plaza in the city of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. This plaza and its fountain commemorate the explorer Christopher Columbus, whose name in Spanish was Cristóbal Colón. The plaza presents the traditional urban relationship in Puerto Rico with the church, now Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Cathedral on one end of the plaza and the "Alcaldia" or Mayagüez town hall in the other. Its location was designated in 1760 close to the city founding.
Loved by locals, popular for snorkeling and boaters, and just about 30 minutes from Villa Encanto PR. Caracoles is one of the islands of La Parguera Nature Reserve off the town of Lajas. From all the islands in La Parguera, this is the most popular for snorkeling. The waters are like glass, crystal clear and calm, the earlier you get here in the day the better the conditions are. When in Caracoles you’re always on the water, there is no beach, no sandy area to just sit with a chair, and no place to picnic. The water surrounding the mangrove cay is shallow, even the kids can walk around on the water safely and swim along the mangrove channel.
59 locals recommend
Cayo Caracoles
Loved by locals, popular for snorkeling and boaters, and just about 30 minutes from Villa Encanto PR. Caracoles is one of the islands of La Parguera Nature Reserve off the town of Lajas. From all the islands in La Parguera, this is the most popular for snorkeling. The waters are like glass, crystal clear and calm, the earlier you get here in the day the better the conditions are. When in Caracoles you’re always on the water, there is no beach, no sandy area to just sit with a chair, and no place to picnic. The water surrounding the mangrove cay is shallow, even the kids can walk around on the water safely and swim along the mangrove channel.
La Parguera is a bioluminescent bay found in the southern town of Lajas— a two-hour drive from San Juan. One of three bioluminescent bays found along Puerto Rico's coastline, the bay's glowing effect is made possible by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates, which emit a short burst of light when the water is agitated. Various tour companies offer nightly kayak or boat trips to explore the bay's waters. Contrary to the other two bio bays found in Puerto Rico, La Parguera is the only one where swimming in the vivid waters is allowed, so don't forget to pack your bathing suit.
347 locals recommend
La Parguera
La Parguera is a bioluminescent bay found in the southern town of Lajas— a two-hour drive from San Juan. One of three bioluminescent bays found along Puerto Rico's coastline, the bay's glowing effect is made possible by micro-organisms called dinoflagellates, which emit a short burst of light when the water is agitated. Various tour companies offer nightly kayak or boat trips to explore the bay's waters. Contrary to the other two bio bays found in Puerto Rico, La Parguera is the only one where swimming in the vivid waters is allowed, so don't forget to pack your bathing suit.
Historical
Porta Coeli “Doorway to Heaven”, originally a convent and a school El Convento de Santo Domingo de Porta Coeli. This church is the most famous attraction in the town of San German, one of the oldest churches in the Americas and the oldest church under the United States jurisdiction. When the town of San German was established on September 18, 1531, Empress Isabel, issued a decree whereby 200 decats be given to the Dominican priest in order to help to build a monastery for their Order in the Town of San German. The original building was ruined by the attack of the French and Caribs, by 1544 only a dwelling of boards and 2 friars were left. The building that was originally built in 1609 had to be demolished in 1874 because of the abandoned conditions.
In 1949, Monsignor McManus, the bishop of Ponce transferred the property to the Department of Public Works, and the restoration was completed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, work was finalized by 1960 and was turned into a religious museum with religious art from XVI to the XIX centuries. The style of Porta Coeli is northern Spanish Romanesque with rubble masonry and stucco surfaced walls and a beautiful wood truss roof. For many years the church was painted a bright orange, recently the stucco walls were repainted to white, its original color.
Special thank you to "Puerto Rico Travel Guide for the information.
16 locals recommend
Porta Coeli Church
Calle Felix Arce LugoPorta Coeli “Doorway to Heaven”, originally a convent and a school El Convento de Santo Domingo de Porta Coeli. This church is the most famous attraction in the town of San German, one of the oldest churches in the Americas and the oldest church under the United States jurisdiction. When the town of San German was established on September 18, 1531, Empress Isabel, issued a decree whereby 200 decats be given to the Dominican priest in order to help to build a monastery for their Order in the Town of San German. The original building was ruined by the attack of the French and Caribs, by 1544 only a dwelling of boards and 2 friars were left. The building that was originally built in 1609 had to be demolished in 1874 because of the abandoned conditions.
In 1949, Monsignor McManus, the bishop of Ponce transferred the property to the Department of Public Works, and the restoration was completed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, work was finalized by 1960 and was turned into a religious museum with religious art from XVI to the XIX centuries. The style of Porta Coeli is northern Spanish Romanesque with rubble masonry and stucco surfaced walls and a beautiful wood truss roof. For many years the church was painted a bright orange, recently the stucco walls were repainted to white, its original color.
Special thank you to "Puerto Rico Travel Guide for the information.