📍 Location & Geography
Cabo Rojo is a municipality located on the southwestern coast of the island of Puerto Rico. It is part of the San Germán–Cabo Rojo metropolitan area. The municipality is spread over 18 wards and Cabo Rojo Pueblo, the downtown area and administrative center of the city. Cabo Rojo is known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and salt flats.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.0866° N latitude and 67.1457° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Cabo Rojo is situated in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. The municipality covers a total area of 72 square miles (186.5 square kilometers), of which, 47 square miles (121.7 square kilometers) is land and 25 square miles (64.8 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Cabo Rojo had a population of approximately 50,917 people. The population is predominantly of Hispanic descent, with Spanish being the primary language spoken. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, and the median age is around 38 years.
🏛️ History
Cabo Rojo was founded on December 17, 1771 by Nicolás Ramírez de Arellano and Miguel de Muesas. The name “Cabo Rojo” translates to “Red Cape” in English, which is believed to have been derived from the reddish color of the salt flats and the coastal cliffs that are seen from the sea.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Cabo Rojo is home to several natural attractions. The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for a number of native bird species. The area is also known for its picturesque salt flats, which are part of the wildlife refuge. The Los Morrillos Lighthouse, located on a high cliff overlooking the sea, is another key attraction. The municipality is also home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, including Playa Sucia and Playa Buyé.
🏫 Education
Education in Cabo Rojo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The municipality has several public and private schools catering to students from kindergarten to high school. For higher education, the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus is located nearby.
🚧 Transportation
Cabo Rojo is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 100 and 101. The city does not have a public transportation system, so residents and visitors primarily rely on cars for transportation. The nearest airport is Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez, which is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the north.
📜 Trivia & Events
Cabo Rojo is known for its annual patron saint festival, the Fiestas Patronales de San Miguel Arcángel. The event includes parades, music, dancing, and food. The city is also famous for its Boquerón Beach Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the island and beyond. Cabo Rojo is also the birthplace of Salvador Brau, a prominent Puerto Rican journalist, poet, and historian.