Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos in Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge: The Complete Guide

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience in Southwest Puerto Rico. At the heart of the refuge lies Faro Los Morrillos, a historic lighthouse perched on cliffs surrounding the Caribbean Sea. 

Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos offers stunning coastline views and the opportunity to discover the unique wildlife and vegetation of Southwest Puerto Rico. In this complete guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your hike to Faro Los Morrillos and make the most of your visit to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge.

What is Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge?

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in the southwestern part of Puerto Rico. Established in 1974, the refuge covers over 1,800 acres of land home to various plant and animal species, including mangroves, salt flats, and coastal forests. The primary goal of Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is to preserve and protect the area’s unique ecosystem.

You can enjoy various outdoor activities in the refuge, including hiking, cycling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. But hiking to Faro de Los Morrillos, the famous lighthouse that overlooks the rugged coastline of the Mona Passage and surrounding limestone cliffs, is a highlight of any visit to the refuge.

🎫 Top Tour into Cabo Rojo: If you’re coming from San Juan, I recommend booking this epic guided tour, including transit! It’s the best way to experience all of Cabo Rojo!

Faro Los Morrillos (Cabo Rojo Lighthouse)

Faro Los Morrillos is a historic lighthouse located within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico. The lighthouse was built in 1882 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Mona Passage’s southeast entrance along Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast. The Mona Passage separates the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

The towering structure stands 36 feet tall and 200 feet above the rough seas. Visitors who hike to Faro Los Morrillos are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, the rugged coastline, and the surrounding Cabo Rojo area. 

From the lighthouse, you can see the iconic limestone cliffs of Cabo Rojo and the famous La Playuela Beach, also known as Playa Sucia (dirty beach), despite its crystal-clear waters and beautiful rock formations. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for whale watching during winter when humpback whales migrate through the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Faro Los Morrillos also has a rich cultural and historical significance. The lighthouse has played an essential role in Puerto Rico’s maritime history. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark, housing its original lighting apparatus in cast iron, copper, and glass casing. It is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, who come to capture the lighthouse’s stunning views and unique architecture.

🇵🇷 Spanish Lesson of the Day: I may be a gringo, but my Latina wife informs me El Faro means “the lighthouse.” And Puerto Rico has a ton of them!

Getting to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

Directions to the Refuge

To get to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, you must head to the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico. The refuge is located near the town of Cabo Rojo, which is about a 2 to 3-hour drive from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Other tourist towns nearby include Rincón and La Parguera.

Parking Information

A parking lot is available at the refuge entrance and base of El Faro, where visitors can park their cars. The parking lot is free of charge, and it is usually easy to find a parking spot. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak times, such as weekends or holidays, so arriving early is best.

Admission Fees

There are no admission fees for the National Wildlife Refuge. Although, donations in the visitor center are graciously accepted to maintain the park’s integrity.

🥾 More Hikes in Puerto Rico: You can find hiking trails throughout the beautiful island, especially near San Juan in El Yunque National Forest, like the Angelito Trail.

Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo (the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse)

Distance and Terrain

The trail to Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is a scenic 1.5-mile (2.1 km) round-trip hike that takes visitors along the rugged limestone cliffs of the cape. The trail is well-marked and mostly flat, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.

As you hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, towering cliffs, and beautiful rock formations. The trail also passes by several interpretive signs that provide information about the area’s local flora, fauna, and history.

Once you reach Faro Los Morrillos, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lighthouse, which sits atop a rocky cliff overlooking the sea.

🇵🇷 More Adventures in Puerto Rico: I loved hiking in Cabo Rojo, yet Old San Juan might have been my favorite attraction in the country.

Difficulty Level

The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse Trail is easy, with a mostly flat and well-maintained path. However, there are a few sections where you’ll need to climb over rocks or navigate uneven terrain, so it’s important to wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution while hiking.

Additionally, the trail can be pretty hot and sunny during the day, so it’s essential to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the hot Caribbean sun.

Recommended Gear and Attire

To make the most of your hiking experience, I recommend wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, that provide good traction and support. A good set of flip-flops or Chacos might also do the trick.

When hiking in tropical environments, you should always wear lightweight and breathable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, such as shorts and a long sleeve UPF t-shirt. Don’t forget to bring a hat or sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun. Additionally, getting plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen is essential to stay hydrated and protected during the hike.

Views from the Lighthouse

Unfortunately, the lighthouse isn’t open for visitors to climb to the top. However, views from the outside are just as splendid as you can see miles of coastline, turquoise waters, and rocky cliffs from the lighthouse’s base. Inland, you can see the Cabo Rojo salt flats, distant rainforests, mountain peaks, and mangrove forests, home to various wildlife species. 

The lighthouse is also a popular spot for watching the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and red, creating a mesmerizing experience.

Wildlife and Vegetation in Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is home to diverse wildlife and vegetation. As you hike to Faro Los Morrillos, you may spot various bird species, including pelicans, herons, warblers, woodpeckers, and ospreys.

You may also see iguanas, lizards, and other reptiles in the surrounding area. The refuge is also home to various plant species, such as cacti, mangroves, and sea grapes, which adapt well to the harsh coastal environment.

One of the coolest features of the refuge is the salt flats, a unique ecosystem supporting various bird species. I can only imagine the pink salt ponds once harbored endangered flamingos.

The unique combination of wildlife and vegetation surrounding Faro Los Morrillos makes it a truly special and memorable place.

Tips for Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Faro Los Morrillos is during the winter months, from December to March. During this time, the weather is typically cooler and drier, making hiking more comfortable. Additionally, the winter months are the peak tourist season in Puerto Rico, so more activities and events may be happening in the area.

If you plan on visiting during the summer, bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the weather can be hot and humid.

Safety Precautions

Before you start your hike, ensure you have a map of the area and a charged phone in an emergency. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat, a long-sleeve UPF shirt, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Be mindful of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards, such as steep drops or loose rocks. Stay on designated trails and avoid straying off the path, as you might damage fragile ecosystems and put yourself at risk.

Leave No Trace Principles

When hiking in Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, following Leave No Trace principles is vital. This means packing all trash and leaving the area as you found it. Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation; avoid taking souvenirs such as rocks or shells.

Respect any signs or barriers in the area, as they are in place to protect the natural environment. If you see any litter or debris on the trail, consider picking it up and disposing it properly.

Leave No Trace aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for Faro Los Morrillos while preserving the area’s natural beauty for future visitors.

📚 Related Reading: How to Leave No Trace at the Beach

Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos: Debrief

Hiking to Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is an unforgettable experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. The trail to the lighthouse is well-maintained and offers moderate difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.

Once you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. The area is home to diverse wildlife and vegetation, making it a unique and special place to explore.

If you’re looking for a new and exciting hiking destination, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the Faro Los Morrillos Trail trail should be on your list. Its stunning views, unique wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it the perfect place for hikers of all levels to explore.