📍 Location & Geography
Comerio is a municipality in the central region of Puerto Rico, located in the eastern part of the island. It is nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Central, a mountain range that runs across the center of Puerto Rico. The town is bordered by the municipalities of Naranjito, Barranquitas, Aibonito, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas. The Rio de la Plata, the longest river in Puerto Rico, runs through Comerio, making the area rich in fertile lands.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Comerio are approximately 18.22 degrees north latitude and 66.22 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Comerio is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The municipality has a total area of 28 square miles (73 km2), of which, 27 square miles (70 km2) of it is land and 1 square mile (3 km2) of it (3.57%) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Comerio has a population of approximately 19,000 residents. The population consists primarily of individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, with Spanish being the primary language spoken in the area.
🏛️ History
Comerio was founded on June 12, 1826, originally named Sabana del Palmar, but later changed to Comerio in honor of a local Indian Chief Comerio. The town was known for its tobacco plantations during the 19th century and was even referred to as “El Pueblo del Tabaco” (The Town of Tobacco).
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Comerio is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. The town is surrounded by lush mountains and is home to the Rio La Plata, which offers stunning views. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna. The Comerio Forest is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching.
🏫 Education
Education in Comerio is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that cater to students from kindergarten through high school. The University of Puerto Rico has campuses in nearby cities, providing higher education opportunities for Comerio residents.
🚧 Transportation
Comerio is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 167 and Highway 779. The town is approximately an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Juan. Public transportation in the area includes public cars, known as “publicos”, and buses.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Comerio celebrates its patron saint festival in honor of Saint Joseph. The festival includes processions, games, artisans, traditional food, music, and more. The town is also known for the Comerio Identity Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and culture.