Loading...

Rincón and the Porta del Sol

TRAVEL GUIDE

Rincón and the Porta del Sol

TRAVEL GUIDE

"La Porta del Sol" is how tourism officials describe the island's western coast—but the Gateway to the Sun is still not nearly as well known as the area around San Juan. Even in Rincón, which has the lion's share of lodging, the beaches are delightfully deserted. And in places like Aguadilla and Isabela, two sleepy towns on the island's northwestern edge, it's easy to find a stretch of shoreline all to yourself.

Since the time of Christopher Columbus, adventurers have been drawn to the jagged coastline of northwestern Puerto Rico. Columbus first stopped here on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. His exact landing point is the subject of ongoing dispute: both Aguadilla, on the northernmost tip of the coast, and Aguada, just south of Aguadilla, claim the historic landing, an... Read More

"La Porta del Sol" is how tourism officials describe the island's western coast—but the Gateway to the Sun is still not nearly as well known as the area around San Juan. Even in Rincón, which has the lion's share of lodging, the beaches are delightfully deserted. And in places like Aguadilla and Isabela, two sleepy towns on the island's northwestern edge, it's easy to find a stretch of shoreline all to yourself.

Since the time of Christopher Columbus, adventurers have been drawn to the jagged coastline of northwestern Puerto Rico. Columbus first stopped here on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. His exact landing point is the subject of ongoing dispute: both Aguadilla, on the northernmost tip of the coast, and Aguada, just south of Aguadilla, claim the historic landing, and both have monuments honoring the explorer.

Less than a century ago, western Puerto Rico was still overwhelmingly rural, with a few large fruit plantations along the coast and coffee fincas (farms) dotting inland hills. The slow pace of agrarian life began to change in the mid-20th century, as new roads brought development to once-isolated towns. They also brought international surfers, who were amazed to find some of the world's best waves in Rincón, Isabela, and Aguadilla. Now there are top-notch hotels, interesting natural areas to explore, and almost every kind of water sport imaginable.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Hotels

Quickly find Rincón and the Porta del Sol Hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Find the perfect tours and activities in Rincón and the Porta del Sol.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Find the best food tours and activities in Rincón and the Porta del Sol.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Language

Spanish, English

Electrical Outlets

120v/60 cycles; plugs are U.S. standard two- and three-prong

Currency

U.S. Dollar

Language

Spanish, English

Electrical Outlets

120v/60 cycles; plugs are U.S. standard two- and three-prong

Currency

U.S. Dollar

Winter weather is the best, and it's the height of the surfing season, so you'll need to book well in advance. Between December and March you...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rincón and the Porta del Sol with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Winter weather is the best, and it's the height of the surfing season, so you'll need to book well in advance. Between December and March you...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rincón and the Porta del Sol with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Winter weather is the best, and it's the height of the surfing season, so you'll need to book well in advance. Between December and March you...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rincón and the Porta del Sol with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.

Shop Now

Fodor's Puerto Rico
Ready to experience Puerto Rico? The experts at Fodor's are here to help. Fodor's Puerto...

View Details