📍 Location & Geography
Aibonito is a small, charming town located in the mountainous region of Puerto Rico. It is nestled in the Cordillera Central, the main mountain range of the island. The town is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,401 feet, making it the highest town in Puerto Rico. Aibonito covers a total area of about 31.5 square miles.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Aibonito, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.14 degrees North latitude and 66.26 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Aibonito is part of the Aibonito County in the state of Puerto Rico. The town is divided into eight barrios or wards, including Algarrobo, Asomante, Caonillas, Cuyón, Llanos, Plata, Robles, and the Aibonito barrio-pueblo, which is the downtown area. The ZIP code for Aibonito is 00705.
👥 Population & Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Aibonito was approximately 25,900 as of 2010. The majority of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin, with a significant number of residents having been born in Puerto Rico. The median age of the population is around 38 years.
🏛️ History
Aibonito was founded on March 13, 1824, by Don Manuel Veléz. The town’s name is derived from an indigenous word “Jatibonicu”, which means “Place of Abundant Water”. Aibonito has a rich history and is known for its involvement in the Spanish-American War, particularly the Battle of Aibonito Pass in 1898.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Aibonito is known for its beautiful landscapes and cool climate, which is a result of its high altitude. The town is home to the Aibonito Flower Festival, the largest plant and sale show in Puerto Rico, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. The town is also surrounded by several natural attractions, including the Caonillas Lake and the San Cristóbal Canyon, the only canyon in the island.
🏫 Education
Education in Aibonito is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, residents typically travel to nearby cities where universities and colleges are located.
🚧 Transportation
Aibonito is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 14 from the north and Highway 15 from the south. The town does not have a public transportation system, so residents typically rely on cars for transportation. The nearest airport is in the city of Ponce, which is about an hour’s drive from Aibonito.
📜 Trivia & Events
Aibonito is known for its annual Flower Festival, which is held in the summer and attracts visitors from all over the island and beyond. The town is also famous for its traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, particularly the lechón asado, or roasted pig. In terms of historical significance, Aibonito was the site of the last major battle of the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, known as the Battle of Aibonito Pass.