Arroyo, Puerto Rico

(ah-RO-yo)

Arroyo is known as Pueblo Ingrato-Pueblo Grato. The town was founded in December 25, 1855. Arroyo ("creek" in English) derives its name from the small stream from which weary travelers in the past stopped for a drink of water and to rest.

Points of Interest and Landmarks

Punta Guilarte Beach, located east of Arroyo and accessible via Rt 3 on the west side of Puerto Patillas bay, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. For inquiries and further information, you can contact them at (787) 839-3565.

The San Lucas Arroyo Emergency and Integrated Medicine Center, formerly known as Hospital Lafayette stands as one of the oldest private hospitals in the southeastern region of Puerto Rico.

Additional Places and Sights

Other places worth exploring include:

• La Cora Hacienda
• Las Palmas Beach
• Punta de Las Figuras Lighthouse
• Arroyo Sugar Cane Train

Economy

The surrounding areas produce sugar cane.

Geography

Arroyo is located in the region known as the Southern Coastal Valley, a very dry region. Bordering the Caribbean Sea, east of Guayama and northwest of Patillas. Arroyo's highest peaks are Yaurel (686 m), Corazón (605 m), and Ancones (270 m).

The Nigua River crosses the municipality from north to south.

Arroyo is made up of 6 barrios (wards/districts):

• Ancones
• Guásima
• Palmas
• Pitahaya
• Pueblo
• Yaurel

Climate

Arroyo enjoys year-round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 77°. On average, the warmest month is August, and the coolest month is January. Arroyo averages 34.45 inches of rain per year. November is the average wettest month.

ARROYO WEATHER

10-Day Forecast

Notable People

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

• Francisco J. Amy, poet
• Marcelina Cintrón, poet, theatrical author, short-story writer, and journalist
• José Manautou Fantauzzi, former IBF light welterweight champion
• Juan B. Huyke, writer and politician
• Enrique Huyke, poet
• Galio Ortíz
• José Ramón Quiñones

Restaurants

• Galeria del Puerto (Sea Food), (787) 271-1108

Festivals and Events

• Carnaval de Arroyo - February
  Arroyo celebrates this Carnival with many daytime and evening activities. The festivities include: dances, food, parades and processions, and presentations honoring outstanding community members. (787) 839-9060
• Festival del Pescao - November
  
• Fiesta Negra - March
  
• Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Sra. del Carmen - July
  Every year, Arroyo celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 839-2030 or (787) 839-3835
• Los Rosarios de Cruz - May
  

Symbols

Flag

It has two horizontal bands of equal size. The orange and black colors keep alive a past filled with adventure and accomplishment. The Coat of Arms is placed in the center of the flag.

Coat of Arms
Cut into the upper blue field a church, a rosary to the right and a flower to the left. At the base, a tower between two silver telegraph poles on green hills. At the bottom waving stripes of blue and silver, and below these, a fish. Above the shield, lies a crown of three towers filled in with purple. Below there's a banner with the motto, Arroyo Pueblo Grato (Arroyo Pleasing Town).

The anthem of Arroyo is titled Arroyo.

Education

There are 10 public schools in Arroyo, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Arroyo is also home of 2 colleges and universities.

Map References

Coordinates: 17.9658° N, 66.0614° W

Zip Code: 714

Driving Distance from San Juan: 56.6 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Other Resources

• Data USA - Arroyo