9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA PARGUERA, PUERTO RICO

If you’re planning a trip to the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, you should add La Parguera to your itinerary. Get ready to read all about the best things to do in La Parguera, Puerto Rico!

This trip was sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, but all thoughts expressed in this blog are my own honest opinions. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Are you looking for a more low-key Caribbean getaway? Well, I’ve got the perfect seaside escape for you.

La Parguera has entered the chat.

On my most recent trip to Puerto Rico, I spent four days exploring La Parguera in the southwestern region of the island.

This is a quaint fishing town that is full of adventure, relaxation, art, and flavor.

Whether you’re an adventurous explorer or seeking a serene escape, La Parguera has something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best experiences La Parguera has to offer, all without any particular order.

Plus, I’ll share insights into our spending during the trip, helping you budget wisely for your own La Parguera adventure.

Whether you only have a weekend in La Parguera or more time to explore, you’ll find it worth the visit.

So, let’s dive in and discover the best things to do in La Parguera and how to make the most of your visit!

1. La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay

Going on a tour with Paradise Scuba to the bioluminescent Bay is one of the top things to do in La Parguera at night – particularly a very dark night.

The best time to visit the bioluminescent bay is when there is a new moon as the darkness enhances the glow.

The bioluminescence, caused by phytoplankton, creates a mesmerizing sight to see.

While Puerto Rico has two other bioluminescent bays, La Parguera is unique as it is the only one that allows swimming in its illuminated waters.

How much to budget?: Check tour availability and rates.

2. La Parguera Brunch

What’s your favorite meal of the day? Mine is brunch, and preferably with a great coffee.

During our time in La Parguera, we ate at some of the best restaurants for breakfast and brunch.

The two that stood out to me the most were Wakey Monkey and Brujula.

Wakey Monkey on the Weekends

If you find yourself in La Parguera over the weekend, don’t miss the chance to experience Wakey Monkey.

They welcome guests from 12 pm to midnight on Fridays, and from 8 am to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays, but are closed during the weekdays.

What made Wakey Monkey stand out was the vibrant atmosphere created by the staff.

Their friendliness and positive energy were infectious, making our dining experience truly enjoyable.

Speaking with them in a mix of Spanish and English added to the fun.

And let’s not forget about the pancakes!

If you visit, I highly recommend ordering an extra serving of the pancakes.

Perfectly sized and especially cakey, they were the highlight of my meal.

My pancake breakfast also included scrambled eggs with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and peppers, alongside fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed the French toast breakfast paired with fried eggs and ham.

As someone who appreciates alternative milk options, I was happy to find “leche de almendras” or almond milk available for my latte.

It’s the little details like this that make Wakey Monkey a standout breakfast spot in La Parguera.

How much to budget?: We spent $36.25 USD on breakfast for two.

Brujula

For those who appreciate cozy aesthetics, Brujula is a must-visit spot.

Located within the adults-only Parguera Plaza Hotel, this restaurant offers a warm welcome and stunning views of the adjacent pool area.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly hotel staff who directed us to the restaurant.

The neutral decor of Brujula creates a serene ambiance that perfectly complements its open-air setting.

Our server went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable dining experience.

By the end of our meal, he felt like a genuine friend, offering us valuable recommendations to enhance our time in Puerto Rico.

I opted for the creamiest avocado toast I’ve ever tasted, paired with a delicious cinnamon oatmeal topped with fruits and nuts.

And, of course, the almond milk latte was a standout, setting the perfect start for my day.

Meanwhile, my husband ordered the chicken mac and cheese served with a perfectly cooked egg on top, which exceeded his expectations.

Make sure to stop by Brujula for breakfast daily from 8 am to 11 am, or for dinner from 3 pm to 11 pm.

How much to budget?: We spent $54.43 USD on brunch for two.

3. Yaucromatic Open-Air Art Gallery

Yaucromatic, a vibrant open-air art project completed by local Puerto Rican artists, has transformed blank buildings into colorful masterpieces that mirror the vibrancy of the community in Yauco.

Walking through Yaucromatic feels like stepping into a real-life storybook, where each mural tells a tale of resilience and strength, showcasing the spirit of Puerto Ricans.

With over 60 murals to admire, this experience is a must for anyone exploring southwestern Puerto Rico, as it’s just a half-hour drive from La Parguera.

