Category: C

  • Corozal, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Corozal is a municipality in the central-eastern region of Puerto Rico. It is situated in the northern part of the Cordillera Central, a mountainous region that runs across the island. The town is bordered by Naranjito to the west, Morovis and Orocovis to the south, Toa Alta to the north, and Vega Alta to the east. The topography of Corozal is characterized by steep hills and valleys.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Corozal, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3411° N latitude and 66.3126° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Corozal is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The municipality of Corozal covers a total area of 43.17 square miles (111.8 km²), of which 42.99 square miles (111.3 km²) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Corozal was 37,142. The population density was 864.1 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly Hispanic. The town is known for its strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage.

    🏛️ History

    Corozal was founded on June 17, 1795, by Luis Munoz Marin. Its name is derived from the “palma de corozo” (corozo palm) which abounds in the central zone of the Island. Corozal has a strong agricultural history, with plantations growing crops such as coffee, tobacco, and sugar cane.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Corozal is known for its lush greenery and mountainous landscapes. It is home to several rivers including the Cibuco, Mavilla, and Orocovis rivers. The town’s natural beauty is complemented by its well-preserved environment, making it a haven for nature lovers.

    🏫 Education

    Corozal has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten to high school. The public education is administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are also opportunities for higher education in nearby areas, including the University of Puerto Rico.

    🚧 Transportation

    Corozal is accessible via several main roads including Puerto Rico Highway 159, Highway 160, and Highway 807. Public transportation in Corozal is limited, but the town is served by private taxis and ride-sharing services. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Corozal is known for its annual Festival del Corozo, a festival celebrating the town’s namesake palm. The event features local food, music, and arts and crafts. Corozal is also famous for its “hamacas” (hammocks), which are handcrafted by local artisans and are considered some of the best in Puerto Rico.

  • Comerio, Puerto Rico

    📍 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.

  • Coto Laurel, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Coto Laurel is a small suburban community located in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico. It is situated on the southern coast of the island, approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center of Ponce. The geography of Coto Laurel is characterized by a mix of flatlands and rolling hills, with a tropical climate that is typical of the region.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Coto Laurel, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.05 degrees north latitude and 66.57 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Coto Laurel is part of the Ponce metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous regions in Puerto Rico. The community itself covers an area of approximately 3.7 square miles (9.6 square kilometers).

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Coto Laurel was 4,988. The community is largely Hispanic, reflecting the broader demographics of Puerto Rico. The median age of the population is around 37 years.

    🏛️ History

    Coto Laurel’s history is closely tied to that of the larger Ponce region. Ponce was established by Spanish colonists in the late 17th century, and over the centuries, it developed into one of Puerto Rico’s major cities. Coto Laurel, as a suburban community, grew in tandem with the urban expansion of Ponce in the 20th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Coto Laurel is surrounded by a lush tropical environment, with a variety of local flora and fauna. The community is near the Toro Negro State Forest, a large protected area that is home to many species of wildlife and offers opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Coto Laurel is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The community is served by several public schools, including Coto Laurel Elementary School and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School. There are also a number of private schools in the area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Coto Laurel is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 14, which connects the community to the city of Ponce. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority, which operates a network of bus routes throughout the Ponce metropolitan area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Coto Laurel is known for its annual community events, which often include traditional Puerto Rican music, dance, and food. One of the most popular events is the Festival de la Pana, a festival celebrating the breadfruit, a staple food in Puerto Rican cuisine.

  • Culebra, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Culebra is a small island municipality located in the northeastern Caribbean, part of the archipelago of Puerto Rico. It is positioned approximately 17 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, 12 miles west of St. Thomas, and 9 miles north of Vieques. Culebra is the smallest of Puerto Rico’s municipalities and is made up of the main island and 23 smaller islands that surround it, including Culebrita and Luis Peña.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Culebra are approximately 18.3030° N latitude and 65.3008° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Culebra is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands, which are also known as the Passage Islands. It covers a total area of about 11.6 square miles (30.0 km²). The main island itself is approximately 7 miles long and 3 miles wide.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Culebra had a population of around 1,818 residents, making it one of the least populated municipalities in Puerto Rico. The population is diverse, with a mix of locals and expatriates. The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Culebra was originally inhabited by the Taino Indians before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. The island was used for farming and raising livestock during the Spanish colonial period. In 1901, the U.S. Navy began using the island as a gunnery and bombing practice site until 1975. The island was officially declared a wildlife refuge by Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. In 1976, Culebra was incorporated as a municipality of Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Culebra is known for its stunning natural beauty, with numerous beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. It is home to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts a variety of bird species and sea turtles. The island’s clear waters make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Flamenco Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is often ranked among the world’s best beaches.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Culebra is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The island has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. There are no institutions of higher education on the island, so students seeking university degrees typically travel to the mainland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Culebra can be reached by ferry from Fajardo or by air from Ceiba and San Juan. The island has one airport, Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport. On the island, transportation options include taxis, public buses, and private vehicle rentals.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Culebra hosts the Festival de la Ballena, a celebration of the humpback whales that migrate through the region. The island is also known for its New Year’s Eve festivities, which attract visitors from around the world. Despite its small size, Culebra has a rich history and vibrant culture that make it a unique and charming destination.

  • Coamo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Coamo is a municipality located in the southern region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is situated in the Coamo Valley, with the Coamo River running through the city. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Barranquitas and Aibonito to the north, Salinas to the east, Santa Isabel to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Coamo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.08° N latitude and 66.36° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Coamo is part of the Coamo County in Puerto Rico. It covers a total area of approximately 78 square miles, making it one of the larger municipalities in terms of land area on the island.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 United States Census, Coamo had a population of approximately 40,512 people. The majority of the population is of Hispanic descent, as is common throughout Puerto Rico. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming community.

    🏛️ History

    Coamo was founded in 1579, making it one of the oldest European settlements on the island. It played a significant role in the island’s agricultural development during the Spanish colonial period. Coamo was also the site of the Battle of Coamo during the Spanish-American War in 1898, which marked the end of Spanish rule in Puerto Rico.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Coamo is home to several natural attractions. The Coamo Thermal Springs, known for their therapeutic properties, are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The city is also surrounded by lush green hills and has several parks and outdoor spaces for nature lovers.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Coamo is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through high school. Coamo also has a branch of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, offering higher education opportunities to residents.

    🚧 Transportation

    Coamo is served by a network of roads and highways, including the PR-52, a major highway that connects the city to San Juan and Ponce. Public transportation in the city is limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Coamo is known for hosting the San Blas Half-Marathon every February, which attracts runners from all over the world. The city is also famous for its annual Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Blaise. Additionally, Coamo was the first place in Puerto Rico where baseball was played, earning it the nickname “Cuna del Beisbol Puertorriqueño” or “Cradle of Puerto Rican Baseball”.