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Guayanilla, Puerto Rico

(gwah-yah-NEE-yah)

Guayanilla is known as "El Pueblo que Corre en Yegua" (mare riders). Guayanilla was founded in February 27, 1833, by order of Governor Miguel de la Torre. Guayanilla derives its name from an Indian term: "Guaynia".

Agueybana who was the principal "Cacique" (chief) of the Tainos when the Spaniards first arrived and lived with his tribe in "Guaynia" (Guayanilla) located by the river of the same name. However, others claim that the location of the village was in Guánica.

Guayanilla is located in southern coast of the island, bordering the Caribbean Sea, south of Adjuntas, east of Yauco; and west of Peñuelas. Its rivers are: Guayanilla, Macaná and Yauco.

The surrounding areas produces sugar cane.

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

  • Isaias Rodriguez Lopéz
  • Eustaqui Pagan
  • Dalilla Torres
  • Heriberto Torres
  • Alfredo Medona
  • Aristides Cales Quiros
  • Rafael D. Dapena

Guayanilla is made up of 17 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Barrero
  • Boca
  • Cedro
  • Consejo
  • Indios
  • Jagua
  • Jagua Pasto
  • Llano
  • Macaná
  • Magas
  • Pasto
  • Playa
  • Quebrada Honda
  • Quebradas
  • Pueblo
  • Rufina
  • Sierra Baja

Restaurants

  • El Golfito (Puerto Rican), (787) 835-4140
  • Pichi's Steakhouse & Seafood (Sea Food/Steak/International), (787) 835-4140

Accommodations

Festivals and Events

  • Carnaval del Pueblo - July
  • Festival de la Chiringa - April
  • Festival del Marisco - June
  • Festival de Playa - May
  • Fiestas de Cruz - May
  • Fiestas Patronales Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria - December
    Every year, Guayanilla celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 835-2660
  • Fiestas Virgen del Carmen - June
  • Maraton Femenino - November

Symbols

Guayanilla Flag Guayanilla Coat of Arms

Education

There are 12 public schools in Guayanilla, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Climate

10 Day Forecast

Anthem: Guayanillenses, cantemos unidos...

Demographics *

Population
17,784

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 42.27 sq mi

Density: 427.7 per sq mi

Median Age: 42.1

Sex: 53% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$8,980
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $17,796
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 54.9%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
6,539
Housing units density:
206.4 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.75

High school grad or higher: 77.2%

Marital status: 38% married

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

Map References

Coordinates: 18.0192° N, 66.7919° W

Zip Code: 656

Driving Distance from San Juan: 91.3 miles

Driving Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes




Did You Know?

Eight major rivers originates in El Yunque and supplies water to 20% of the island's population.