Coamo, Puerto Rico

Coamo, Puerto Rico a community in south-central Puerto Rico is a small town nestled in a valley on the Coamo River in the southern foothills of the Cordillera Central, and 27 Km (17 Miles) or roughly thirty minutes away east-northeast of Ponce and about an hour's drive southwest of San Juan.

A Spanish colonial town that was founded on the late 1500's and it was named San Blas Illescas de Coamo by its first settlers Cristóbal y Blas de Illescas. It is known as "La Villa Añeja" (old villa) and also as "La Villa de San Blas de Illescas" (San Blas de Illescas villa).

There are a couple of theories regarding the origin of the word Coamo. Some think it comes from an indigenous word that means "valley" but it's also believed that Coamo derives its name from Coamex (or Coamey), who was a local cacique (or "chieftain" in the Taino language).

Archeological digs near the region have produced some of the best examples of the island's pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Locals are called and well known  as "coameños" and are humble people, deeply religious and fun loving.

Major industries are agriculture and manufacturing including aircraft equipment, machines, and clothing. Coamo is an agricultural center where mangoes, corn, avocados, oranges, plantains, poultry and cattle are raised. Chicken, and horses are also raised in the region.

There are plenty of outdoors activities near Coamo, Puerto Rico if you know where to look.

While in town, stop by the Museo Histórico de Coamo, located in front of the plaza. This museum displays a wide variety of exhibits from archeological artifacts to memorabilia of the composers José Ignacio Quintón and Bobby Capó.

City Hall current building was constructed during the second half of the 19th century, after two fires destroyed the city archives in 1869 and 1897 it was re-constructed in the Andalucia architectural style in 1927.

Plaza Luis Muñoz Rivera recently rehabilitated includes ice-cream, frappe, coffee, pastry, souvenirs kiosks.

During the 1979 Pan-American Games Velodrome in Coamo the only velodrome in Puerto Rico is suitable for international events. It was also used during the 1993 Central American Games.

The annual patron saint festivals in honor of San Blas (Saint Blaise) and La Virgen de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Fire) are celebrated every year for ten days, starting on the last Friday in January. They include both religious and secular festivities.

Coamo, Puerto Rico also holds "San Blás de Illasca" Marathon, a 13.1 mile race that attracts runners from all over the world and It's Puerto Rico's biggest race, bringing large crowds into town.

As a resort, Los Baños de Coamo (Coamo Thermal Springs) has long been known for its healthful hot springs.

The legends say that this was the fountain of youth sought by Juan Ponce de León (first Spanish governor of the Island) or so the local folklore tells.

Lookout point with a panoramic view of the Coamo valley and the Caribbean Sea. At the top of the mountain you can find a restaurant and a view point of the valley of Coamo.

The Coamo Spring Golf Club & Resort (787-825-1370) is a semi-private championship 18-hole golf course with wind challenges, away from the distractions of major cities. The greens roll smooth and true and the course is never crowded.

The incredibly lush and green layout is highlighted by the Coamo River and three lakes, which come into play several times.

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