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Luquillo, Puerto Rico

(loo-KEE-yo)

Luquillo is known as "La Capital del Sol" (sun capital) and "La Riviera de Puerto Rico" (Puerto Rico's riviera). Luquillo was founded in 1797 by Cristóbal Guzmán. The town was named after the Indian cacique Loquillo, who died a few years after the last Indian rebellion in 1513.

Luquillo Beach

El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest is located in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km southeast of San Juan (latitude 18'19"N, longitude 65'45"W). The forest covers lands of the municipalities of Canovanas, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, and Rio Grande. It is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. The total area is 28,000 acres and has an estimated of 240 types of tree, and many other plants. Hiking trails and rest areas available. Located on Route 191 Km. 4.2.

At the foothills of the El Yunque rain forest, Hacienda Carabalí offers two-hour horse rides, the scenic trip includes a river swim. (787) 889-5820.

If you return to or stay on the coastal highway, you'll soon reach Luquillo Beach. This huge plantation of majestic coconut palms shades more than a mile of fine and shimmering sand. It is one of the most popular and nicest public beaches in the San Juan area. It offers cafeterias, public bathrooms with showers, access for disabled people, and an ample parking lot. Locted on Rte. 3, Km 35.4.

Nearby you will also find: La Bandera Beach, Mameyes Beach, La Pared Beach, Las Pailas Beach, and Monserrate Beach, one of the public beaches most frequented by the locals.

You can't leave Luquillo without stopping by the Luquillo Kiosks to sample the local cuisine and scenery. The kiosks are located parallel to the Luquillo Beach along PR-3 highway, just past the Route 191 entrance to El Yunque.

Geography

Luquillo is located in the northeast coats, northwest of Fajardo; and east of Río Grande.

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

Climate

10 Day Forecast

Notable People

There are many well-known "luquillenses", among them: sculptor Tomás Batista.

Restaurants

Accommodations

Festivals and Events

Symbols

Luquillo Flag Luquillo Coat of Arms

Anthem: Junto a las costas del mar Atlántico...

Education

There are 10 public schools in Luquillo, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Demographics *

Population
17,781

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 25.81 sq mi

Density: 694.4 per sq mi

Median Age: 43.1

Sex: 53% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$11,479
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $21,805
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 42.2%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
6,660
Housing units density:
425 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.69

High school grad or higher: 78.6%

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: 18.3725° N, 65.7167° W

Zip Code: 773

Driving Distance from San Juan: 23.3 miles

Driving Time: 45 minutes




Did You Know?

Jones Act is a federal law requiring that goods shipped between U.S. ports are transported on ships built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.