Lajas, Puerto Rico
(LAH-huz)
Lajas is known as "La Ciudad Cardenalicia" (cardinality city). Lajas was founded in 1883 by Teodoro Jácome Pagán.
Lajas is located in southwestern region, south of San Germán and Sabana Grande; east of Cabo Rojo; and west of Guánica.
South of semi-arid farmland in the Lajas Valley, the fishing village of "La Parguera" has developed onto a popular resort center while maintaining much of its small town atmosphere. Guest houses and inns, seafood restaurants, water sports and boating centers and small shops fan out from the small plaza. In the evening, boats leave regularly for nearby Phosphorescent Bay, where millions of luminescent dinoflagellates light up when disturbed by movement; moonless nights are best. Numerous mangrove cays and islets form ornate channels places. Bathers and picnickers visit Rosada Beach or Mata de la Gata Cay. Snorkelers and scuba divers explore nearby reefs and spectacular outer shelf walls that lie up to seven miles offshore. On weekends the town becomes more bustling.
There are many well-known "lajeños", among them: first Puerto Rican Cardinal Luis Aponte Martínez.
Lajas is made up of 12 barrios (wards/districts):
- Candelaria
- Costa
- Lajas
- Lajas Arriba
- Llanos
- Palmarejo
- Parquera
- Paris
- La Plata
- Pueblo
- Sababa Yeguas
- Santa Rosa
Restaurants
- Antojitos Restaurant (Puerto Rican), (787) 899-5888
- Cafe Restaurant Puerto Parguera (Puerto Rican), (787) 899-2925
- Cavernas (International), (787) 897-6463
- Criollo Buffet & Salad Bar (Puerto Rican), (787) 897-6463
- La Casita Sea Food Restaurant (Puerto Rican), (787) 899-1681
- Los Balcones Restaurant (Puerto Rican), (787) 899-2145
- Majimo Restaurant (International), (787) 808-0808
- Restaurant Guacataco (Mexican), (787) 808-0303
- Villa Parguera Parador (International), (787) 899-3975
Accommodations
- Andy's Chalet (Guest House),
(787) 899-0000
- Estancia La Jamaca (Guest House),
(787) 899-6162
- Parador Posada Porlamar (Parador),
(787) 899-4015
- Parador Villa del Mar (Parador),
(787) 899-4265
- Parador Villa Parguera (Parador),
(787) 899-3975
- Torres de la Parguera Hotel (Hotel),
(787) 808-0808
- Cayo Laurel Court Apartments (Apartment/Condo),
(787) 899-2298; (787) 484-4208
Festivals and Events
- Feria Agricola de la Reserva del Valle - September
- Feria Agropecuaria - June
- Festival de Chiringas - February
- Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria - February
Every year, Lajas celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 899-1450 - Lola Rodriguez de Tio Festival - September
Symbols
Anthem: Nuestro Lajas, pueblito querido...
Education
There are 12 public schools in Lajas, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.
Climate
10 Day Forecast from weather.com
Demographics *
Population
23,386
Land Area: 59.95 sq mi
Density: 373.5 per sq mi
Median Age: 46.3
Sex: 51% female
Economics **
$8,251
Median household income: $14,439
Puerto Rico: $21,058
Persons below poverty line: 61.4%
Housing, families and educational attainment *
Number of households
7,933
Housing units density:
206.8 (2013)
Persons per household: 2.82
High school grad or higher: 66.2%
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: 18.0519° N, 67.0597° W
ZIP Code: 667
Driving Distance from San Juan: 111.6 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 28 minutes
