Caguas, Puerto Rico

(KAH-gwahs)

Caguas is known as "La Ciudad Del Turabo" (Turabo city), "La Ciudad Criolla" (criole city) and "El Corazon de Borinquen" (Borinquen's heart). Caguas was founded in January 1st, 1775. Originally called San Sebastián del Piñal de Caguax, Caguas derives its name from a local Indian chief (Caguax) who was an early Christian convert.

Caguas is home to several museums. The Museo de Historia de Caguas has five exhibits that showcases the history of Caguas, from the indigenous people up to the present day. The museum's collection includes ceramic, stone artifacts, utensils, bone remains, and skeletal remains. Open Tue-Sat, 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm, 787-653-8833. The Museo de Artes Populares de Caguas showcases arts and crafts from Puerto Rican artisans. Open Wed-Sun 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, (787) 744-8833.

The Abelardo Diaz Alfaro Pink House celebrates Puerto Rican literature through the famous author Abelardo Diaz Alfaro. Located in a 19th century mansion, the rooms of this museum are decorated with period furniture. Open Tue-Sat 9am - 5pm, 12 Alejandro Ramirez St, (787) 286-7640.

Be sure to also explore the Hermino Torres Grillo Tobacco Museum and the Museum of Art.

If you are looking for inspiring natural wonders, you must visit the Sotomayor del Toro Reserve, a 63-acre reserve on the steep slopes of Cerro La Santa. This tract of virgin tropical forest shelters numerous wildlife species, andstreams here nourish the headwaters of the Turabo River. It is adjacent to the Carite State Forest in the neighboring city of Guayama.

Located between the municipalities of Trujillo Alto, Caguas and Gurabo, the Carraizo Lake is the island's largest. Take route 175 or 739.

Economy

The town's economic activities include: diamond cutting, tobacco processing, and the manufacture of leather goods, glass and plastic products, electronic equipment, clothing and bedding.

Geography

Caguas is located in the Central Mountain Range, south of San Juan and Trujillo Alto; east of Gurabo and San Lorenzo; and west of Aguas Buenas, Cidra and Cayey.

Caguas is made up of 11 barrios (wards/districts):

There are several rivers that run through Caguas. These rivers include: Turabo, Bairoa, Canabonsito, Caguitas, Grande de Loiza and Cañas.

Climate

Annual precipitation is approximately 69 inches and the average temperature is 77 F. The driest month is March. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in September.

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Notable People

There are many well-known "cagüeños", among them:

• Abelardo Diaz Alfaro
• José Gautier Benítez
• Juan José Osuna
• Margot Arce de Vazquez
• José Ignacio Quintón

Accommodations

As the only hotel in the city and located in the heart of the city, the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino gives you the amenities you are looking for to impress your clients, and your kids, (787) 653-1111.

Restaurants

• Capelas Bar (International), (787) 744-1930
• Cepage Wine Boutique and Sushi Bar (Japanese), (787) 653-1111
• Chalet Jordano Ristorante (Italian), (787) 286-0085
• Chicken and Bottles (International), (787) 746-5523
• Chili's Grill & Bar (Caguas) (American), (787) 703-6464
• Costa Verde (Puerto Rican), (787) 653-9295
• Dennys Caguas (American), (787) 745-3141
• El Padrino (Italian), (787) 643-0191
• Fuddruckers (Caguas) (American), (787) 745-0415
• Marcos (International), (787) 743-2306
  Fax (787) 258-1599
• Paraiso (Puerto Rican), (787) 747-2012
• Tony Roma's (Caguas) (Continental/Steak), (787) 636-0337

Festivals and Events

• Festival Folklorico - July
  
• Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Sra. del Carmen - July
  Every year, Caguas celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 746-6100

Symbols

Anthem
Caguas

Education

There are 52 public schools in Caguas, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Caguas is also home of 13 colleges and universities.

Map References

Coordinates: 18.2314° N, 66.0394° W

ZIP Code: 00725, 00726, 00727

Driving Distance from San Juan: 23.7 miles

Driving Time: 42 minutes