📍 Location & Geography
Ensenada is a small coastal barrio located in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico. It is a part of the municipality of Guánica, which is situated on the island’s southern coast. The barrio is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south, Guánica’s central barrio to the north, and the barrios of Cañas and Carenero to the east and west, respectively.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Ensenada, Puerto Rico are approximately 17.9747° N latitude and 66.9076° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ensenada is a part of the Guánica municipality, which is located within the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area. The barrio covers a relatively small area, typical of the barrios within Puerto Rico’s municipalities.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the last U.S. Census, the population of the entire Guánica municipality was around 19,000 people. However, specific demographic data for Ensenada is not readily available as the U.S. Census Bureau does not provide population statistics for individual barrios. The population of Ensenada is a mix of all ages, from children to seniors, and is predominantly Hispanic, like much of Puerto Rico.
🏛️ History
Ensenada, like many of Puerto Rico’s barrios, has a rich history tied to the island’s Spanish colonial past. The name “Ensenada” translates to “bay” or “cove” in English, reflecting its coastal location. Guánica, the municipality to which Ensenada belongs, is historically significant as the landing site of U.S. troops during the Spanish-American War in 1898.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ensenada is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and tropical weather. Being a coastal barrio, it is home to several beaches and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The area is also in close proximity to the Guánica State Forest, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve known for its dry forest environment and diverse wildlife.
🏫 Education
Education in Ensenada is governed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. There are several public and private schools in the larger Guánica municipality that serve the residents of Ensenada. The University of Puerto Rico at Ponce is also located relatively close to Ensenada, providing higher education opportunities.
🚧 Transportation
Like much of Puerto Rico, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation in Ensenada. The barrio is served by a network of local roads, with Puerto Rico Highway 116 being the main thoroughfare connecting it to other parts of Guánica and the island. Public transportation options are limited, although there are private taxi services available.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Guánica, including Ensenada, celebrates the Festival del Pescao, a festival dedicated to the region’s fishing heritage. The event includes music, food, and a variety of activities centered around the local seafood industry. The Guánica State Forest near Ensenada is also home to the Capá Blanco, a tree that is one of the oldest living organisms in Puerto Rico.