Southwest: Joyuda to La Parguera
- Coast
- Local food
The dry, sunny southwest corner of the island. From the seafood restaurants of Joyuda the road goes down the coast of Cabo Rojo past Buyé, Boquerón and Combate to the salt flats and the lighthouse of Los Morrillos on its pink cliffs; then it crosses the Lajas valley to La Parguera and its bioluminescent bay.
Score by profile
Scenery
68
Coast
76
Relaxed
69
Adventure
68
Driving
44
Ratings
Mean of its stages, weighted by length.
- Scenery4/5
- Stops4.1/5
- Coast and beaches4.1/5
- Easy driving3.5/5
- Driving fun2.5/5
- Local food4.1/5
1Cabo Rojo: Joyuda to Los Morrillos27.8 km · ≈ 1 h 10 min at the wheel
- Narrow road, often one lane
- Landslides and washouts after heavy rain
- Playa Joyuda
Joyuda's strip of seafood restaurants by the sea.
- Playa Buyé
Calm, clear water on a short side road.
- Balneario de Boquerón
The public beach of Boquerón, by the lively village.
- Playa El Combate
A long beach for the sunset, near the end of the road.
- Mirador de las Salinas
A lookout over the pink salt flats.
- Playa Sucia (La Playuela)
The crescent beach below the lighthouse.
- Faro Los Morrillos
The lighthouse on the limestone cliffs, at the very southwest tip.
2Lajas valley to La Parguera24.3 km · ≈ 40 min at the wheel
- Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Laguna Cartagena
A lagoon for birdwatching in the Lajas valley.
- Reserva Natural La Parguera
Mangrove cays and channels; boats to the bioluminescent bay leave from the village at night.
Also near the road
Places within 2 km of this stretch.
Take it with you
The whole route and its stops, for navigation apps and GPS units.
Google Maps takes a few points per link, so each stage opens on its own.
Tips
- The last stretch to the Los Morrillos lighthouse is unpaved; drive it slowly, and not after heavy rain.
- There is little shade at the salt flats and the lighthouse; bring water and sun protection.