📍 Location & Geography
Maunabo is a charming town located on the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico. The city is bordered by the towns of Yabucoa to the north, Patillas to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south and east. Maunabo is known for its picturesque coastal plains, hilly regions, and the majestic Sierra de Cayey mountain range that extends into its northern territory.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Maunabo, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.0072° N latitude and 65.8993° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Maunabo is part of the Ponce metropolitan area, even though it is physically closer to Humacao. The town covers a total area of approximately 33.88 square miles (87.76 square kilometers), of which, 28.4 square miles (73.6 km²) is land and 5.5 square miles (14.2 km²) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Maunabo was approximately 14,425. The population density was around 508.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly Hispanic. The city’s population is fairly young, with a median age of 36 years.
🏛️ History
Maunabo was founded in 1799, making it one of the older towns in Puerto Rico. The town was named after a local Indian Chief, Maunabo. The area was initially known for its sugar cane production, but over time, it has shifted towards other agricultural products like fruits and vegetables.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Maunabo is home to several natural wonders. The town boasts beautiful beaches like Playa Punta Tuna, which is known for its scenic beauty and the Punta Tuna Lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the 16 lighthouses built by the Spanish in Puerto Rico and is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Maunabo is also home to a unique natural reserve known as the Maunabo Tunnel, a 200-meter tunnel formed by the Maunabo River.
🏫 Education
Education in Maunabo 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. For higher education, residents typically attend universities in the nearby larger cities.
🚧 Transportation
Maunabo is accessible via Puerto Rico Highway 3, which runs along the town’s coastline, and Puerto Rico Highway 901, which cuts through the town’s center. The town does not have a public airport; the nearest airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. Public transportation in Maunabo is limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Maunabo celebrates its patron saint festival, the Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in August. This festival is a week-long event filled with music, food, parades, and religious processions. Another notable event is the Crab Festival, a culinary event that celebrates the local crab fishing industry.