Fajardo, Puerto Rico

(fah-HAHR-do)

Fajardo is known as "La Metrópolis del Sol Naciente" (the city that guards the sun of the Caribbean). Fajardo was founded in 1772. It was originally named Santiago de Fajardo.

Fajardo is one of the most originally beautiful spots on the island's shores. Located in the east region of the island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Ceiba and east of Luquillo. Fajardo is a major boating center, with a wide range of rentals and charters available, with daily and sport-diving excursions as well as scheduled ferries and air service carrying passengers and cargo to Culebra and Vieques. For information call: (787) 863-0705 or (787) 863-0852. Puerto del Rey Marina, home of 750 ships, is the largest in the Caribbean.

Fajardo's perfect beaches are bounded by calm, clear water ideal for snorkeling, Seven Seas Beach, offers plentiful water sports facilities, offshore points for sailing, snorkeling and plenty of scuba diving.

Las Cabezas de San Juan in Fajardo is one of the most important natural areas in Puerto Rico. Las Cabezas, which means "headlands," refer to 3 promontories that extend into the Atlantic Ocean. Impressive representation of seven different ecological systems including coral reefs, beaches, lagoons, mangroves and dry forest within its 316 acres/128 hectares. The preserve is also a scientific research center, which serve as a home of many endangered species. Visitors can explore the reserve along a network of trails and board-walks.

The island's second oldest lighthouse, a 19th century lighthouse, built in 1880, and known as El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, is located here. The lighthouse is owned by the Conservation Trust, who carefully restored this lighthouse to its original and beautiful neoclassical style. The lighthouse has an information center and observation deck, from which offers a magnificent view that, on a clear day, reaches distant Caribbean islands.

The Nature Reserve is open for general and school group tours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations are required for all visitors. Tours lasting two- and one-half hours, are scheduled four times daily: 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am and 2pm. An English tour is available at 2pm. Located on Route 987, (787) 722-5882 or (787) 860-2560.

Located next to reserve at the end of Hwy 987, the Seven Seas Beach is an excellent beach. Open daily between 9am – 5pm with lifeguards on duty.

Also located nearby is El Conquistador Golf Course, designed by Arthur Hills in 1993. It features changes in elevation more than 200 feet with strategic bunkering and water features. Open daily 6:30am - 7:30pm. (787) 863-6784.

Off shore near Fajardo few islets can be found: Icacos, Palominos, Palominitos and Diablo, uninhabited coral islands.

Economy

Principal manufactures of the area include cigars, furniture, metal and electronic components.

Notable People

There are many well-known "fajardeños", among them:

• Antonio R. Barcelo, politician
• Marquita Rivera, first Puerto Rican actress to appear in a major Hollywood motion picture

Restaurants

• A La Banda Waterfront Restaurant (Sea Food), (787) 860-9162
• Anchor's Inn (Sea Food), (787) 863-7200
• Bally Hoo Bar & Grill (American), (787) 863-1000
• Blossoms (Japanese), (787) 863-1000
• Blue Iguana (Mexican), (787) 860-6000
• Breeze Restaurant (Continental), (787) 860-6000
• Cantina de las Olas (Mexican), (787) 863-1000
• Cassava (Puerto Rican), (787) 863-1000
• Ciao Mediterranean Café (International), (787) 863-1000
• Isabella's Grill (Sea Food/Steak), (787) 863-1000
• Las Brisas Terrace (American/Puerto Rican), (787) 863-6565
• Metropol (International), (787) 801-2877
• Otello's (Spanish), (787) 863-1000
• Rosa's Sea Food (Sea Food), (787) 863-0213
• Sting Ray Cafe (International), (787) 863-1000

Accommodations

• Anchor's Inn (Guest House), (787) 863-7200
  
• El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa (Resort), (787) 863-1000
  
• Fajardo Inn (Hotel), (787) 860-6000
  
• Las Casitas Village and Golden Door Spa (Resort), 787-863-1000
  
• Scenic Inn (Guest House), (787) 863-5195
  
• Las Crobas Inn Guesthouse (Guest House), (787) 860-8753
  
• Puerto Rico Vacation (Rental), (939) 940-2002
  

Festivals and Events

• Festival Cocolia - November
  
• Festival de Bomba y Plena - May
  
• Festival de Chiringas - April
  
• Fiestas del Paraiso - August
  
• Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apostol - July
  Every year, Fajardo celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 863-4013
• La Bicicletada Fajardena - April
  
• Regata de Veleros Copa Kelly - April
  

Symbols

Anthem: Fajardo que aquí en el oriente...

Education

There are 15 public schools in Fajardo, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Fajardo is also home of 2 colleges and universities.

Geography

Fajardo is made up of 9 barrios (wards/districts):

• Cabezas
• Demajagua
• Florencio
• Naranjo
• Quebrada Fajardo
• Quebrada Vueltas
• Pueblo
• Río Arriba
• Sardinera

Climate

Fajardo annual precipitation is 66 inches, and its average temperature is 79°. The driest month is February and the wetest month is October.

10 Day Forecast

Other Resources

• Fajardo Map by TravelMaps.com

Map References

Coordinates: 18.3258° N, 65.6525° W

Zip Code: 00738, 00740

Driving Distance from San Juan: 29.1 miles

Driving Time: 54 minutes