Two Perfect Days of Adventure in Southwest – Puerto Rico
- Xavier Ramírez
- Nov 10
- 6 min read
If you're planning your holiday escape to Puerto Rico and the idea of relaxing on a beautiful beach is high on your list, the island offers countless options. But for the traveler craving more than just sun and sand—for the one who wants history, culture, and nature rolled into one unforgettable trip—the Southwest corner is your essential destination.
This vibrant region offers over 500 years of rich culture, baked into its historic towns and stunning natural preserves. Imagine yourself hiking and birding through the protected Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, swimming in the legendary waters of Playa El Combate, or stepping back in time while walking through the Old City of San Germán, founded way back in 1537. And for pure natural wonder? You can witness the surreal, bubblegum-pink hues of the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats or glide through the dazzling, shimmering waters of the bioluminescent bay in the village of La Parguera. That's just a taste of the magic waiting in Puerto Rico's hidden corner.
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, a minimum of two perfect days is required to scratch the surface of this region's highlights. Thanks to the island’s compact size and accessible roads, you can easily use Cabo Rojo as your base, even for that necessary nighttime trip to the glowing bio bay.
As you embark on this exploration, we recommend planting your flag at I LOVE Combate Rooms & Suites, renowned as one of the best hotels in the city. Lean on the expertise of their staff—they are residents of this beautiful region with years of experience advising travelers from around the globe.
DAY ONE – EXPLORE THE NATURAL WONDERS
MORNING: THE COLORS OF CABO ROJO
Start your day with a photographic feast for the senses. Take a quick, less-than-ten-minute drive from your resort to the dramatic cliffs near the Los Morrillos Lighthouse and the stunning crescent of La Playuela Beach. This beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in Puerto Rico, and for good reasons. As you approach, the landscape unveils an impossibly beautiful contrast: the pink glow of the centenary Cabo Rojo Salt Flats meeting the rugged, reddish cliffs facing the deep Caribbean blue. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
What makes this corner so precious is that over 1,900 acres are protected as part of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, including Laguna Cartagena and La Parguera. These vital refuges shelter over 129 species of birds—both endemic and migratory—and more than 140 species of dry-terrain flora.
While exploring the refuge, you’ll find spectacular beaches worth seeking out. If you only have time for one, make it Playa El Combate. Named in remembrance of a 1759 battle for control of the salt flats, this two-mile-long crescent offers powdery white sand wrapping around an impossibly turquoise, clear ocean. The water is so calm, it's perfect for families, seniors, and water sports lovers who enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or shore fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for a playful dolphin or a majestic manatee swimming by, or even the subtle sign of a giant sea turtle nest!
AFTERNOON: SNORKEL AT PLAYITA AZUL
Ready for an underwater adventure? Head down Route 102 (about 25 minutes from the hotel) to Playita Azul. Step onto this gorgeous beach and simply walk or swim about 50 meters out to the wall. Prepare to be delighted by the vibrant marine life and shimmering Caribbean fishes that call this coral habitat home.
Upon returning to the mainland, you’ve earned a break. Consider driving a short distance further along Route 102 to the Joyuda restaurants’ strip—the “Seafood Capital” of Puerto Rico—with over 50 restaurants and kiosks. Find a spot with a terrace, order a refreshing Mojito or Sangria, and watch the waves roll in as the sun puts on a dramatic show before saying goodbye. Be sure to ask the staff at Combate Beach Resort for their personal recommendations!
EVENING: DINNER AND GLIDE ON A GLOWING BAY
Once the sun is completely gone, prepare for a true bucket-list experience. Drive about 40 minutes to La Parguera for dinner and a boat trip to its famous bioluminescent bay. There are only seven bio bays in the world, and Puerto Rico is lucky enough to host three! On moonless nights, the water glows thanks to millions of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. When the water is disturbed—like when your hand cuts through the surface—they burst into magical blue-green light. It’s a magical experience to trail your fingers and watch the water shimmer. The darker the night, the more dazzling the show, including glowing trails from swimming, or jumping fish. The last boats usually leave around 9 PM.
DAY TWO – EXPLORE THE CITIES
MORNING: GET IMMERSED IN HISTORY
There is no better way to connect with the Southwest's soul than by exploring its downtown areas. We start with San Germán, known as the "Founding City," established in 1573. San Germán is famous for its colonial architecture and history, earning nicknames like the “City of the Hills” and the “Pilgrim City.”
Spend your morning walking around the central square. Here, you’ll find the stunning Porta Coeli Museum, a convent originally built in 1603, offering a backdrop that’s an absolute must for your Instagram feed. Nearby is the Dominguez Pharmacy La Botica Museum, founded in 1877 as the city’s first pharmacy. On the main square, the San Germán de Auxerre Church, a Catholic parish built permanently in 1688, stands as one of Puerto Rico's five most beautiful churches. For lunch, you'll find multiple charming restaurants around the San Germán Plaza and its adjacent streets to enjoy authentic local cuisine.
AFTERNOON: VISIT THE CABO ROJO PLAZA
After your history deep dive in San Germán, head back toward your base to explore Cabo Rojo's central town square. This plaza beautifully encapsulates the city's reverence for its heroes and its vibrant modern life.
At the heart of the square, you can pay tribute at the Betances Mausoleum, resting place of the national hero Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances. Nearby, the towering Cabo Rojo Obelisk marks the city's foundation, while the Salvador Brau Statue honors the great historian. Look for the distinctive Mata con Hacha statue, commemorating the legendary fight over the salt flats—a moment of fierce local pride. Flanking these historical treasures is the beautiful St. Michael Arcagel Parrish, providing a peaceful contrast to the buzz of the plaza. And for a taste of local life, don't miss the charming Coffee and Limbers kiosks, which provide the perfect spot to sit, enjoy a treat, and watch the world go by.
EVENING: A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
It's time for the culinary climax of your trip: dinner at Joyuda. As Puerto Rico's famous Seafood Capital, this strip offers dozens of oceanfront dining choices. Tonight, we recommend two exceptional favorites: Costa Brava and Treasure of the Sea. Both offer an unparalleled ambiance right on the water, but each has a special flair. Costa Brava is celebrated for its inventive takes on classic Puerto Rican seafood dishes and their famous, perfectly balanced Mojitos. Treasure of the Sea is the place for traditional excellence, known for its signature whole-fried fish and massive, flavorful mofongos that have kept locals coming back for decades. No matter which you choose, you're guaranteed the freshest catch and a cocktail that perfectly complement the sound of the Caribbean tide.
WHERE TO STAY: YOUR HOME BASE
I LOVE Combate Rooms & Suites at Playa El Combate
For travelers seeking modern comfort, independence, and unbeatable access to the beach, I LOVE Combate Rooms & Suites, at Playa El Combate is the ideal choice. Located just steps from the sand, this lodging perfectly blends a vibrant, tropical atmosphere with high-tech amenities. The contemporary rooms are designed for relaxation, often featuring smart technology to enhance your stay. What makes this lodging truly special is the dedication to service—the team provides personalized, friendly care that feels more like family than a hotel. With comfortable, tech-friendly rooms and amenities designed for beachgoers, it’s the perfect place to recharge after two days of non-stop adventure.
Ready to dive into the adventure?
The Southwest corner of Puerto Rico is waiting to share its history, its flavors, and its breathtaking beauty with you. Book your stay at the Combate Beach area today!
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