Río Grande, Puerto Rico

El Yunque City

Río Grande (REE-o GRAHN-de) known as the “City of El Yunque,” is a municipality full of history, natural beauty, and Puerto Rican pride, located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. Its name is closely linked to the majestic El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. A large portion of this forest lies within Río Grande’s territory, making the municipality the main gateway to this natural treasure.

The Virgin of Carmen is the town’s patron saint, a symbol of faith and tradition celebrated with great devotion every July during the patron saint festivities.

Río Grande is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Luquillo and Ceiba, to the west by Loíza, and to the south by Naguabo and Las Piedras. Its geography combines the northern coastal plains with the mountains of the Luquillo Range, offering landscapes that range from golden sandy beaches to crystal-clear rivers and lush tropical forests.

The economy of Río Grande has evolved over the years. While it historically depended on agriculture — with crops such as plantains, yautía, tomatoes, cucumbers, and ornamental flowers — today tourism and services are the main pillars. The municipality is home to renowned hotels, resorts, and world-class golf courses that attract both local and international visitors.

Beyond tourism, Río Grande preserves its essence as a hardworking and welcoming community, with a constant commitment to sustainable development, respect for nature, and preservation of its traditions.

Foundation and History of Río Grande

Río Grande was officially founded on July 26, 1840, thanks to the initiative of Don Desiderio Escobar and Quilimaco Escobar, who, with the support of local residents, requested authorization from then-Governor Miguel López de Baños to establish a new settlement. The request was approved, giving rise to what is today known as the municipality of Río Grande, one of the most emblematic towns in northeastern Puerto Rico.

Originally, the municipality consisted of the barrios Ciénaga Alta, Ciénaga Baja, Jiménez, Guzmán Abajo, Guzmán Arriba, Herrera, Río Grande Pueblo, and Zarzal. The town’s name comes from the Río Grande, one of the main tributaries of the Espíritu Santo River, whose waters flow through much of the municipality and have been a source of life, agriculture, and development since ancient times.

During the period of conquest and colonization, the area was exposed to incursions by Carib and Taíno indigenous groups from the Lesser Antilles. These conflicts initially slowed economic growth, but over time the region began to be settled by families dedicated mainly to livestock and agriculture, establishing the first ranches and sugarcane estates.

By the late 19th century, Río Grande underwent several administrative changes. In 1897, the barrio Mameyes II, originally part of Luquillo, was annexed. When that municipality was dissolved in 1899, its barrios were divided between Fajardo and Río Grande, adding Mata de Plátano, Mameyes I, Hato Viejo, and parts of the barrio Sabana to Río Grande. Later, in 1914, the Legislative Assembly restored Luquillo’s municipal status, returning the original barrios except for Mameyes II, which remained part of Río Grande.

In the early decades of the 20th century, Río Grande’s economy was mainly supported by livestock and sugarcane cultivation. This product gained great relevance with the creation of sugar mills and later sugar plants such as Fortuna, María, and Canóvanas, which boosted economic development and generated employment throughout the region.

Over time, the municipality diversified its economy and strengthened its cultural and natural identity. Today, Río Grande is recognized not only for its historical legacy but also for its close connection with El Yunque, a symbol of life, biodiversity, and Puerto Rican pride.

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Location:

Río Grande is located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, within the region known as the Northern Coastal Plains. It is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean and the municipality of Loíza, to the south by Las Piedras, Naguabo, and Ceiba, to the west by Canóvanas and Loíza, and to the east by Luquillo and Fajardo.

Area:

158.6 square kilometers (61.0 square miles)

Population:

47,060 (2020 Census)

Population Density:

Approximately 300 inhabitants per square kilometer

Demonym

Riograndeños

Nicknames

The Town of Beautiful Sunsets
City of El Yunque

Wards: Río Grande, Puerto Rico

Census 2020: Population by Wards - Río Grande	Estimated Population
Ciénaga Alta	4,140
Ciénaga Baja	16,375
Guzmán Abajo	5,944
Guzmán Arriba	834
Herreras	754
Jiménez	2,609
Mameyes II	2,623
Río Grande (town)	1,751
Zarzal	12,030
Total	47,060

Source: Censo 2020

Topography:

Río Grande belongs to the Northern Coastal Plain region, characterized by flat and fertile terrain ideal for agriculture and urban development. Toward the south and southeast, the imposing mountains of the Luquillo Range rise, including notable peaks such as El Toro and El Yunque, the latter renowned worldwide for its tropical forest and unique biodiversity.

Hydrography:

The municipality is crossed by numerous rivers and streams that sustain its ecosystems and agriculture. Major rivers include: Herrera, Espíritu Santo, Mameyes, Sonador, Grande, and La Mina. Smaller streams and tributaries include Juan Diego, La Máquina, Lingueta, La Toma, Tabonuco, and Anón.

Coastal soils are low and in some areas marshy, creating wetlands that contribute to biodiversity and serve as habitats for endemic species. These water sources were historically essential for agriculture and early settlement life.

Industries and Economy

Río Grande maintains a combination of traditional and modern economic activities:

• Agriculture: sugarcane, minor fruits (plantains, yautía, tomatoes, cucumbers), ornamental plants, vegetables, and livestock.
• Manufacturing: mainly textiles and derivative products.
• Tourism and services: hotels, resorts, golf courses, and gastronomy.

Historical average wage (1998): $306.99 weekly. The current economy combines tourism, services, and small industries, generating employment and local development.

