Maricao, Puerto Rico
(mah-ree-KOU)
Maricao is known as "El Pueblo de las Indieras" (town of indian settlements). Maricao was founded on April 10, 1874 by Bernardo Collado, Julián Ayala, Francisco M. Sojo Napoleón Pietri and Leoncio S. Martínez.
Photo: Jose Caraballo
The town borders the Maricao Fish Hatchery, a collection of tanks and ponds in a garden setting, where some 25,000 fish are raised yearly to stock farm fishponds and island lakes. The hatchery is part of the Maricao Forest Reserve, also known as Monte del Estado. Though of dryer vegetation than the other mountain forest, The forest is home to large number of bird species and a vast amount of flora, 582 species, 339 genera and 113 families. Its stone observation tower provides far-flung views to the coast and the Mona Passage.
Economy
Maricao's agriculture is a central part of the city's economy, specifically coffee plantations. Maricao is known for producting one of the best coffees in the island. The city also producews fruits and vegetables.
Geography
Maricao, at the western edge of the mountains, is a small town set around a small plaza in hilly terrain, north of San Germán;, Sabana Grande and Yauco; south of Las Marias and Lares; southeast of Mayagüez; and west of Adjuntas.
Maricao is made up of 7 barrios (wards/districts):
- Bucarabones
- Indiera Alta
- Indiera Baja
- Indiera Fría
- Maricao Afuera
- Montoso
- Pueblo
Climate
Restaurants
- Casona de Juanita (Puerto Rican), (787) 831-7575
- La Casa de Los Tostones Gigantes (Puerto Rican), (787) 838-5572
Festivals and Events
- Coffee Harvest Festival - February
Maricao celebrates "la toma de cafe" every year. The festival takes place in the plaza town and features folkloric music, crafts displays, typical cuisine and demonstrations of coffee preparations. (787) 838-2290 - Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista - June
Every year, Maricao celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 838-2290
Symbols
Anthem: Sobre las verdes altura...
Education
There are 6 public schools in Maricao, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.
Demographics *
Population
4,755
Land Area: 36.62 sq mi
Density: 161.1 per sq mi
Median Age: 44.6
Sex: 51% female
Economics **
$6,936
Median household income: $15,387
Puerto Rico: $21,058
Persons below poverty line: 58.1%
Housing, families and educational attainment *
Number of households
1,873
Housing units density:
74.8 (2013)
Persons per household: 3.14
High school grad or higher: 54.1%
Marital status: 30% married
* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020
Map References
Coordinates: 18.1808° N, 66.9800° W
Zip Code: 606
Driving Distance from San Juan: 86.5 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
