Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

Laid Back Town

Trujillo Alto (troo-HEE-yo AHL-to) is known as the “City of Springs,” “Town of the Eight Streets,” “The City in the Countryside,” and the “Town of the Arrecostaos.”

The municipality of Trujillo Alto is located in the northern region of Puerto Rico. It borders San Juan to the north and west, Caguas and Gurabo to the south, and Carolina to the east. It is part of the Northern Coastal Plain and the karst zone. The terrain of Trujillo Alto consists mainly of humid hills. Its vegetation is typical of tropical rainforests.

Historically, its lands were primarily used for livestock and agriculture. Crops included coffee, sugarcane, guavas, rice, and tobacco, among other products. However, in recent decades the municipality has experienced rapid development, marked by increased housing construction and the growth of commercial establishments.

To preserve green areas and the town’s natural environment, the Doña Inés Park was conceived in Trujillo Alto. This project, led by the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation, aims to create an urban green space and propagate endangered endemic tree species.

In an effort to preserve rural traditions, the municipality recently launched a new musical initiative: the “Seis Trujillano.” The décimas recorded for the first Seis Trujillano reference the neighborhoods, traditions, customs, and culture of Trujillo Alto. The town also houses the headquarters of the Escuela de Niños Trovadores.

Trujillo Alto has an important reservoir that supplies water to several surrounding towns. The Carraízo Dam, built in 1954, also serves as the primary water source for the metropolitan area.

Today, the municipality has factories producing food, wood, textiles, metal, and electrical and electronic machinery. Quarrying, cultivation of minor fruits, and livestock farming are also active industries. Additionally, the municipality has marble deposits.

Foundation and History

During the 17th century, the Spanish Crown granted Alonso Pizarro Hermona de Francisco Pizarro, a native of Trujillo, Spain, a large estate that extended along both banks of the Río Grande de Loíza. The town adopted its residents’ gentilic (Trujillano) as the name of the municipality.

Residents of the neighborhoods that now make up the jurisdiction petitioned the Bishop and the Governor of Puerto Rico for permission to build a chapel and celebrate mass. The initiative sought to group houses around the church, as was customary at the time, eventually forming a new town.

Frequent flooding of the river made it difficult for residents to cross to Río Piedras for mass, which further motivated the desire to establish their own town. After several efforts led by Don Juan Francisco Carazo, the municipality was officially established on January 8, 1801, under the name Santa Cruz de Trujillo Alto.

In 1826, the first two bridges were built, one toward Río Piedras and another toward Río Grande, significantly improving communication and local commerce. By 1831, Trujillo Alto consisted of the barrios Carraízo, Cuevas, Quebrada Grande, Quebrada Infierno, and Trujillo Alto Pueblo.

In 1826, the first two bridges were built, one towards Río Piedras and another towards Río Grande, significantly improving communication and local commerce. By 1831, Trujillo Alto consisted of the neighborhoods Carraízo, Cuevas, Quebrada Grande, Quebrada Infierno, and Trujillo Alto Pueblo.

In 1844, the Casa del Rey was constructed as the administrative headquarters of the time, and in 1854, the first school was founded with 49 students enrolled. However, the cholera epidemic of 1856 severely affected the population.

In 1902, the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly eliminated the municipality and incorporated its neighborhoods into Carolina, but in 1905 a new law reversed this decision, restoring Trujillo Alto’s autonomy.

Location

Located on the north coast it borders San Juan on the north, Caguas and Gurabo on the south, San Juan on the west and Carolina on the east.

Area:

54.6 km² / 21.0 mi²

Population

76,015 inhabitants (2020 Census)

Population Density:

1,390 per km² / 3,597 per mi²

People are known as:

Trujillanos

Trujillo Alto is also known as:

• Ciudad de los Manantiales (City of Springs)
• Pueblo de las Ocho Calles (Town of the Eight Streets)
• La Ciudad en el Campo (City in the Countryside)
• Pueblo de los Arrecostaos (Town of the Laid-back People)

Wards: Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

Trujillo Alto is composed of eight neighborhoods (barrios), each with its own characteristics and residential, commercial, or recreational functions:

Census 2020: Population by Wards -Trujillo Alto	Population
Carraízo	14,823
Cuevas	17,450
Dos Bocas	7,962
La Gloria	4,022
Quebrada Grande	3,957
Quebrada Negrito	5,835
St. Just	13,070
Trujillo Alto Town	627
Total	67,740

Source: Puerto Rico Census Office, 2020 Census/p>

Topography

Trujillo Alto is located in the Northern Coastal Plain and the karst zone, characterized by:

• Humid, rolling hills with moderate slopes.
• Elevations ranging from 200 to 500 meters above sea level, especially in barrios such as Quebrada Grande and Dos Bocas.
• Fertile soils, initially used for coffee, sugarcane, and tropical fruits.
• Karst rock formations and natural caves in Cuevas and Carraízo, contributing to biodiversity and scenic beauty.