Climate

Río Grande has a humid tropical climate, characterized by:

• Average temperatures from 24°C to 30°C year-round
• High humidity and frequent rainfall, especially in the El Yunque region
• Hurricane season: June to November
• Ideal conditions for tropical forests, rivers, and endemic biodiversity

Transportation and Accessibility

• Main Roads: PR-3, PR-186, and PR-191, connecting Río Grande with San Juan, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba
• Nearest Airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, 40–50 minutes by car)
• Public Transport: limited; private vehicle recommended to explore barrios, natural areas, and beaches
• Tourist Access: hotels and resorts provide transportation to El Yunque and nearby beaches

Flag of Río Grande

The flag features two horizontal stripes of equal size joined by a white triangle at the hoist:

• Upper green stripe represents the mountains of the municipality, especially those in the Luquillo Range and El Yunque National Forest
• Lower blue stripe symbolizes the Espíritu Santo River, vital to the municipality’s history and agriculture
• White triangle features a Puerto Rican parrot, an endangered endemic species still inhabiting El Yunque within the municipality

The flag reflects Río Grande’s natural wealth, highlighting its mountains, rivers, and native species as symbols of local identity and pride.

Coat of Arms of Río Grande

The coat of arms combines indigenous, historical, and geographic elements:

• Silver field: Two facing Puerto Rican parrots (Amazona vittata vittata), representing the region’s endemic fauna
• Wavy blue stripe: Represents the Espíritu Santo River, essential for tourism and commerce
• Green mountain with three peaks: Symbolizes the three main peaks of El Yunque, with the central peak being the tallest
• Open silver book: Represents the Pimentel and Castro School, the first school built in Puerto Rico with combined municipal and Insular Government funds
• Gold bezants: Two groups of five, symbolizing financial contributions for the school’s construction
• Gold mural crown with three towers: Traditional symbol indicating municipal authority and status

The coat of arms was conceived by local historian Don Edmundo Del Valle and reflects Río Grande’s historical, educational, and natural identity.

Points of Interest in Río Grande

Río Grande is rich in natural beauty and recreational spaces, ideal for tourism, environmental education, and family enjoyment:

• El Yunque National Forest: The municipality’s main attraction, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, with unique biodiversity, rivers, waterfalls, trails, and ecotourism areas
• El Verde Recreational Area: Outdoor space for hiking and wildlife observation, connected to the forest and its ecosystems
• Río Espíritu Santo Nature Reserve: Protected area preserving mangroves, rivers, and wetlands, important for biodiversity and environmental education

In addition to natural richness, Río Grande has historical and cultural sites reflecting its identity.

Traditional Events

The municipality celebrates various festivities that strengthen local culture and community:

• Río Grande Carnival – July: Celebration with parades, music, and traditional gastronomy
• Patron Saint Festivities of Our Lady of Carmen – July: Religious commemoration with cultural and recreational events
• Potato Stuffing Festival – April: Gastronomic event highlighting local culinary traditions
• Picúas Festival – September: Celebration of local traditions, music, and folkloric dance

These activities showcase Río Grande’s cultural richness and community spirit.

Notable Residents of Río Grande

Río Grande has been the birthplace or home of distinguished figures in literature, politics, and journalism:

• José P. H. Hernández (1892–1922): Poet and pharmacist. Born in Hatillo, adopted as a favored son of Río Grande. Notable works: El último combate (1912), Coplas de la vereda (1919), Cantos de la sierra (1925), and Antología poética (1956, posthumous)
• Aníbal Díaz Montero (1911–): Short story writer and journalist, co-founder of Casa del Autor and the Puerto Rican Authors Society. Collaborator of El Vocero, author of travel chronicles and books such as Pedruquito y sus amigos and Nico el Pinche
• Carlos Román Benítez: Journalist, poet, senator, and delegate to Puerto Rico’s Constituent Convention. Served in the Senate (1953–1964) and as Senate secretary in 1965
• Álvaro Rivera Reyes: House Representative and delegate to the Constituent Convention of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
• Felipe Sánchez: Former president of the Puerto Rican Union Party and Municipal Assembly of Carolina

These Riograndeños have left a lasting mark in culture, education, politics, and the arts, contributing to the municipality’s development and prestige.

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
ROSADO FUENTES	Elementary	(787) 887-2051	PO Box 1481
CAROLA	Elementary	(787) 887-5150	PO Box 1679
EDMUNDO DEL VALLE CRUZ	Elementary	(787) 887-8950	PO Box 848
JULIO MILLÁN CEPEDA	Elementary	(787) 888-2476	PO Box 43002 Suite 389
LA PONDEROSA	Elementary	(787) 887-8630	PO Box 43002 Suite 381
RAFAEL DE JESÚS	Elementary	(787) 887-2785	PO Box 1806
RIÓ GRANDE ESTATES	Elementary	(787) 888-7699	PO Box 575
ROSA BERNARD	Elementary	(787) 887-6680	PO Box 2270
VEGA ALEGRE	Elementary	(787) 887-3290	PO Box 2330
VICENTE ESCOBAR	Elementary	(787) 887-4810	PO Box 2300
CASIANO CEPEDA	Intermediate	(787) 887-4410	PO Box 3002 Suite 484
URBANA NUEVA	Intermediate	(787) 888-3534	PO Box 4002 Suite 491
LOLA MILLÁN ORELLANO	Intermediate	(787) 887-4574	PO Box 848
PRE-VOCACIONAL CASIANO CEPEDA	Intermediate	(787) 887-5200	PO Box 2312
RAFAEL REXACH DUEÑO	Secondary	(787) 887-2720	PO Box 472
CASIANO CEPEDA	High School	(787) 887-5295	PO Box 3001
PEDRO FALÚ ORELLANO	High School	(787) 887-2778	PO Box 940

Hymn:

By Conrado Rodríguez