Guánica

Boats moored off San Jacinto, opposite Copamarina Beach

Guánica is a coastal town of 14,000 people (2020) in the Porta del Sol region of Puerto Rico.

Get in

• San Juan: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
• Aguadilla: Rafael Hernández Airport
• Ponce: Mercedita Airport

By car

Guánica is on Highway 116, between San Germán and Ponce.

Get around

You pretty much need your own wheels to explore the area around Guánica.

See

• 1 Guánica Pueblo (downtown Guánica). See the historic Roman Catholic church, Spanish-style recreational plaza, and the municipal buildings surrounded by streets and shops. You can drive around the pueblo or park your car and walk around the square and into the plaza. The Spanish law, which regulated life in Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, stated the plaza's purpose was for celebrations and festivities. (updated Apr 2022)

Do

Manglillo Beach

The main reason to visit Guanica is the beaches. Take Route 333 south from the town to reach them. Caña Gorda Beach is the only one with facilities, but it's only open Tuesday-Sunday.

From San Jacinto, just past Copamarina, you can also hop on a ferry excursion to Gilligan's Island (aka Cayo Caña Gorda), an undeveloped piece of paradise with white sandy beaches, snorkeling and mangroves.

Eat

San Jacinto

• San Jacinto, Road 333. Daily. Your basic beachfront shack, serving up cold Medallas and simple dishes of fish and chicken. Tiny beach with hammocks, great ocean views and sea breezes, and the ferry to Gilligan's Island departs from here. 

Sleep

• Copamarina Beach Resort, Road 333 Km 6.5, Cana Gorda, ☏ +1 787-821-0505. The only full-fledged beach resort in this neck of the woods. From $175/215 in low/high season. 
• Mimi's Guest House, Road 333 Km 7 El Pitirre, ☏ +1 787-366 2781, info@guanicavacation.com. Tropical, funky guest house accommodations in the heart of the Guanica Dry Forest From $90-160. 

Go next

• La Parguera — seafood and more beach, 15 km to the west