Ceiba – 20 Cuerdas, Barrio Río Abajo

Location, terrain & flood

📍 Open in Google Maps — Río Abajo, Ceiba, Puerto Rico 🛰 Satellite

⛰ 695 ft elevation 🌊 FEMA Zone X — minimal flood

Barrio-level pin (listings give barrio + municipio, not the exact lot) — verify the parcel location. Elevation: USGS. Flood zone: FEMA NFHL.

Area & terrain notes

Río Abajo is a rural barrio in Ceiba, a northeastern municipio ~25–30 km northeast of Humacao—drivable in ~45 minutes but beyond the friends' preferred zone. The barrio sits in low-lying terrain near the Ceiba plains and is susceptible to flooding during tropical storms and heavy rain. Proximity to El Yunque NF (visible from property) is a genuine asset; the landscape is humid subtropical rainforest fringe with high rainfall year-round. Road 975 is a secondary rural highway; infrastructure and utilities can be sparse.

Buildability

Land is zoned Rústico Parcialmente Protegido (Partially Protected Rural). Buildability for a single-family home is NOT guaranteed—agricultural/environmental restrictions may apply. Río Abajo barrio sits in flood-prone lowland near Ceiba proper; buyer must confirm: (1) property is outside FEMA flood zones, (2) building permit feasibility on protected soil, (3) road access and utilities availability on Route 975.

Due diligence — verify before buying

• Obtain a FEMA flood zone map and elevation survey; verify Río Abajo's specific flood history and whether the property falls within a 100- or 500-year flood plain.
• Confirm zoning variance or special-use permit is possible for a single-family residence on 'Rústico Parcialmente Protegido' land; contact Municipio de Ceiba permitting office.
• Walk or drive Route 975 approach; verify road maintenance, utility (water/electric/internet) availability, and easement rights to property.
• Hire a local surveyor to establish property corners, boundary clarity, and any encroachments; clarify water rights (río access and usage).
• Request a Phase I environmental assessment given partial protection status; confirm no environmental liens or restrictions on building.
• Interview neighbors and seller on seasonal water levels, road flooding, and typical utility/service outages to gauge livability during construction and after.

What the web found

The same 20-cuerda Río Abajo property listing appears on Houzeo and Estately with EXP PUERTO RICO INC. as listing agent. Hazard research shows Ceiba's eastern/southeastern areas experience periodic flooding and landslide risk, with Hurricane Maria (2017) triggering numerous landslides; property features gently rolling terrain and is marketed for eco-tourism or sustainable development near Humacao.

Also found online:

• Houzeo — Listed as 20.85 acres, Carr 975 Km, Bo Rio Abajo, Ceiba, $260,000
• Estately — EXP PUERTO RICO INC. listing, ~21 acre lot, $260,000
• Innovate Real Estate — 19.4-acre property Río Abajo, eco-tourism development opportunity, gently rolling terrain

Seller / agent: Nelson Rivera, EXP PUERTO RICO INC.

Area intel: Comparable land sales in Ceiba range $61,500–$330,000+ for diverse property types. Río Abajo barrio (population 884 in 2010, now ~622) offers rural setting with low crime. The eastern/southeastern coastal plain is susceptible to periodic floods. Landslides are a documented hazard—Hurricane Maria (2017) triggered numerous landslides in Ceiba. Property zoned for sustainable/eco-tourism development; buyer should verify zoning, utilities, building permits, and floodplain/environmental constraints. Location ~13–20 km from Humacao and major attractions (beaches, Reserva Natural Humacao, ferry terminals to Vieques/Culebra).

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Description (English)

Beautiful 20-cuerda (19.42-acre) farm in Barrio Río Abajo for sale. Land includes a river. 20 acres of beautiful terrain with views of El Yunque National Forest. Good location on Route 975. 5 minutes from Salto Las Tinajas waterfall. 25 minutes to Cascada El Hippie. 25 minutes to Seven Seas Beach. 25 minutes to the ferry to Culebra and Vieques. Land is Rural Zoning, Partially Protected. Develop an eco-lodge, dedicate it to agriculture, build your dream home!! LIVE NATURE!! Contact: Nelson Rivera, RIVERA REALTY PR, License C23416, 787-528-9499.