📍 Location & Geography
Fajardo is a city located on the eastern edge of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. It’s known for its coastal beauty, as it’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on two sides. Fajardo is nestled in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The city is also home to the largest marina in the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Fajardo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.3258° N latitude and 65.6524° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Fajardo is part of the Fajardo Metropolitan Statistical Area, and it’s one of the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico. The city covers an area of approximately 31 square miles, with about 3 square miles of it being water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Fajardo had a population of approximately 36,993 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The majority of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and the city also has a significant African American population.
🏛️ History
Fajardo was founded in 1760, named after the Spanish governor and captain general of Puerto Rico, Don Santiago Fajardo. The city has a rich history with many historical landmarks, including the Cape San Juan Light, which was built in 1880 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Fajardo is surrounded by natural beauty, including the El Yunque National Forest and the bioluminescent Laguna Grande. The city is also home to several nature reserves, such as Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, which features a lighthouse, mangroves, and coral reefs. Fajardo’s beaches are another highlight, with Seven Seas Beach being one of the most popular.
🏫 Education
Education in Fajardo is overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city is home to several public and private schools, offering education from kindergarten through high school. For higher education, the city is served by the Universidad del Turabo-Fajardo Campus.
🚧 Transportation
Fajardo is served by several major roads, including Puerto Rico Highways 3, 53, and 194. The city also has a ferry terminal, offering services to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. For air travel, the nearby José Aponte de la Torre Airport serves the city.
📜 Trivia & Events
Fajardo is known for its annual events, such as the Fajardo Carnival and the Festival del Pescao. The city is also famous for its bioluminescent bay, one of the few places in the world where you can see this natural phenomenon. The city’s nickname is “The City that Guards the Sun of the Caribbean,” due to its eastern location on the island.