📍 Location & Geography
Adjuntas is a small mountain town located in the central mountains of Puerto Rico, specifically in the mid-west of the island. It is part of the Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s main mountain range. Adjuntas is known for its hilly terrain and lush vegetation. It’s often referred to as “the Switzerland of Puerto Rico” due to its cool climate and alpine scenery. The city covers a total area of 85.81 square miles.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.16 degrees North latitude and 66.72 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Adjuntas is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area, even though geographically it is closer to the urban areas of the west coast of Puerto Rico. The city is divided into 17 wards, with Adjuntas Pueblo being the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Adjuntas was approximately 17,363. The population has been decreasing over the years due to migration to other parts of Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. The majority of the residents are of Hispanic descent, with Spanish being the primary language spoken at home.
🏛️ History
Adjuntas was founded on August 11, 1815, by Diego Maldonado. Its name comes from the Spanish word “juntas,” which means “together,” referring to the union of two rivers in the area. The town’s economy was initially based on coffee and tobacco farming. Over the years, it has evolved to include a mix of agriculture, small businesses, and light manufacturing.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Adjuntas is known for its beautiful natural environment. The city is home to the Guilarte Forest Reserve, a popular destination for hiking and bird watching. The reserve includes Mount Guilarte, one of the highest peaks in Puerto Rico. Adjuntas also has several rivers, including the Río Grande de Arecibo and the Río Pellejas.
🏫 Education
Education in Adjuntas is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that serve students from kindergarten through high school. Adjuntas also has a public library, the Adjuntas Municipal Library, which provides a variety of resources for the community.
🚧 Transportation
Highway PR-10 is the main road that connects Adjuntas to the rest of Puerto Rico. The city is also served by several secondary roads. Public transportation in Adjuntas is limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles for transportation. The nearest airport is Mercedita Airport in Ponce, which is about an hour’s drive from Adjuntas.
📜 Trivia & Events
Adjuntas is famous for its annual Coffee Festival, which celebrates the city’s long history of coffee production. The festival features coffee tastings, local food, music, and art. The city is also home to Casa Pueblo, a community-based organization that promotes sustainable development and environmental conservation. Casa Pueblo is known for its successful campaign against mining in the Adjuntas area in the 1990s.