Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is a municipality in southwest Puerto Rico comprising coastal landscapes and diverse habitats. The area includes salt flats, limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and dry subtropical scrubland that slopes toward the sea.

Spanish settlers initiated salt extraction in this region starting in 1525. The settlement was formally established in 1771 and grew into a major salt production center.

The San Miguel Arcángel Church stands at the heart of the community and showcases neoclassical design from the 18th century. It remains a gathering place that shapes the character of the town.

The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge offers several trails through different landscape types, each with varying difficulty levels. Visitors should arrive early and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

The salt flats and coastal cliffs contain minerals that tint the surrounding water reddish. This natural process inspired the area's name and creates an unusual color display at sunrise and sunset.

Location: Puerto Rico

Inception: December 17, 1771

Capital city: Cabo Rojo

Elevation above the sea: 20 m

Shares border with: Lajas, San Germán, Hormigueros, Mayagüez

Website: http://gobierno.pr/OCAM/DirectorioMunicipios/Cabo_Rojo.htm

GPS coordinates: 18.08667,-67.14583

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:08