Guaynabo
(gwei-NAH-bo)Guaynabo is known as "Capital del Deporte" (capital of the sport). It is also know as Puerto Rico's first settlement, Caparra was founded in the area in 1508 by Juan Ponce de León. Guaynabo derives its name from a Taino Indian term which means "lugar de aguas dulces".
The Caparra Ruins Historical Museum & Park includes ruins of the ancient fort and settlement founded by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508. The small Museum of the Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico located near the ruins features historical documents, exhibits and artifacts. The area is listed on the National Registry of Historical Monuments. Open Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm, (787) 781-4795.
The Rafael Martinez Nadal Museum features furniture and memorabilia of Don Rafael who was the third president of the Senate of Puerto Rico, serving from 1933 to 1941. Open Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, (787) 525-7950.
The San Patricio Plaza shopping mall includes over 120 specialty stores, Big K-mart, a food court, four family restaurants and a movie theater. Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 11am-5pm, (787) 792-1255.
Economy
Fruits are the principal crops grown in the surrounding rural area.
Geography
Guaynabo is located in the northern coast of the island, north of Aguas Buenas; south of Cataño; east of Bayamón; and west of San Juan.
Guaynabo is made up of 10 barrios (wards/districts):
- Camarones
- Frailes
- Guaraguao
- Hato Nuevo
- Mamey
- Pueblo
- Pueblo Viejo
- Río
- Santa Rosa
- Sonadora
Climate
Notable People
There are many well-known "guaynabeños", among them:
- Román Baldorioty de Castro, politician
- Jose R. Carazo
- Jose Pepito Bonano
- Cesar Lopez
- Lidio Cruz Moclova
- Aurelio Maldonado
Restaurants
- Baby Bull Steakhouse (American), (787) 783-8927
- Bottles (Steak), (787) 775-1210
- Burbuja's Cafe (Puerto Rican), (787) 789-2167
- Casa Lazaro (Spanish), (787) 720-1177
- Chili's Grill & Bar (Guaynabo) (American), (787) 774-0295
- Churrasqueria y Pasta Chimichurri (Argentine), (787) 449-1059
- City Buffet (International), (787) 720-3688
- Iche's International Cuisine (International), (787) 782-6910
- Nina's (Italian), (787) 287-1785
- Park Avenue Cafe (American), (787) 277-0791
- Paya (International), (787) 782-7292
- Puerto Esmeralda (Sea Food), (787) 720-8656
- Reggio Pizza (Pizza), (787) 277-0677
- Tacolandia (Mexican), (787) 789-0303
Festivals and Events
- Carnaval Mabo - February
- Ciudad Encantada en Navidad - November/December
Festivities take place in the Tablado del Rio parking lot. (787) 272-0101 - Festival Bomba y Plena - October
Festivities take place in the Bo. Amelia. (787) 272-0101 - Fiesta de Reyes - January
(787) 272-0101 - Fiestas Patronales San Pedro Martir - April
Every year, Guaynabo celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. - Iluminacion Navidena - November
(787) 272-0101
Symbols
Flag
Coat of Arms
Anthem
Guaynabo's anthem was written by Rafael Velazquez Pericas. The title is Guaynabo, pueblo querido,...
Education
There are 24 public schools in Guaynabo, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Guaynabo is also home of 2 colleges and universities.
Demographics *
97,924
Population
94,645 (July 2013 est.)
Land Area: 27.58 sq mi
Density: 3550.5 per sq mi
Median Age: 39.7
Economics *
Per capita income (2013)
Puerto Rico: $11,068
Median household income: $35,074
Puerto Rico: $19,624
Persons below poverty line: 27.10 %
Housing, families and educational attainment *
37,402
Number of households
Housing units density: 1523.3
Persons per household: 3.09
High school grad or higher: 80.2%
* U.S. Census Bureau 2010 data unless otherwise noted.
Map References
Coordinates: 18.1144° N, 66.1681° W
Zip Code: 00965, 00966, 00968, 00969, 00970, 00971
Driving Distance from San Juan: 15.8 miles
Driving Time: 27 minutes