Parguera Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Parguera
Barrio
On the water in Parguera
Location of Parguera within the municipality of Lajas shown in red
Parguera Location in Caribbean
Commonwealth	Puerto Rico
Municipality	Lajas
Area
• Total	7.34 sq mi (19.0 km²)
• Land	4.02 sq mi (10.4 km²)
• Water	3.32 sq mi (8.6 km²)
Elevation	36 ft (11 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	2,082
• Density	519.2/sq mi (200.5/km²)
	Source: 2010 Census
Time zone	UTC−4 (AST)

Parguera is a special place in Puerto Rico. It is a barrio, which is like a neighborhood or district, located in the town of Lajas, Puerto Rico. In 2010, about 2,082 people lived there.

The main part of Parguera is called La Parguera, or sometimes Poblado de la Parguera. This area is famous for its amazing La Parguera Nature Reserve. This reserve protects a unique bioluminescent bay, along with its surrounding mangrove forests, wetlands, and small islands called keys, like Mata La Gata and Cayo Enrique.

The name Parguera comes from the word pargo. This is the local name for the Northern red snapper, a type of fish.

History of Parguera
- How Parguera Started
- Parguera in the Past
What Makes Parguera Special?
- The Bioluminescent Bay
- Places to Stay
Gallery
See also

History of Parguera

How Parguera Started

The settlement of La Parguera began as a villa pesquera in 1825. This means it was a small fishing village. People here made their living by fishing in the nearby waters.

Parguera in the Past

After the Spanish–American War, Spain gave Puerto Rico to the United States. This happened under the Treaty of Paris of 1898. Puerto Rico then became a territory of the United States.

In 1899, the U.S. government counted the people in Puerto Rico. They found that Parguera and a nearby barrio called Costa had a combined population of 1,256 people. Over the years, more people moved to Parguera. By 2010, the population had grown to 2,082.

What Makes Parguera Special?

Parguera is most famous for its incredible bioluminescent bay. This bay is a popular spot for tourists. Every evening, tours leave to explore the bay at sunset and night.

The Bioluminescent Bay

When you visit the bay at night, you can see the water glow! This amazing light is caused by tiny living things called dinoflagellates. These are microorganisms that create light when the water around them is moved. It's like magic in the water!

You can go on a kayak or a small boat to experience this glowing water up close. It's a truly unforgettable sight.

Places to Stay

Parguera also has a special type of country inn called a parador. The Parador Villa Parguera is a well-known place where visitors can stay and enjoy the beauty of the area.