The Big List of Cities

Category: C

  • Ciales, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ciales is a municipality located in the central region of Puerto Rico, nestled within the Cordillera Central mountain range. The town is bordered by the municipalities of Manatí, Morovis, Orocovis, Jayuya, and Utuado. The terrain of Ciales is predominantly mountainous, with the Toro Negro State Forest occupying a significant portion of the municipality. The Ciales River flows through the town, providing a natural water source.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Ciales, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3363° N latitude and 66.4683° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ciales is part of the Central Mountain region of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States. The municipality spans an area of about 188.8 square kilometers or approximately 72.9 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Ciales was estimated to be around 18,782 in 2010. The population is largely Hispanic, as is typical in Puerto Rico. The town has a mix of both urban and rural communities.

    🏛️ History

    Ciales was founded on June 24, 1820, by Isidro Rodríguez. The town’s name is derived from a local Indian chief named Cialí. The town’s economy was historically based on coffee and tobacco cultivation, and it is still known for its coffee production today. The town has preserved several historical buildings, including the Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a church that dates back to the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ciales is home to the Toro Negro State Forest, a protected area that offers hiking trails, camping sites, and bird watching opportunities. It also houses the highest peak in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta. The Ciales River provides a habitat for various species of fish and other aquatic life. The town’s natural environment is characterized by lush greenery and mountainous landscapes.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ciales is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has several public and private schools that offer education from kindergarten through high school. These include Escuela Elemental Urbana, Escuela Segunda Unidad de Frontón, and Colegio San José, among others.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ciales is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 149, which connects the town to the cities of Manatí and Orocovis. The town has local public transportation services, and it’s also served by several private taxi companies. However, due to the mountainous terrain, traveling in and around Ciales can be challenging.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Ciales is known for its annual Coffee Harvest Festival, which celebrates the town’s rich coffee-growing heritage. The town is also home to the Museo del Café, or Coffee Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of coffee cultivation in Puerto Rico. Another notable event is the Festival del Bejuco y la Hamaca, a festival that celebrates the town’s traditional hammock-making craft.

  • Castaner, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Castaner is a small, picturesque town located in the Lares municipality of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled in the central-western part of the island, surrounded by lush mountains and green landscapes. The town is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,600 feet above sea level, providing it with a cool and pleasant climate.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Castaner, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.19 degrees North latitude and 66.94 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Castaner is part of the Lares municipality, which is located within the central interior region of Puerto Rico. The town itself is relatively small, reflecting its status as a rural, mountainous community.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small community, Castaner has a relatively low population. The exact population can vary, but it is generally in the hundreds. The residents of Castaner are predominantly of Hispanic descent, reflecting the overall demographic makeup of Puerto Rico. Spanish is the primary language spoken in the area, though English is also widely understood and spoken.

    🏛️ History

    The history of Castaner is intertwined with the history of Lares, its parent municipality. The region was originally inhabited by the Taíno people before the arrival of Spanish colonists in the 16th century. The town of Castaner itself was established in the early 20th century and has since remained a small, predominantly agricultural community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Castaner is known for its beautiful, natural environment. The town is surrounded by verdant mountains and features a variety of local flora and fauna. The climate is tropical, but the high altitude gives Castaner a cooler and less humid climate than coastal areas of Puerto Rico. The area is also home to several natural attractions, including nearby rivers and hiking trails.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Castaner is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town has a few schools that serve its residents, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Post-secondary education options can be found in larger nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Due to its rural location, transportation in Castaner primarily revolves around road travel. The town is served by a network of local roads that connect it to other communities in the Lares municipality and beyond. Public transportation options are limited, so many residents rely on private vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Despite its small size, Castaner has a vibrant community spirit. The town hosts several local events throughout the year, including traditional Puerto Rican festivals and celebrations. Additionally, Castaner is home to a historic hospital, Hospital de Castañer, which was established in 1947 and is known for being one of the first community hospitals in Puerto Rico.

  • Camuy, Puerto Rico

    📍 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.

  • Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

    📍 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.