The Big List of Cities

Category: L

  • La Plata, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    La Plata is a city located in the county of Aibonito, in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The city is situated in the central mountainous region of the island, providing it with a unique terrain and climate compared to the coastal regions of Puerto Rico.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for La Plata, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.14° N latitude and 66.26° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    La Plata falls under the Aibonito county, which is part of the mountainous region in the heart of Puerto Rico. The city is nestled amongst the hills and valleys, providing a picturesque landscape. The ZIP code for La Plata is 00786.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As La Plata is a small city within Aibonito county, specific population and demographic data may vary. However, the county of Aibonito itself has a population of approximately 25,000 residents. The population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the overall demographic makeup of Puerto Rico.

    🏛️ History

    The history of La Plata, like much of Puerto Rico, is rich and diverse. The island was originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 15th century. The city’s name, “La Plata,” translates to “The Silver” in English, though the origin of this name is not clearly documented.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    La Plata is surrounded by lush greenery and mountainous landscapes, which are characteristic of central Puerto Rico. The region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The climate is tropical but slightly cooler than the coastal regions due to the city’s elevation.

    🏫 Education

    Education in La Plata, as in the rest of Puerto Rico, is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents often travel to larger cities or the capital, San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    La Plata, being a smaller city, primarily relies on road transportation. The city is connected to other parts of Puerto Rico through a network of highways and roads. Public transportation options are limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the county of Aibonito, where La Plata is located, hosts the Aibonito Flower Festival, which is the largest plant and sale show in Puerto Rico. This event attracts visitors from across the island and beyond, contributing to the local economy and community spirit.

  • Luquillo, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Luquillo is a beautiful town and municipality located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the north and El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rainforest, to the south. The town covers a total area of 35.71 square miles, with 7.43 square miles of it being water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.3723° N latitude and 65.7161° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Luquillo belongs to the Fajardo Region of Puerto Rico, an area known for its stunning natural beauty and coastal attractions. The town itself spans an area of 26.7 square miles, with a significant portion of it covered by water bodies.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the most recent United States Census data, Luquillo has a population of approximately 20,000 residents. The town is culturally diverse, with a majority of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The median age in Luquillo is around 36.8 years.

    🏛️ History

    Luquillo was founded in the year 1797 by Cristóbal Guzmán. The town was originally named “San José de Luquillo.” The name Luquillo is derived from the Indian cacique Loquillo, who died a few years after the last Indian rebellion in 1513.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Luquillo is blessed with natural beauty, with its most prominent feature being the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The town also boasts a beautiful coastline with popular beaches like Luquillo Beach and La Pared Beach. The offshore waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and other water sports.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Luquillo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The town is home to several public and private schools offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, residents typically commute to nearby cities such as Fajardo or San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    Luquillo is well connected by road to other parts of Puerto Rico. The PR-3, a major highway, runs through the town, providing easy access to nearby cities and towns. Public transportation in Luquillo is primarily served by públicos, shared taxi services that operate on set routes. The nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Luquillo is famous for its “Kioskos,” a stretch of kiosks that sell a variety of local foods and crafts. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Festival del Coco (Coconut Festival) and the Festival Patronal San José de Luquillo, both of which celebrate the town’s rich culture and heritage.

  • Loiza, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Loíza is a small coastal city located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the municipalities of Canóvanas to the south, and Carolina to the west. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, mangroves, and the Loíza River, which flows through the city and into the Atlantic Ocean.

    🌎 Coordinates

    Loíza is situated at approximately 18.4310° N latitude and 65.8800° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Loíza is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 65 square miles, of which about 19 square miles is land and 46 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Loíza has a population of approximately 27,000 people. The city is known for its rich African heritage, with a majority of the population being of Afro-Puerto Rican descent. Spanish is the primary language spoken in Loíza, though English is also widely understood and spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Loíza was founded in 1719, but its history dates back to the early 16th century when it was inhabited by the Taíno Indians. The city is named after Yuiza, the only female Cacique (chief) of the Taíno tribe in Puerto Rico. Loíza played a significant role in the island’s defense against British and Dutch invaders due to its strategic coastal location.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Loíza is home to several natural attractions. The city boasts beautiful sandy beaches like the Aviones and Vacía Talega. The Pinones State Forest, a mangrove forest with a network of trails and boardwalks, offers opportunities for bird watching and nature walks. The Loíza River, apart from being a significant feature of the city’s geography, also provides various recreational activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Loíza 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. Post-secondary education opportunities are available in nearby cities such as San Juan.