Hydrography

The municipality is watered by several important sources:

• Río Grande de Loíza: The main river, flowing from south to north through Trujillo Alto, supplying the metropolitan area.
• Main streams: Colorada, Infierno, Limones, Naranjo, Grande, Pastrana, Haya Fría, and Maracuto.

Carraízo Reservoir (Lake Carraízo):

• Built in 1954, the main source of drinking water for the metropolitan area.
• Drainage area of 533 km² / 206 mi².
• Approximate capacity of 25 million cubic meters.
• Functions as a flood regulator and controlled recreational area.
• Minor canals and dams regulate water flow to residential and agricultural areas.

Hydrography is essential for water supply, biodiversity conservation, and protecting green areas like Doña Inés Park.

Economy

Trujillo Alto maintains a diverse economy combining industry, commerce, and agriculture:

• Manufacturing: Local factories produce processed foods, wood, textiles, metals, and electrical/electronic machinery.
• Agriculture & Livestock: Although reduced due to urban growth, coffee, minor fruits, vegetables, and livestock are still produced. Some land is used for urban gardens and sustainable agriculture.
• Mining & Quarries: Marble and stone extraction for construction, following updated environmental regulations.
• Commerce & Services: Shopping centers, supermarkets, private clinics, and restaurants generate jobs in the service sector.
• Local Entrepreneurship: Technology projects, social enterprises, and farmers’ markets supported by municipal programs.
• Cultural & Ecotourism: Activities around Lake Carraízo, Doña Inés Park, and traditional festivals attract visitors and support microbusinesses and tourism services.

Education & Culture

Trujillo Alto is an important educational and cultural hub:

• Escuela de Niños Trovadores: Preserves traditional music and promotes early artistic training.
• Educational Centers: Multiple public and private schools offering programs in science, arts, sports, and technology, some with innovation labs and bilingual programs.
• Casa de la Cultura & Public Libraries: Workshops in dance, painting, music, theater, local history, and crafts encourage community participation.
• Festivals & Cultural Events:
  • Seis Trujillano (celebration of décima poetry and traditional music)
  • Santa Cruz Patron Saint Festival (May)
  • Río Grande de Loíza Festival
  • Local agricultural events and fairs promoting native culture and products
• Historical preservation initiatives: Restoration of landmark buildings, maintenance of plazas, and promotion of historical routes.

Environment & Sustainability

Trujillo Alto has implemented environmental conservation programs:

• Doña Inés Park: Reforestation with endemic species and creation of urban green areas.
• Water Protection: Conservation and pollution control projects for Lake Carraízo and local streams.
• Recycling & Environmental Education: School and community programs promoting waste separation, composting, and plastic reduction.
• Energy & Efficiency: Installation of solar panels in public buildings and promotion of clean energy in local businesses.
• Flood Resilience Plans: Urban drainage improvements and wetland preservation to mitigate natural risks.
• Ecotourism & Hiking: Promotion of natural areas like Quebrada Grande and Dos Bocas hills for sustainable recreational activities.

Infrastructure & Transportation

Trujillo Alto combines modernization with historical preservation:

• Road Network: Strategic connections to San Juan, Caguas, and Carolina via PR-181, PR-176, and secondary roads.
• Bridges: Historical and new bridges modernized for safe, efficient transit over Río Grande de Loíza and main streams.
• Public Transport: Urban bus routes and connection to San Juan’s Tren Urbano.
• Housing & Urban Planning: Affordable housing projects, condominiums, and planned residential areas emphasizing sustainability and green spaces.
• Municipal Services: Improvements in lighting, water systems, sewage, and telecommunications networks.
• >Technology Development: Innovation centers, coworking spaces, and business parks foster economic modernization.

Trujillo Alto Today: Development and Progress

Trujillo Alto is projected as a resilient and sustainable municipality:

• Population: Stable, with controlled residential growth, especially in barrios like Carraízo and St. Just.
• Urban Development: Housing projects balance expansion with preservation of green areas and historic heritage.
• Culture & Tourism: Traditional festivals, ecological tourism, and sports events consolidate local identity.
• Local Economy: Strengthening commerce, entrepreneurship, and small businesses through municipal incentives.
• Environment & Resilience: Stream conservation, urban reforestation, and flood mitigation.
• Education: STEAM programs in public and private schools encourage innovation and 21st-century skills.
• Future Projects: Sustainable mobility, electric transportation, renewable energy, and infrastructure modernization to improve quality of life.

