Faro Los Morrillos — Attraction in Cabo Rojo

The Los Morillos lighthouse is located south of the town of Cabo Rojo and illuminates the southwest corner of the island. The neo-classical style structure dates to 1882 and is classified as a third-order lighthouse with a reach of 18 miles from its white light and a period of one minute. The original plans show that the structure is very similar to the lighthouses of Arecibo and Cabezas de San Juan in Fajardo. It was the third one built under the Spanish government’s master plan for lighthouses. Los Morrillos lighthouse of Cabo Rojo consists of a rectangular structure of 27.5 x 11.35 x 6 meters (90 x 37 x 20 feet). The main entrance faces north and leads to a small vestibule. From there, a corridor divides the structure into two parts: on one side, the lodging for a lighthouse keeper and an engineer, and on the other side, a warehouse. The hexagonal tower is attached to the principal structure and measures 18.3 meters (60 feet) tall, including the lantern, and has a spiral staircase made of forged iron. In the tower are two windows with a view to the south and a door that opens onto the roof, which is designed to collect rain water. The vaulted circular storage area, where the oil was originally stored, is located under the tower. The lantern, of French design, was surrounded by an iron balustrade. The lighthouse was restored between 2001 and 2004 and is still...

Perched at the edge of Puerto Rico’s wild southwest, Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo rises like a stoic sentinel—its slate-gray tower and turquoise shutters gleaming under a punishing Caribbean sun. From its base, weathered limestone cliffs tumble steeply into sapphire waters, where waves crash and echo across timeworn rock.

We hiked under a blazing sky, following the trail past hundreds of coastal birds and through salt flats shimmering with white crystal edges. The sea breeze was intermittent relief, but the true reward came upon reaching the cliffs—a jaw-dropping amphitheater of stone and sea. Erosion has sculpted the coast into jagged outcrops, natural bridges, and vertical drops that make your heart pause.

Looking out, the Mona Passage stretches endlessly, its horizon blurred by salt mist. Behind us, the lighthouse stands still and timeless, a perfect backdrop to the drama of nature unfolding in every direction. We sheltered briefly in its shade, sipping what little water we had left, before continuing on to explore the cliff edges.

While the scenery is unmatched, the presence of scattered litter serves as a quiet reminder: not all who visit respect the wild. Yet, in that contrast, there’s a call—to cherish, to protect, and to remember that this rugged corner of the island offers something rare: unfiltered beauty,...

Faro Los Morrillos boasts some of the most breathtaking views in Puerto Rico. We drove 3.5 hours from Luquillo Beach to experience this iconic lighthouse, and the trip was absolutely worth it. For photography enthusiasts, this spot is a dream, offering incredible landscapes to capture. We were lucky enough to see a beautiful rainbow during our visit, making the experience even more special. Highly recommended!

While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public and shows signs of wear, the surrounding scenery more than compensates. It’s important to note that the road leading to the lighthouse is often closed (there are no officials present to clarify opening times), requiring visitors to park about a mile away. The walk along the muddy road, which has been affected by hurricane damage, may be manageable for some but challenging for others.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as getting back to your car isn’t convenient. Due to hurricane-related delays in renovation, the site lacks basic infrastructure, including restrooms and lighting. It’s best to plan your visit so you can leave before dark, especially if traveling with children. Additionally, be prepared for parallel parking near the entrance.

Despite these challenges, Faro Los Morrillos is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in...