Puerto Rico State Maps

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





Puerto Rico Municipio Map

The Municipios of Puerto Rico and Their Name Origins

Puerto Rico County Sizes Map

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

Puerto Rico Major Cities Map

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.





Puerto Rico Shaded Relief  Map
Puerto Rico Under Sea Shaded Relief Map

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.



Puerto Rico Federal Lands Map

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.





Puerto Rico Ecoregions Map

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.