Municipality of Erandique
Erandique is a municipality in the department of Lempira in Honduras.
It was founded in 1600 with the name Cerquín, named after its location to the west of Cerquín Hill. It was registered in 1733 in Volume II of the Property Registry Book, as recorded in pages 145 to 155, submitted on November 28.
According to accounts from the residents, the original title was lost, and its replacement dates back to February 14, 1882, during the administration of Dr. Marco Aurelio Soto. This municipality is one of the oldest and was elevated to the status of a city by Legislative Decree No. 97, dated March 3, 1932.
Geography
The city center has many slopes, and there are many hills covered with pine trees in the surroundings. The predominant soil type is derived from volcanic rocks. During the rainy season, the soil resulting from the alteration of rocks makes the roads very slippery and erodes some parts. The climate is temperate, except for a dry season.
Boundaries
Panoramic view of the municipality of Erandique.
Erandique is bordered to the north by the municipality of Santa Cruz and the Intibuca department, to the south by the municipalities of Piraera and San Francisco, to the east by the Intibuca department, and to the west by the municipalities of San Andrés and Gualcince.
Territorial extension: 294 km²
The town is located 65 km away from the city of Gracias.
Resources
The cultivation of coffee is of great importance, but it is grown in the highlands near the city, such as Cerquín Hill. The city also serves as a collection center for coffee. The cultivation of basic grains ranks second. Vegetable cultivation and livestock farming are less prominent.
The city has electricity and communication services provided by the national company and mobile network operators. It is important to mention that there is a hospital in the city, but severe cases are transferred to the hospital in Gracias, as ambulance services are available. There is also a small clinic run by American citizens residing in the city.
Transportation services to the cities of Gracias and La Esperanza are available. There is a fuel station and several tire repair shops. Drinking water is obtained from nearby rivers and, to a lesser extent, from wells. Forest resources are conserved, but a disadvantage is that more than half of the population still uses firewood as fuel for cooking.
Population
In the city of Erandique, a large number of indigenous descendants can be found, making up almost half of the population. Mestizos make up the other half, but they are predominantly fair-skinned. During festive dates, individuals with indigenous features are more noticeable, as they still prefer to live in isolation.
Population: In 2001, the population was 11,700. According to estimates by the INE Honduras, it is projected to increase to 13,845 by 2008.
Villages: 15
Hamlets: 132
Villages
- Azacualpa Montaña
- Conal
- Guatincara
- Valle de la Cruz
- Gualgüire
- Azacualpa Grande
- El Chimizal
- La Laguna
- San Antonio Valle
- Concepción o Barrio Nuevo
- San Antonio Montaña
- Yolomon
- Matazano
- El Rodeo
- El Carrizal
Tourism
One way to reach Erandique is by passing through San Juan (del Caite) in Intibuca. The other way is through the town of Dolores, Intibuca, which also leads to the municipality of San Francisco. If starting from the city of La Esperanza, Intibuca, it is not recommended to take the second route due to the poor condition of the dirt road for most of the year. If arriving in Erandique from San Juan del Caite, there is an exit for the border municipalities and another for the municipality of San Francisco.
The surroundings of the town are surrounded by pine forests. There is a local cable company. There are also a couple of establishments with Internet access and secretarial services. Several places can be found to enjoy typical local cuisine and other treats. However, there is only one restaurant that offers a menu and seafood, owned by a person originally from the city of La Ceiba.
There are several lodging establishments, including «Hotel y Apartamentos Lizzie (WiFi), Hotel Esteven, Hotel Torre Fuerte, Hotel YJ.» The city center features many houses with baroque architecture. The cobblestone and paved streets are picturesque, and the three old churches are attractions of the place.
Patronal fair: January 20, the day of San Sebastián; September 8, the day of the Virgen de La Merced, and June 13, the day of San Antonio. June 20 is also celebrated nationally as the day of the leader Lempira.
