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Best Friend Budget Getaway

     This last minute road trip was the best! I planned it the night before and the next morning my best friend and I were on the road. With all of our responsibilities my best friend and I don't go out together as much as we would like to. What a better way to catch up than with a road trip. Here are the highlights of the trip along with some tips. 

     The adventure began on the north coast of Puerto Rico as we drove towards the center of the island, the mountainous region where we stopped in Adjuntas. The swinging bridge of Río Guilarte is located on road 135. There is a bamboo gazebo where you can look down to the river if you don't want to cross the bridge. From there you can also enjoy the Adjuntas and Puerto Rican flag murals painted on two roofs. It is completely free however small donations are welcomed at the donation box at the beginning of the bridge.  

     Our next stop was in the stunningly beautiful Finca El Girasol in Guánica. The farm was easy to get to. Upon arrival there is a parking fee of $3 paid at the gate. Then you are free to roam through the sunflower crops. There is also a produce shop selling sunflowers, fruit and veggies.  

     The Dry Forest of Guánica was the next place on our list because we wanted to hike to Fuerte Caprón a vantage point from which the entire city can be seen. The entrance to the forest is free. There isn't much information out there on how much time the trail takes to be hiked. We went unprepared due to the impression that it only took 20 minutes to get there and back. After the 20 minutes had passed and all we saw was a rocky path surrounded by trees, in the distance there was a family of three in hiking clothes that approached us. They warned us not to go on since the hike is actually 1 hour and a half up and back. So it would take us a total of three hours. We decided to hike to Fuerte Caprón another day. My advice is to hit this place early and outfitted correctly and with plenty of water and power bars. Another tip is to drive until the end of the road up the forest were you'll find parking and a Ranger that can help with directions.  

     We left Guánica and headed towards Cabo Rojo. There we saw the Salt Flats up close. There was no one around so we were free to walk around the salt flats and taste some salt from the salt mountain.  

     Continuing down the same road after the salt flats we encountered Los Morrillos Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself closes at 4:30 in the afternoon. If you wish to have a look inside and climb to the top it's best to arrive before four o'clock. Entrance to the lighthouse is free. The best part about this place however to me isn't the lighthouse itself but the view around it. Enjoy the view standing near the cliffs looking out at the ocean. If you are going here please have caution when close to the cliffs.  

     My best friend and I had a blast on this trip. Take advantage of this budget friendly road trip itinerary and have fun with friends. Happy Travels!  

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