    🚧 Transportation

    Loíza is accessible by Puerto Rico Highway 187, which runs along the city’s coastline. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, located in nearby Carolina, provides air travel facilities. Public transportation in Loíza primarily consists of public cars (“públicos”) and taxis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Loíza is famous for its traditional festivals, particularly the St. James Festival (Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol), a week-long event held in July featuring music, dance, and processions. The city is also renowned for its traditional Afro-Puerto Rican crafts, especially the colorful vejigante masks and coconut dolls. Loíza is often referred to as “The Capital of Tradition” in Puerto Rico due to its strong cultural heritage.

  • Las Piedras, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Las Piedras is a city located in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is nestled within the Las Piedras County and is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a terrain that includes mountains, valleys, and rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Las Piedras are approximately 18.1871° N latitude and 65.8642° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Las Piedras is part of the Eastern Coastal Plains region of Puerto Rico. The city covers a total area of approximately 33.89 square miles (87.78 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Las Piedras had a population of approximately 38,675 people. The city is predominantly Hispanic, with the majority of residents identifying as Puerto Rican. The city is also home to a diverse range of ages, with a significant proportion of young families.

    🏛️ History

    Las Piedras was founded on July 25, 1801, by Diego de Alvarado. The city’s name, which translates to “The Stones,” was inspired by the large amounts of stone found in its soil. Las Piedras played a significant role in Puerto Rico’s agricultural history, with tobacco farming being a major industry in the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Las Piedras is surrounded by natural beauty, with the El Yunque National Forest to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The city is home to several rivers, including the Río Grande de Loíza and the Río Gurabo. The region’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season that typically occurs from April to November.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Las Piedras is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, providing education from kindergarten through high school. Higher education opportunities are also available nearby, with the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao located just a short drive away.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Las Piedras primarily consists of private vehicles, with many residents commuting to nearby cities for work. The city is served by several major highways, including Route 198 and Route 30. Public transportation options are limited, but there are some bus services available.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Las Piedras is known for its annual “Festival del Güiro,” a celebration of the güiro, a musical instrument that is integral to Puerto Rican culture. The festival includes music performances, art exhibits, and food vendors. The city is also home to the Las Piedras Shopping Center, one of the largest shopping malls in eastern Puerto Rico.

  • Las Marias, Puerto Rico

    📍 Location & Geography

    Las Marías is a town and municipality located on the western side of the island of Puerto Rico. It is nestled within the central mountain range, with lush greenery and a tropical climate. The town is bordered by Maricao and San Sebastián to the north, Lares to the east, Mayagüez to the west, and Anasco and Maricao to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Las Marías, Puerto Rico, are approximately 18.2527° N latitude and 66.9916° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Las Marías is part of the Mayagüez Metropolitan Statistical Area, despite its mountainous location. The municipality covers an area of about 120 square kilometers, making it relatively small in comparison to other municipalities in Puerto Rico.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, the population of Las Marías is approximately 7,927. The town has seen a decrease in population over the years, largely due to urbanization and migration to larger cities. The majority of the population is Hispanic, as is typical in Puerto Rico, and Spanish is the primary language spoken.

    🏛️ History

    Las Marías was founded in 1871 by Benito Recio. The town was named after Maria Alonzo y Arizmendi, the wife of the governor of Puerto Rico at the time, José María Marxuach. The town has a rich history in agriculture, especially in the cultivation of coffee, fruits, and grains.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Las Marías is known for its beautiful tropical landscapes and fertile lands. The town is surrounded by hills and mountains, with the Rio Grande de Anasco running through it. The region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The climate is tropical, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Las Marías 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. However, there are no universities within the town, so students seeking higher education typically travel to nearby cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Las Marías is mainly by road. The town is served by several main roads, including PR-108, PR-119, and PR-407. There is no public transportation system within the town, so residents typically rely on private vehicles. The nearest airport is the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Las Marías hosts the Orange Festival, a popular event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage. The festival includes music, dances, and a variety of orange-based foods and drinks. Las Marías is also known for its traditional Puerto Rican music, particularly the décima, a type of ten-line folk song.