Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Cabo Rojo is a city with a population in excess of 46,900 (2000 census). It is located in the southwestern corner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Cabo Rojo has excellent beaches that attract visitors from all over the island. Best known among the Cabo Rojo beaches are Playa Buyé, Bahía Boquerón, Playa El Combate and Playa Joyuda. A large number of seafood restaurants thrive in the area. Tourist inns and paradores also abound within the Cabo Rojo municipal boundaries.

The patron saint for Cabo Rojo is "San Miguel Arcángel", celebrated on September 29.

A centuries old landmark is El Faro de Cabo Rojo, from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the Cabo Rojo coasts and surrounding waters. Refugio de Vida Silvestre is a wildlife refuge in their natural habitat for over 170 bird species.

To reach Cabo Rojo, take PR Road 2 from Mayaguez to Ponce and exit at PR Road 100 for a 15-minute drive along beautiful scenery. From Ponce to Mayaguez, also on PR Road 2, exit at San German into PR Road 101.

Fiesta del Pescao is an annual festival held at Cabo Rojo''s fishing village of Puerto Real. Plaza del Pescador, the main square, is used by local fishermen to exhibit a wide variety of fish species found in nearby coastal waters. The activity attracts visitors from all over the island and beyond.

Cabo Rojo was birthplace for Ramón Emeterio Betances (1827-1898), a noted physician and abolitionist active in efforts to obtain the independence for Puerto Rico, Cuba and Santo Domingo.

Salvador Brau (1842-1912), noted Puerto Rican historian was also born in Cabo Rojo.