Fajardo, town, eastern Puerto Rico, on the Fajardo River lowlands. Founded in 1760, it was a scene of fighting during the Spanish-American War (1898). Its principal manufactures are cigars, furniture, and metal and electronic components. It is linked by a modern highway to San Juan and lies about 2 miles (3 km) from its port, Playa de Fajardo. The town is a tourist centre. The University of Puerto Rico was founded in 1903 at Fajardo but moved in 1904 to Río Piedras. Pop. (2000) 33,286; Fajardo Metro Area, 78,533; (2010) 28,930; Fajardo Metro Area, 70,692.