The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is one of Puerto Rico’s hidden treasures.
This historic spot has some of the best views of the Caribbean Sea.
I grew up near Cabo Rojo, enjoying frequent visits to the lighthouse and the beaches around it.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about this landmark:
– What is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
– Where is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse located?
– How do you get to the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse from San Juan?
– Do you have to pay to park at the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
– How much time do you need to spend at the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
– Can you visit the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse without a tour?
– Is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse open to the public?
– Is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse worth visiting?
What is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
Also known as Faro Los Morrillos, this lighthouse was designed by Spanish engineers and finished in 1882. Its light was automated in 1967, and the building joined the US National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1981.
The building itself is plain, and its rooms are not open to visitors right now. The draw is the setting: red-tinged limestone cliffs, open Caribbean water and a long view down the coast.
The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is a perfect spot for hikes, photos, and seaside relaxation.
Below is a video showing the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse:
Where is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse located?
The lighthouse sits on the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico, at the very end of Road 301 in Cabo Rojo. Below it is La Playuela, the cove most people call Playa Sucia (one beach, two names).
A good plan is a swim at La Playuela and then a walk up to the cliffs around the lighthouse. See our Cabo Rojo beaches guide for the rest of the coast.
The area is fantastic at sunset for photos or enjoying nature.
It’s at the top of a 200-foot-tall limestone cliff, so be aware if you have trouble walking or a fear of heights.
There are no guard railings around the area.
How do you get to the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse from San Juan?
Plan on about 3 hours and roughly 120 miles from San Juan with no traffic, plus the walk in from the gate (see below).
The usual route runs west on PR-22 and PR-2 toward Mayagüez, then south on PR-100 through Cabo Rojo town and Boquerón to Road 301. Follow 301 past the salt flats until you reach the gate at its end.
Going south on PR-52 to Ponce and then west on PR-2 takes about the same time.
Roads in Puerto Rico can be confusing so I recommend having a mobile map too.
Below is a Google Map with directions to Cabo Rojo Lighthouse:
Do you have to pay to park at the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
No. There’s no charge to park or to walk the grounds, but the parking is the tricky part.
The vehicle gate on Road 301 has been closed to cars on recent visits, because the dirt road beyond it washes out after heavy rain. That land belongs to the wildlife refuge and the state forest, which only allow native soil for repairs, so the road keeps breaking down.
When the gate is shut, park along the road outside it without blocking the gate, then walk about 1.25 miles (2 km) to the lighthouse and the beach. That’s roughly 25–30 minutes each way on an unshaded dirt track.
Arrive early, wear closed shoes and leave nothing visible in the car: visitors have reported break-ins at the trailhead parking.
How much time do you need to spend at the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse?
Give it two to three hours in total.
The walk in and back out takes close to an hour on its own, and you’ll want at least another hour on the cliffs, more if you stop at La Playuela.
After you leave the lighthouse, Cabo Rojo offers great food, shopping, beaches, and nightlife!
Check out this video for the town’s best things to do:
Can you visit the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse without a tour?
Yes. You don’t need a tour to walk the grounds and cliff trails, and there’s no fee.
While the building is closed there are no guides and no interior visits, so come prepared with water, sun protection and snacks.
This older video shows the lighthouse and its visitor area:
Is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse open to the public?
The grounds are, but the building is not. As of October 2026 the lighthouse interior is still closed, and no reopening date has been announced.
The roof, doors and walls took damage in Hurricane María (2017) and again in Fiona (2022). The town’s 30-year agreement to run the building lapsed in 2016, and Cabo Rojo only won it back in March 2022, a gap that cost it federal repair money. The town has since been doing smaller fixes such as paint, interior floors and fencing.
The cliffs, trails and La Playuela are still open to visitors on foot.
The town’s own page still lists its old visiting hours (Wednesday to Sunday and holidays, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm) next to a note that the lighthouse is closed for remodeling, and other sites post different days. Treat any posted hours as unconfirmed until a reopening is announced on the municipality’s lighthouse page.
On the way in, the Fish & Wildlife Service’s Cabo Rojo Salt Flats Interpretive Center is open Wednesday to Saturday, and its observation tower Monday to Saturday, both 8:00 am to 3:30 pm (as posted in October 2026).
Is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse worth visiting?
The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is a must-see spot in Puerto Rico.
The cliffside view is beautiful and unique.
In winter, humpback whales pass along this coast, so bring binoculars. Our whale-watching guide has the season and the best spots.
Its surrounding beaches, dining, and nightlife make it a perfect vacation spot. — compare places to stay in Cabo Rojo.
FAQ section
Is Cabo Rojo Lighthouse a good place to visit with kids?
Older kids usually enjoy it, but the cliff edges have no railings and the walk from the gate is hot and unshaded. Keep children close and bring plenty of water.
Is the view from Cabo Rojo Lighthouse beautiful?
Yes! The rocky shore and cliff height make it a unique and beautiful view.
Final thoughts
Visiting the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is a must-do when you visit Puerto Rico.
The lighthouse is a perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy the breeze.
The walk can be tiring but I promise the view alone is worth it.
Three of the 30 best beaches in Puerto Rico are located in Cabo Rojo.
Looking for more fun? Check out 45 best things to do in Puerto Rico.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2022-10-09); last updated 2026-10-19.