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Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico

Aguas Buenas is known as La Ciudad de las Aguas Claras (city of clear waters), because of the purity of its fresh water springs, the name literally translates to "good waters". Originally named Aguabuena, a sector of Caguas, later in 1798, became Aguas Claras as residents started establishing houses near the area. The town was founded in May 25, 1838 by Francisco de Salas Torres, who was declared the first city mayor.

Geography

Aguas Buenas territory is moderately mountainous, located in the Central Mountain Range, north of Cidra and Caguas; south of Bayamón, Guaynabo and San Juan; east of Comerío; and west of Caguas. Aguas Buenas' highest peaks are La Peña (552 m), Santa Bárbara (510 m), and Chícharo (490 m).

Several rivers flow through Aguas Buenas. Some of them are the Bayamón River, and several small rivers that are part of the Río Grande de Loíza, like Bairoa, Caguitas, and Cañas.

Aguas Buenas is made up of 10 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Bairoa
  • Bayamóncito
  • Cagüitas
  • Jagüeyes
  • Juan Ascencio
  • Mulas
  • Mulitas
  • Pueblo
  • Sonadora
  • Sumidero

Climate

Aguas Buenas annual precipitation is 66.5 inches, and its average temperature is 75°F. June is the warmest, February is the coldest, November is the wettest, and March is the driest month.

AGUAS BUENAS WEATHER

10 Day Forecast

Notable People

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

  • Jacobo Córdova Chirino, journalist
  • Gustavo Muñiz Díaz, doctor
  • Rafael Nicolau, journalist
  • Luis Rechani Agrait, dramatist
  • Pio Rechani, journalist

Restaurants

  • El Panoramico, Restaurante (Puerto Rican), (787) 732-6634
  • Sirimar (Puerto Rican), (787) 732-6012

Festivals and Events

  • Aguas Buenas Carnival - March
  • Festival Folklorico de Campo y Pueblo - January
  • Fiestas Patronales Nuestra Senora de la Monserrate - September
    Every year, Aguas Buenas celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 732-8621

Symbols

Flag

The flag of Aguas Buenas features a blue triangle with the base at the hoist. The triangle has a solitary white star, like the national banner. A second triangle appears interposed with the first one, in yellow, with its point reaching the other end of the flag. The main field of the flag, under both triangles, is color green.

Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms features a four-paneled shield. The upper left panel shows the Virgin of Monserrate, while the upper right panel features a Taino, a symbol of the original inhabitants of this region. At the bottom right panel, lies a cornucopia containing the native fruit of Aguas Buenas. This panel represents how the agriculture was the primary source of income for the town. In the lower left panel, there are four maracas and a güicharo, typical instruments of the "jibaros" of Aguas Buenas and Puerto Rico. The crown, as with other municipalities of Puerto Rico, consists of three towers.

Anthem
The anthem was written by Ramon Cintron. The title is Aguas Claras.

Education

There are 14 public schools in Aguas Buenas, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Demographics *

Population
24,223

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 30.08 sq mi

Density: 840.9 per sq mi

Median Age: 42.6

Sex: 51% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$12,245
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $20,190
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 44.8%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
8,629
Housing units density:
382 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.91

High school grad or higher: 72.7%

Marital status: 39% married

* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020

Map References

Coordinates: 18.2569° N, 66.1031° W

Zip Code: 703

Driving Distance from San Juan: 21.3 miles

Driving Time: 43 minutes




Did You Know?

Fort San Cristobal was the largest citadel built by the Spanish in the New World.