Peñuelas, Municipality in southern Puerto Rico.
Peñuelas is a municipality in southern Puerto Rico that spreads across terrain rising from Caribbean shores toward inland mountain ranges, organized into 13 administrative districts. The landscape varies from coastal lowlands to elevated interior valleys and hills.
Diego de Alvarado founded the municipality in 1793 after workers from nearby coastal areas had relocated inland into more fertile valleys for better agricultural conditions. This shift inland shaped the settlement's early growth and structure.
Peñuelas hosts an annual festival in May dedicated to the güiro, a traditional percussion instrument that local artisans craft and musicians perform throughout the year. The town holds special importance as a center for this musical tradition across Puerto Rico.
The municipality maintains administrative services from a central district location that provides access to basic municipal functions and information. Exploring the region works best with personal transportation to move between coastal and inland areas at your own pace.
The area contains several natural caves and underground pools, including a notable cavern with a subterranean stream flowing through limestone passages. These geological formations represent rare examples of karst landscapes on the island.
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