Fajardo: The Jewel of Puerto Rico's East Coast

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Fajardo was founded in 1760 by Spanish settlers. Its location on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico made it strategically important for trade and defense against pirates and foreign invaders. The town was named after the Spanish conquistador Santiago de Fajardo.

In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the Battle of Fajardo took place. American forces landed on the beaches of Fajardo as part of their campaign to oust Spanish rule from Puerto Rico. The battle was a significant event leading up to the Treaty of Paris, which resulted in Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. territory.

Constructed in 1882, the Fajardo Lighthouse, also known as Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, is one of the oldest lighthouses in Puerto Rico. It was built to aid in maritime navigation and still stands today as a historical landmark. The lighthouse complex includes a museum and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

In the early 20th century, Fajardo became a hub for the sugarcane industry, which played a significant role in its economic development. The wealth generated from sugarcane plantations led to the growth of infrastructure and the population. The remnants of old sugar mills can still be seen in the region.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, including Fajardo. The town experienced severe flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure. The community's resilience and the subsequent reconstruction efforts have been a testament to the spirit and determination of its residents.

Fajardo is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Fiestas Patronales, which celebrate the town's patron saint, Santiago Apóstol. These festivals feature traditional music, dance, food, and parades, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Fajardo is home to several natural attractions, including the El Yunque National Forest and the bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande. These natural wonders draw tourists from around the world and are integral to the town's cultural and ecological identity.

Fajardo is located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. The nearest major airport is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, approximately 60 kilometers away. From San Juan, you can reach Fajardo by car via Route 66 and PR-3, which takes about an hour. There are also shuttle services and taxis available at the airport. Public buses (guaguas) are an economical option but may take longer.

Fajardo is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available. Public transportation includes local buses that connect Fajardo with nearby towns. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring surrounding areas at your own pace. Ferries from the Fajardo Port can take you to nearby islands such as Vieques and Culebra.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Fajardo.

Fajardo is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Fajardo doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Fajardo has local police stations and medical facilities, including the Hospital HIMA San Pablo Fajardo. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire in public spaces. Religion: Do respect religious customs and traditions when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to bus drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like mofongo and fresh seafood. Don’t refuse food or drink offers as it is considered impolite.

To experience Fajardo like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh fruits and local delicacies. Spend a day at the Seven Seas Beach and explore the nearby nature reserves like Las Cabezas de San Juan. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and willing to share information about the area. Don't miss out on a bioluminescent bay tour for a unique, mesmerizing experience.