📍 Location & Geography
Yauco is a city located in the southwestern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled between the mountains of the Cordillera Central and the Caribbean Sea. The city covers an area of approximately 68.4 square miles, of which 1.6 square miles is water. The city’s terrain is a mix of mountains, hills, and coastal plains, with the highest peak being Cerro Lucero.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Yauco are approximately 18.0380° N latitude and 66.8499° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Yauco is a part of Yauco Municipality in Puerto Rico. It is divided into 20 wards, with Yauco Pueblo being the downtown area and the administrative center of the city. The city spans a total area of 176.5 square kilometers.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Yauco had a population of approximately 35,000 residents. The city’s population has a diverse ethnic mix, with a majority identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Yauco is around 39 years. Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, followed by English.
🏛️ History
Yauco was founded by Spanish colonists in 1756. The city played a significant role in Puerto Rico’s coffee industry during the 19th century, earning the nickname “the coffee town.” Yauco was also the site of the Battle of Yauco during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, including the historic Yauco City Hall and the San Francisco de Asis Church.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Yauco is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of flora and fauna. The city is home to the Guilarte Forest Reserve, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Cordillera Central. The city is also known for its coffee plantations. Yauco’s climate is tropical, with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year.
🏫 Education
The education in Yauco is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten to 12th grade. For higher education, Yauco is home to the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Yauco and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Yauco Campus.
🚧 Transportation
Yauco is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 2, which connects the city to Ponce and Mayagüez. The city is also served by Puerto Rico Highways 127, 128, and 336. Public transportation in Yauco is provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works.
📜 Trivia & Events
Yauco is famous for its annual Coffee Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich coffee heritage. The event features coffee tasting, music, dance, and art. Yauco is also known for its vibrant street art, particularly the Yaucromatic urban art project, which has transformed the city’s buildings into a colorful outdoor gallery. The city also hosts the Festival de Mariposas, a butterfly festival, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation.