Puerto Rico State Maps
These maps show Puerto Rico's Municipios, Cities, Federal Areas, Shaded Relief, and Marine Reserves.

The Municipios of Puerto Rico and Their Name Origins
- Aguada: The name derives from the Spanish word "agua" (water), due to the many rivers and freshwater sources in the area.
- Aguadilla: Derived from the diminutive form of "agua," meaning "small water," referencing the town's coastal location and its many springs.
- Aguas Buenas: The name translates to "Good Waters" in Spanish, referencing the area's fresh, clean water sources.
- Aibonito: Legend has it that a Spanish settler, upon seeing the area, exclaimed, "Ay, qué bonito!" ("Oh, how beautiful!"), which inspired the name.
- Añasco: Named after Don Luis de Añasco, one of the early Spanish settlers in the region, who founded the town in 1733.
- Arecibo: The name is derived from the Taíno Cacique "Arasibo," who ruled the area before the Spanish arrival.
- Barceloneta: The name comes from the Catalonian city of Barcelona, reflecting the heritage of its founder, Bonocio Llenza Feliú.
- Barranquitas: The name means "little ravines" in Spanish, referring to the town’s rugged, mountainous terrain.
- Bayamón: Named after a Taíno chief called "Bahamon," who was a prominent figure in the region when the Spaniards arrived.
- Cabo Rojo: Meaning "Red Cape" in Spanish, the name references the reddish-colored salt flats found along the coastline.
- Caguas: Named after the Taíno Cacique "Caguax," the indigenous leader in the area when the Spaniards arrived.
- Camuy: The name originates from the Taíno word "Camuy," meaning "sun" or "powerful chief," reflecting the area's cultural heritage.
- Canóvanas: Named after a Taíno leader, "Canóvanas," who ruled the area before the arrival of the Spanish settlers.
- Carolina: Named in honor of Charles II of Spain (Carlos II), with its name reflecting the Spanish influence in Puerto Rico’s colonial history.
- Cataño: Named after Hernando de Cataño, a physician who once provided medical services in the area.
- Cayey: The name is derived from the Taíno word "Cai" or "Cayey," meaning a place surrounded by mountains.
- Ceiba: The name comes from the Ceiba tree, which is a significant tree in the area, revered by the indigenous Taíno people.
- Ciales: Thought to come from the Taíno word "Ciales," which means "place of caves," reflecting the town's geographic features.
- Cidra: The town is named after the "cidra," a local citrus fruit resembling a large lemon, which was abundant in the area.
- Coamo: The name comes from the Taíno word "Coamey," which refers to a place of healing waters, as the town is known for its natural hot springs.
- Comerío: Named after the Taíno chief "Comerio," who governed the region before the arrival of the Spanish settlers.
- Corozal: Named after the "corozo," a type of palm tree that grows abundantly in the region.
- Culebra: The name means "snake" in Spanish, likely named after the shape of the island's coastline or from the snakes found in the region.
- Dorado: The name translates to "Golden" in Spanish, possibly referring to the gold mines in the area during the Spanish colonial period.
- Fajardo: Named in honor of Spanish conquistador Santiago de Fajardo, who played a role in the island’s early settlement.
- Florida: Named after the U.S. state of Florida, reflecting Puerto Rico's connection with the United States after becoming a U.S. territory.
- Guánica: The name is derived from the Taíno word "Guayna," meaning "place of the giant frog," a nod to the region's natural surroundings.
- Guayama: Named after the Taíno chief "Guayama," who governed the region at the time of Spanish colonization.
- Guayanilla: A diminutive of "Guayama," the town’s name refers to a small village near the Guayanilla River.
- Gurabo: Named after the Taíno word "Gurabo," which means "stony ground," referring to the region's terrain.
- Hatillo: Meaning "small bundle" in Spanish, the town’s name refers to its modest beginnings as a farming settlement.
- Hormigueros: The name means "ant hills" in Spanish, likely due to the area's landscape, which was once covered with anthills.
- Humacao: Named after the Taíno chief "Jumacao," who ruled the region during the Spanish conquest.