Among the variety of murals, one that stood out to me was Brisa Tropical.

Its impressive and distinct colors make it an iconic part of the Yaucromatic experience – a must-see for every visitor.

Be sure to take your time and admire the artwork at a comfortable pace as some of the streets are quite steep.

It’s free to visit, but be sure to buy some of the local treats that they sell near the main plaza in Yaucromatic.

I personally enjoyed the guava lollipop and coconut cookies.

Yauco is also known as Puerto Rico’s coffee town, so be sure to grab a cup before you leave!

BONUS: Visit Finca el Girasol. It only costs $2 USD per person to enter and enjoy.

This is a cool sunflower field that you can stop by that is in between Yaucromatic and La Parguera.

Although we visited in February, the best time to visit is during June, July, and August to see the most sunflowers.

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4. Isla Cueva

Isla Cueva is the perfect spot to satisfy your late-night cravings, open from 11 am to 11 pm most days, and extending its hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

They even have vegan options available.

I ordered the vegan black bean burger which was a delicious option that had fresh avocado, vegan feta cheese, arugula, tomato, cassava croutons, and mayo paste.

It paired perfectly with the sweet potato fries.

My husband ordered a massive bacon burger with pepper jack cheese, sweet plantain, fried onion, lettuce, tomato, and mayo ketchup sauce.

How much to budget?: We spent $43.41 USD total for both of our meals.

5. Caribbean Chiliboats

Before my visit to La Parguera, I had never heard of a chilliboat.

Now, it’s easily my favorite watersport.

The boat resembles two floating chilis, and you pedal your way through the water.

You have the option of a single or double chilliboat.

On the double, both riders have handlebars, but only the front rider controls the steering.

While the double chilliboat is theoretically faster, your speed ultimately depends on how fast you pedal.

We maintained a moderate pace, encountering little resistance as we smoothly glided through the crystal-clear waters.

Our guide was Waldi who gave us a lot of background on La Parguera, its cayes and surrounding areas in Puerto Rico.

He was incredibly friendly and made the tour a lot of fun.

We explored several cayes in La Parguera Nature Reserve, and got out into water almost waist-deep, allowing us time to swim and explore.

After a relaxing break, we pedaled back to our starting point.

The entire tour lasts about 2.5 hours, offered twice daily.

We recommend the earlier tour to avoid midday sun intensity.

How much to budget?: Check tour availability and rates.

6. Mofongo at El Karacol

Mofongo originated in Puerto Rico so you simply can’t miss it when you visit the island.

This dish is made by mashing fried green plantains or yuca together with garlic, olive oil, and often pork cracklings and other sauces.

If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to let the waiter know.

El Karacol offers a variety of mofongo options.

While I usually opt for the shrimp mofongo, this time I decided to try the lobster mofongo, and it didn’t disappoint.

Also, I couldn’t resist sampling their award-winning mojitos.

I chose the watermelon mojito, and one was all I needed—it was absolutely delicious!

As for my husband, he tried the filete de chillo, which not only looked appetizing but also was full of flavor.

How much to budget?: Our dinner bill came out to $74.06 USD here.

7. Lismar Sweet / Lizmar Sweet

There are multiple signs on the front and sides of the stand with different spellings, but it’s the same delicious destination!

You simply can’t miss this snow cone stand located right in front of El Karacol.

Be sure to make a pit stop here because they serve the absolute best snow cones I’ve ever had—they’re not only delicious but also huge!

We stumbled upon this stand one night while exploring the downtown area and found ourselves going back every day for more.

My go-to flavor combination? Hawaiian punch, piña colada, and mango!

How much to budget?: It depends on the size you want! $2 USD for a Small. $4 USD for a Medium. $6 USD for a Large. Just be sure to bring cash!

8. Cabo Rojo

La Parguera itself doesn’t have beaches, but nearby Cabo Rojo offers stunning options.

During our 4-day trip to southwestern Puerto Rico, we visited Playa Sucia and Playa Buye in Cabo Rojo, both offering beautiful seaside experiences.

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Playa Sucia (La Playuela)

Visiting Playa Sucia adds an adventurous twist to your itinerary.

We loved the cliffs surrounding the beach and decided to go on a short hike up one of them toward the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse (Faro Los Morillos de Cabo Rojo).