Flag

The flag of Trujillo Alto has undergone several versions throughout its history, which has caused some confusion among residents. According to Mr. Wilfredo Colón Sánchez, the most widely accepted version today is rectangular, with a white background and the full coat of arms in the center. This flag was officially adopted by the municipal administration of the Honorable Brunilda Soto Echevarría through Ordinance Series 19, 1997-98, on May 29, 1998.

The design reflects the historical and geographical identity of the municipality: the white background symbolizes peace and purity, while the central coat of arms represents the natural resources and local topography.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Trujillo Alto features a silver field with three green mountains (vert), arranged horizontally in a terrace formation, over which a blue Latin cross (azure) is superimposed. The blue border contains eight silver streams, symbolizing the eight neighborhoods of the municipality and its abundant water resources, including the Río Grande de Loíza, springs, creeks, and Carraízo Lake.

The shield is topped with a golden mural crown with five towers, representing the strength and urban history of Trujillo Alto. Below, a ribbon inscribed with “Trujillo Alto” reaffirms the name and identity of the municipality. The Latin cross references the Santa Cruz de Carraízo, one of the city’s oldest religious and heritage symbols.

Places To Visit

Trujillo Alto offers a combination of historical, natural, and cultural sites that reflect the richness of its heritage:

• Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation – a cultural and educational space celebrating the life and legacy of Puerto Rico’s first elected governor.
• La Gruta de Lourdes – a religious sanctuary located in a natural setting, serving as a place of pilgrimage and community events.
• Family Park and Recreation Plaza – recreational spaces for families with sports and leisure areas.
• Carraízo Lake and Dam – a vital water source for the region, with recreational areas and birdwatching opportunities.
• Carmelite Convent of San José – a historic site with religious and architectural significance.
• La Montaña Spring – a protected natural area ideal for hiking and ecological activities.
>Doña Inés Park – an urban green space created to preserve endemic species and promote environmental education.

Events

Trujillo Alto maintains a tradition of festivals and celebrations that strengthen the municipality’s cultural identity:

• Agricultural Fair – February: exhibition of local products and educational activities about agriculture.
• Patron Saint Festivals – May: celebrations in honor of the Holy Cross, including processions, music, and traditional food.
• Arrecosta Marathon – September: a sporting event that runs through the main streets and neighborhoods of the municipality.
• PasFin Festival – November: cultural festival with music, dance, and artisan exhibitions.
• Macabe Festival – December: musical and gastronomic celebration focusing on local traditions and Christmas carols.

Distinguished Citizens:

Trujillo Alto has been home to prominent individuals in various fields:

• Emilio Díaz Valcárcel – writer recognized for his contributions to contemporary Puerto Rican literature.
• Tulio Larrinaga – civil engineer and Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in the United States.
• Medardo Carazo – educator and advocate for local education.
• José Fermín Díaz Viera – historian and author of studies on the development of Trujillo Alto and the region.
• Manuel Rivera Morales – sports broadcaster and commentator, known for his coverage of events in Puerto Rico.
• Yolandita Monge – internationally recognized singer and actress, originally from Trujillo Alto.

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
ANTONIO S. PEDREIRA	Elementary	(787) 760-2085	PO Box 1217
EL CONQUISTADOR	Elementary	(787) 760-2865	PO Box 631
FAIR VIEW	Elementary	(787) 761-3280	PO Box 1236
HERMINIA DÍAZ APONTE	Elementary	(787) 761-1425	Calle Patillas
JESÚS SILVA	Elementary	(787) 761-0565	PO Box 1189
JESÚS T PIÑERO	Elementary	(787) 761-0900	PO Box1189
JOSÉ F DÍAZ	Elementary	(787) 760-4255	Villas de Caraízo
JUAN J. OSUNA	Elementary	(787) 760-5755	PO Box 1216
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE COVADONGA	Elementary	(787) 761-4866	PO Box 1235
PAUL G. MILLER	Elementary	(787) 755-2680	Suite 8
RAFAEL CORDERO	Elementary	(787) 760-8474	PO Box 1867
TULIO LARRINAGA	Elementary	(787) 761-1154	PO Box 987
ANDRÉS VALCÁRCEL	Intermediate	(787) 761-1060	PO Box 1203
EUGENIO MARIA DE HOSTOS	Intermediate	(787) 761-0860	PO Box 1242
RAFAEL CORDERO	Intermediate	(787) 761-0340	Suite 21
ALEJANDRO TAPIA Y RIVERA	Second Unit	(787) 760-0370	Calle 2 Sector Parcela
MEDARDO CARAZO	High School	(787) 760-6575	PO Box 1867
PETRA ZENÓN DE FABERY	High School	(787) 760-0685	PO Box 1337

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