- Isabela: Named in honor of Queen Isabella of Spain, reflecting the town’s Spanish colonial heritage.
- Jayuya: The name originates from the Taíno chief "Hayuya," who led the region during the pre-Columbian era.
- Juana Díaz: Named after Juana Díaz, the wife of an early settler, Bartolomé de Santiago, who contributed to the town’s founding.
- Juncos: Named for the reeds ("juncos" in Spanish) that grow abundantly in the area, especially along the rivers and wetlands.
- Lajas: Named after the Spanish word "Lajas," meaning "flagstones" or "slabs," reflecting the town’s rocky terrain.
- Lares: The name is thought to be derived from the Spanish town of Lares in Asturias, Spain, and the town is famous for its role in the Puerto Rican independence movement.
- Las Marías: Named in honor of the Virgin Mary, or possibly the daughters of the town’s founder, with the same name.
- Las Piedras: Meaning "The Stones" in Spanish, this name refers to the rocky terrain in the area.
- Loíza: Named after the indigenous female leader "Yuisa" or "Loiza," who was a chief in the region before Spanish colonization.
- Luquillo: Named after the Taíno chief "Yuquibo," who ruled the area before the Spanish arrival.
- Manatí: Named after the manatee, a marine mammal that inhabits the coastal waters of the area.
- Maricao: The name is thought to come from the Taíno word "Maraca," meaning "place of the maracas," referencing the musical instruments or the surrounding environment.
- Maunabo: The name is believed to come from the Taíno word "mabó," meaning "place of great waters," referring to the rivers in the region.
- Mayagüez: Named after the Taíno Cacique "Mayagüez," who ruled the area at the time of Spanish colonization.
- Moca: Named for the "moca" tree, a native plant in the region, known for its medicinal properties.
- Morovis: The name comes from the Taíno word "morovix," referring to the region’s lush, mountainous terrain.
- Naguabo: Named after the Taíno chief "Naguabo," who ruled the region during the pre-Columbian era.
- Naranjito: The name means "Little Orange" in Spanish, reflecting the region’s production of oranges and citrus fruits.
- Orocovis: Named after the Taíno chief "Orocobix," who ruled the central mountain region before the arrival of the Spanish.
- Patillas: The name means "sideburns" in Spanish, referring to the shape of the mountains surrounding the area.
- Peñuelas: Named for the "peñuelas," or small rocky outcrops, found in the region.
- Ponce: Named in honor of Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico and a famous Spanish explorer.
- Quebradillas: The name means "little streams" in Spanish, referring to the many small rivers and streams that flow through the region.
- Rincón: The name means "corner" in Spanish, referring to its location on the westernmost tip of Puerto Rico, famous for its surfing beaches.
- Río Grande: The name translates to "Big River," referring to the large rivers that flow through the area, including the Río Grande de Loíza.
- Sabana Grande: The name means "large savanna" in Spanish, describing the flat, open plains in the region.
- Salinas: Named for the salt flats ("salinas") in the area, which were a major source of salt in the region.
- San Germán: Named after the Spanish town of San Germán de Auxerre, it is one of the oldest settlements in Puerto Rico.
- San Juan: The capital city of Puerto Rico, named in honor of John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista in Spanish).
- San Lorenzo: Named after Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo in Spanish), a martyr and patron saint of the town.
- San Sebastián: Named after Saint Sebastian, reflecting the town’s religious heritage and colonial history.
- Santa Isabel: Named in honor of Queen Isabella of Spain, reflecting its colonial origins.
- Toa Alta: Derived from the Taíno word "toa," meaning "mother of waters," referring to the town’s rivers and rich water resources.
- Toa Baja: Similar to Toa Alta, the name reflects the area's abundant water resources, with "baja" meaning "low" in Spanish, indicating its lower elevation.
- Trujillo Alto: Named after Trujillo, Spain, reflecting its colonial origins and higher elevation ("alto" means "high").
- Utuado: The name comes from the Taíno word "Otoao," meaning "between mountains," reflecting the town’s location in the central highlands.
- Vega Alta: "Vega" means "plain" or "fertile valley," and "Alta" refers to the town’s higher elevation, distinguishing it from its neighboring town, Vega Baja.
- Vega Baja: Similar to Vega Alta, "Vega" refers to the fertile plains, while "Baja" indicates the town’s lower elevation.
- Vieques: The name originates from the Taíno word "Bieque" or "Small Island," referring to its location as an island municipality off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico.
- Villalba: The name is thought to mean "new town," as it was one of the later municipalities to be officially founded in Puerto Rico.
- Yabucoa: Derived from the Taíno word "Yubuka," meaning "place of fertile lands," reflecting the town’s agricultural heritage.
- Yauco: Named after the Taíno chief "Yauco," the town is known for its coffee plantations and cultural history.

Puerto Rico State Municipio Sizes Map
Smallest Municipio in Puerto Rico
Cataño Municipio: 5 sq miles
Largest Municipio in Puerto Rico
Arecibo Municipio: 127 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Municipios in Puerto Rico
Mean Area: 44.07 sq miles
Median Area: 42.18 sq miles

Major Cities of Puerto Rico and Their Locations
1. Coastal Ports
San Juan: The capital city, located on the northern coast of the island, is Puerto Rico's largest city and a major port for trade, tourism, and commerce.
Ponce: Situated on the southern coast, Ponce is often referred to as "La Perla del Sur" (The Pearl of the South) and is an important port city, known for its historic architecture and cultural significance.
Arecibo: Located on the northern coast, Arecibo is known for its observatory and is an important coastal city with a fishing and agriculture-based economy.
Mayagüez: Located on the western coast, Mayagüez is the largest city in the region and a major center for commerce, education, and tourism.
2. Inland Cities
Bayamón: Part of the San Juan metropolitan area, Bayamón is one of the largest cities in Puerto Rico and serves as a commercial hub, known for its manufacturing and services industries.
Caguas: Located in the central mountain range, Caguas is a key inland city known for its role in commerce, agriculture, and industry.
Aguadilla: Positioned on the northwest coast, Aguadilla is known for its beaches and surfing spots, as well as its military and aviation history.
Guaynabo: Located near San Juan, Guaynabo is a key city in the metropolitan area, home to many businesses and residential developments.
3. Historic and Cultural Centers
Carolina: East of San Juan, Carolina is an important city known for its large commercial areas, shopping centers, and proximity to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
Fajardo: On the eastern coast, Fajardo is known for its natural attractions, including the El Yunque National Forest and access to nearby islands like Culebra and Vieques, making it a tourism hub.


Topographic Tour of Puerto Rico
1. Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range)
The Cordillera Central runs east to west through the center of Puerto Rico. It is home to the island's highest peaks, such as Cerro de Punta, which rises to 4,390 feet (1,340 meters). The rugged terrain of the mountain range divides the island and influences its weather patterns, with more rainfall on the northern side and a drier climate to the south.
2. Karst Region (Northern Puerto Rico)
The karst region in northern Puerto Rico is famous for its limestone hills, sinkholes, and underground rivers. It features steep-sided hills known as mogotes, and the well-known caves like Cueva Ventana and Rio Camuy cave system. This unique landscape is formed by the dissolution of limestone by water, resulting in intricate underground networks.
3. Coastal Plains
The flat coastal plains stretch along the northern and southern coasts of Puerto Rico. The northern plains are broader and receive more rainfall, while the southern plains are narrow and dry. These areas are crucial for agriculture and human settlements.
4. Luquillo Mountains (El Yunque National Forest)
Located in northeastern Puerto Rico, the Luquillo Mountains are home to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque National Forest. The mountains rise to 3,533 feet (1,077 meters) at El Toro Peak, supporting lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife due to high rainfall levels.
5. The Southern Highlands
South of the Cordillera Central, the terrain slopes into the southern highlands and narrow coastal plains. This region is more arid compared to the north, characterized by scrub forests and drier conditions. The southern coast faces the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
6. Puerto Rico Trench (Underwater)
Off the northern coast of Puerto Rico lies the Puerto Rico Trench, one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean, reaching depths of around 28,373 feet (8,648 meters). It marks the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, contributing to seismic activity in the region.