The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking – I could have spent hours admiring the various shades of blue in the water.

It’s truly incredible to see the coastline from different perspectives.

Additionally, if you’re at Playa Sucia, you’re less than 10 minutes from the Cabo Rojo Pink Salt Flats.

On a sunny day, you’ll have a better chance of witnessing the vibrant pink hues of these salt flats.

How much to budget?: Playa Sucia is free to visit and there is free parking closer to the beach and along the Pink Salt Flats.

Playa Buye (Buye Beach)

This is by far one of the prettiest beaches on this side of Puerto Rico.

Think soft white sand and clear blue calm water.

It’s certainly a local favorite, so I suggest arriving early to beat the crowds.

You can have a nice relaxing time on the beach or if you’re looking for more action, Playa Buye has options for watersports with Endless Summer Watersport.

How much to budget?: There is free street parking, but if you prefer there is a nearby parking lot that is ~$10 USD for the day. Check watersport prices here.

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Buena Vibra

If you find yourself in Cabo Rojo, make sure you grab something to eat from Buena Vibra, an incredible, open-air restaurant with so many unique menu items.

I ordered the plantain basket with shrimp, a dish unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before.

The crispy plantain served as the perfect vessel for the flavorful shrimp that had a zestiness to it.

I also had an incredible piña colada to go with my meal.

My husband ordered one of the best-sellers: Volcán Guayaba.

This plate featured a grouper that was coconut-crusted and stuffed with skirt steak, all in a guava sauce.

This went down as his favorite meal of the trip!

How much to budget?: Our meals totaled to $73.12 USD.

9. Guanica Dry Forest

During our visit to La Parguera, we went on a nature hike through the Guánica Dry Forest in Guánica.

Our goal was to reach Fuerte Caprón, and we soon discovered that there were two different routes available: a 30-minute hike or a 3-hour hike, each with its own starting point.

Opting for the 30-minute hike, we began our journey here.

The trail was well-marked and relatively easy, although there was a gradual incline leading up to the fort.

I’d recommend starting early to avoid the intense midday heat, especially by 10:30 am.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water along the way.

Fuerte Caprón offered breathtaking views of Guánica, making it well worth the effort.

I highly recommend exploring this trail during your southwestern Puerto Rico trip.

Just up the street from the trailhead, we stumbled upon a small, secluded beach next to a rocky area—a perfect spot to chill and enjoy a quiet moment.

How much to budget?: Fuerte Caprón was completely free to visit.

How to Get to La Parguera

The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, also known as the San Juan Airport (SJU), is the most popular airport in Puerto Rico, located approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes away from La Parguera.

Alternatively, you can fly into Mercedita International Airport in Ponce (PSE), which was our starting point.

This airport is only 50 minutes away from La Parguera.

Regardless of where you fly into, the first step is to rent a car.

The roads are well-paved and easy to navigate, whether you’re coming from San Juan or Ponce.

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Where to Stay in La Parguera

Mangle Azul Vacation Homes: This is where we stayed and we were footsteps from absolutely everything downtown!

This Airbnb offered a beach aesthetic and cozy vibes with a central location.

Check prices and availability for Mangle Azul Vacation Homes.

Parguera Plaza Hotel: This is an adults-only hotel that is newly built and also centrally located.

There’s a gorgeous pool on-site available with day beds.

Check prices and availability for Parguera Plaza Hotel.

Villa Parguera: This centrally-located hotel is waterfront and is a beautiful and comfortable place to stay.

Check prices and availability for Villa Parguera.

FAQs

What is La Parguera known for?

La Parguera is a quaint fishing village famous for its mangroves and cayes. It’s home to one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays, where you can swim in glowing waters.

Can you go to La Parguera without a tour?

Yes, you can drive to the downtown area independently. However, for the bioluminescent bay, it’s recommended to join a tour.

Can you swim in La Parguera?

Yes, you can swim in the bioluminescent bay of La Parguera.

What does Parguera mean in English?

The term “Parguera” originates from “pargo,” which is the local name for “Northern red snapper.”

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in La Parguera

La Parguera awaits, offering a unique Caribbean escape filled with mangroves, cayes, and amazing local restaurants.

With the insights shared in this article, you now have a roadmap to uncover the 9 best things to do in La Parguera, how to get there, where to stay, and how much to budget.