📍 Location & Geography
Camuy is a city located on the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is part of the CAMUY county and has the ZIP code 00627. The city is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Lares and San Sebastián to the south, Hatillo to the east, and Quebradillas to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Camuy are approximately 18.4831° N latitude and 66.8499° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Camuy is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area, despite being quite a distance from the capital, San Juan. The city covers a total area of 46.9 square miles, of which 45.1 square miles is land and 1.8 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Camuy had a population of approximately 35,159. The population consists of a diverse mix of people, with the majority identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a fairly even gender distribution, with slightly more women than men.
🏛️ History
Camuy was founded in 1807 by Petrolina Matos. Its name is derived from the Taíno name for the region, which means “sun”. The city was originally a part of the larger region of Arecibo until it was separated in the 19th century. Over the years, Camuy has developed a strong agricultural economy, with coffee, sugar cane, and fruit being the primary crops.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Camuy is known for its natural beauty, particularly the Rio Camuy Cave Park, which is one of the largest cave networks in the world. The city’s coastline also features stunning beaches, and its terrain is characterized by rolling hills and lush vegetation. Camuy is part of the Karst region, which is known for its unique topography and biodiversity.
🏫 Education
The city of Camuy is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public and private schools in the city that offer education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities, as there are no universities within Camuy itself.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Camuy is primarily by road, with Puerto Rico Highway 2 being the main thoroughfare. The city is also served by several secondary roads. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles. The nearest airport is Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, about 20 miles to the west.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Camuy celebrates the “Festival del Peñón”, a traditional festival that includes music, dance, and local food. The city is also known for its “Carnaval de Camuy”, a carnival that attracts visitors from all over the island. Another interesting fact about Camuy is that it is home to the Arecibo Observatory, one of the world’s largest single-dish radio telescopes.