7. Mona Passage
The Mona Passage is a deep channel that separates Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and is known for its strong currents and navigational challenges.
8. Vieques and Culebra
The islands of Vieques and Culebra are part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, located to the east of the main island. These islands feature rolling hills, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, with popular attractions like the bioluminescent bay in Vieques.
9. Underwater Reefs and Shelf
Puerto Rico's shallow continental shelf supports extensive coral reefs, particularly in the east and south. The La Parguera Nature Reserve in the southwest is known for its vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and bioluminescent waters.
10. Southwest Puerto Rico: Guánica and Dry Forest
The Guánica Dry Forest is located in the southwestern part of the island. It is one of the largest tropical dry coastal forests in the world, featuring lower, arid hills and cliffs that descend into the Caribbean Sea.
11. Lajas Valley
The fertile Lajas Valley in southwestern Puerto Rico is a major agricultural area. The flat valley lies between the Cordillera Central and the southern coastal hills, supporting crops like sugarcane and pineapples.
12. Offshore Cays and Underwater Features
Puerto Rico's offshore cays, such as Caja de Muertos, lie off the southern coast. These small islands feature limestone cliffs and sandy beaches, while underwater, the landscape includes reefs, ridges, and submarine canyons.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Puerto Rico
1. El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and is one of the most biodiverse areas in Puerto Rico. Covering over 28,000 acres, it is home to hundreds of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can explore lush trails, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints from the forest’s highest peaks, such as El Toro Peak (3,533 feet). El Yunque provides critical habitat for endangered species like the Puerto Rican Parrot.
2. Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge is located on the island of Vieques, just east of the Puerto Rican mainland. This refuge encompasses both coastal and inland ecosystems, protecting vital habitats for sea turtles, manatees, and various bird species. The refuge includes extensive mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches, and upland areas. It is also home to the world-famous bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay, which offers a breathtaking night-time natural light show.
3. Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
The Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, located on the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico, is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean. The refuge protects vital wetlands and coastal habitats, providing a haven for migratory birds, including the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird. It also includes the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, which are designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site, highlighting the region's importance for shorebird conservation.
4. Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge covers much of the island of Culebra and several nearby cays. Established in 1909, it is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the U.S. The refuge is a critical nesting site for seabirds and endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. Its pristine beaches and surrounding coral reefs make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
5. El Toro Wilderness
The El Toro Wilderness area is located within El Yunque National Forest and covers approximately 10,000 acres. It is the only designated wilderness area in Puerto Rico, protecting some of the island's most pristine tropical rainforest ecosystems. The wilderness includes rugged mountain terrain, cloud forests, and a wide variety of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot.

Marine Reserves of Puerto Rico
1. Reserva Natural Arrecifes de Guayama
Located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, this natural reserve protects important coral reef ecosystems. The reserve is known for its biodiversity, providing habitat for various species of fish, coral, and other marine life, as well as contributing to coastal protection.
2. Reserva Natural Punta Petrona
Situated along the southern coast, Punta Petrona is a protected coastal area that includes important mangroves and wetlands, playing a critical role in preserving marine ecosystems and supporting migratory bird species.
3. Reserva Natural Punta Yeguas
Punta Yeguas, located near the San Juan Bay, protects coastal ecosystems and wetlands. This reserve is known for its critical mangrove forests and serves as a buffer zone that helps mitigate coastal erosion and supports diverse marine species.
4. Reserva Natural del Río Espíritu Santo
Located on the northeastern coast, this reserve encompasses the Espíritu Santo River, one of the few undammed rivers in Puerto Rico. The area protects diverse coastal and marine ecosystems, including estuaries, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
5. Bosque Estatal de Piñonas
Also known as Piñones Forest, this reserve features extensive mangrove forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems on the northern coast, east of San Juan. It’s a key habitat for birds and marine species, offering opportunities for ecotourism and environmental education.
6. Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan
This reserve, located in Fajardo on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, protects diverse ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and dry forests. It is also home to the historic Fajardo Lighthouse and a bioluminescent bay.
7. Reserva Natural Canal Luis Peña
Located near Culebra Island, this reserve protects coral reefs and seagrass beds, providing critical habitat for marine life, including sea turtles. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its rich underwater biodiversity.
8. Vieques National Wildlife Refuge
Spanning much of the island of Vieques, this refuge protects tropical dry forests, beaches, lagoons, and mangroves. It is one of the largest conservation areas in Puerto Rico, offering sanctuary for endangered species like the West Indian manatee and various sea turtles.
9. Reserva Natural de la Bahía Bioluminiscente de Vieques
Also known as Mosquito Bay, this bioluminescent bay on Vieques is famous for its glowing waters, caused by the high concentration of bioluminescent plankton. It is a key ecotourism attraction and one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.
10. Reserva Natural Isla Caja de Muertos
This small island off the southern coast of Puerto Rico is home to important dry forests and coral reefs. The reserve is a key nesting site for sea turtles and serves as a popular destination for ecotourism and nature excursions.
11. RN Punta Cucharas - Marino
Located near Ponce, this marine reserve protects coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs. It is an essential area for marine conservation, helping to preserve fish populations and protect against coastal erosion.
12. Reserva Natural La Parguera
La Parguera is located on the southwest coast and is known for its coral reefs, mangroves, and bioluminescent waters. The area is popular for snorkeling, diving, and boating, offering visitors access to diverse marine life and ecosystems.
13. Ext. Marina del Bosque Estatal Boquerón
This extension of Boquerón Forest protects coastal wetlands and marine habitats, including mangroves and seagrass beds. It is a critical area for birdwatching and marine biodiversity conservation.
14. Reserva Natural Punta Guaníca
Located in southwestern Puerto Rico, Punta Guaníca encompasses dry forests, coastal wetlands, and coral reefs. It is part of the larger Guaníca Biosphere Reserve and is essential for the protection of terrestrial and marine species.
15. Reserva Natural Finca Belvedere
This reserve, located in the central coastal region, protects wetlands, mangroves, and other important coastal habitats. It plays a vital role in preserving Puerto Rico’s biodiversity and serves as a habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
16. Reserva Natural Arrecifes de Tourmaline
Located off the coast of Mayagüez, this reserve protects coral reef ecosystems and associated marine life. It is an important area for research and conservation efforts, as well as a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
17. Reserva Natural Caño La Boquilla
This reserve protects an essential wetland ecosystem on the northern coast, featuring mangroves, seagrasses, and a rich array of marine species. It is important for water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity.
18. Reserva Natural (Marina) Tres Palmas
Located near Rincón, this marine reserve is famous for its coral reefs and the surf breaks that make it a popular destination for surfers. The reserve also supports diverse marine species and helps protect the coast from erosion.
19. Reserva Natural (Marina) Aguas Costeras Isla Desecheo
Located around Desecheo Island, this marine reserve is known for its clear waters and coral reefs. It is a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with a variety of marine species and pristine underwater ecosystems.
20. Aguas Costeras Isla de Mona y Monito
Mona and Monito islands, located in the Mona Passage, are part of a protected marine reserve. Known as the "Galápagos of the Caribbean," this area is rich in biodiversity, with coral reefs, caves, and rare species of flora and fauna. It is an important site for marine conservation and research.
21. Reserva Natural Cueva Cueva del Indio
Located near Arecibo, this reserve is famous for its ancient petroglyphs and stunning coastal scenery, including natural rock arches and marine caves. It is a protected site due to its cultural significance and its important marine and coastal ecosystems.
22. Reserva Natural Hacienda La Esperanza
This reserve is located on the northern coast and includes wetlands, mangroves, and coastal forests. It is also home to historic sugar plantation ruins, providing both ecological and cultural value.
23. Reserva Natural Pantano de Cibuco
Pantano de Cibuco is a wetland reserve on the northern coast that includes important mangrove ecosystems. It serves as a flood control area and supports various bird species and marine life, making it a key area for conservation.