Maricao (Spanish pronunciation: [maɾiˈkao]) is a town and the second-least populous municipality of Puerto Rico; it is located at the western edge of the Cordillera Central.

Though of dryer vegetation than the other mountain forest, Maricao is home to large number of bird species.

Its stone observation tower provides far-flung views to the coast and the Mona Passage.

[3] Maricao was founded on April 1, 1874, when Bernardo Collado, Julián Ayala, Francisco M. Sojo, Napoleón Pietri and Leoncio S. Martínez requested the Provincial Deputation authorization to establish an official town.

Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and became a colony of the United States.

In 1899, the United States Department of War conducted a census of Puerto Rico finding that the population of Maricao was 8,312.

The municipal buildings, central square and large Catholic church are located in a barrio referred to as "el pueblo".

The Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista is a religious and cultural celebration that generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment.

[21] It celebrates the tradition wherein the Hacienda owners would provide a feast for their workers at the end of the coffee harvest.

The population of the town has decreased during the past decades in part due to the decline in coffee production and the deteriorating economy.

Statistics taken from the 2000 census shows that 90.3% of Maricaeños have Spanish or White origin, 3.0% are black, 0.2% are Amerindian etc.

The majority of the local population are partly descended from pre Columbian indigenous inhabitants.

Gilberto Pérez Valentín, alias "El Enano" or the Dwarf, was mayor for seven consecutive terms until he lost his seat in 2020 to Wilfredo "Juny" Ruiz, who was re-elected in 2024.

It consists of a green cloth, with the three usual dimensions of the municipal flags of Puerto Rico, crossing from an end to another a yellow band with three points.

To either side and below the band are a total of three Maricao (Byrsonima spicata) tree branches with flowers.

Above it is placed a gold mural crown with three towers outlined in black with green doors and windows.