Cliffs and lighthouse along Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, USA

Cabo Rojo – (March, 2006)

The dry, windswept southwest corner of Puerto Rico can be easily mistaken for some place in far north like Canada or Norway until you see the red-tinged cliffs, idyllic beaches, patches of mangroves, and no Canadians in sight (usually). The drive to the lighthouse is through a rough road filled with potholes, which was handled nicely by my rental car.

Bahía Sucia in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, USA

Bahía Sucia, which means "Dirty Bay", is a misnomer, with crystal clear turquoise waters and powder white sand beaches. There, a trail leads along the edge of the peninsula up to the lighthouse. You can see magnificent cliffs towering over the blue oceans on the way up.

Cliffs along Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, USA

About 2 miles before the lighthouse, before the road starts to get rough, is a “Parador”, which is a Puerto Rican Bed & Breakfast. From the outdoor dining and lounging area, you have a sweeping view of the calm inlet dotted by mangroves and wading birds. It's a good place to stop after the swim and hike at the lighthouse.

Ruta Panoramica – (March, 2006)

Lizard on a bamboo along Ruta Panoramica, Puerto Rico, USA

This is a scenic drive through the central mountains of Puerto Rico, from the west coast of Mayagüez all the way to the east coast of Maunabo. If you can travel this route without taking a wrong turn at least 10 times, you can be crowned the navigation king (or queen). With that said, it's a worthwhile drive through the mountains, passing through beautiful forests of Bosque Estatal de Maricao, Bosque Estatal de Carite, and Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro.

Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro along Ruta Panoramica, Puerto Rico, USA

Take your time, if you decide to take this drive, by allowing at least 2 days, probably 3 or more, if you want to do some of the hikes along the way. The road twists and turns through some beautiful countryside and palm forests – but the road signs are often wrong or missing. If you enter a small town, you can be assured that the road signs will be gone.

Bosque Estatal de Guajataca, Puerto Rico, USA

Puerto Rico State Parks - Bosque Estatal de Guajataca – (March, 2006)

This tropical forest is just a few miles off Carr 446, north of San Sebastian. There are some excellent trails through the lush rainforest, one leading to Cueva del Viento (Wind Cave), where a few species of bats are living. Bring a miner's head lamp or a powerful flashlight to explore the caves. Most trails are unmarked except the one leading to Cueva del Viento.

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