Municipality of La Campa
La Campa is a municipality in the department of Lempira in Honduras.
Formerly known as «Tecauxinas,» in the 1887 population census, it was a village within the municipality of Gracias. In 1921, it was established as a municipality. Initially, it was located on a plateau between the hills of «Cincinera» and «Santo Tomás,» but for religious reasons, it was moved to its current location.
The name «La Campa» originated from an expression used by the early miners when they observed that it was going to rain or when the evening fell. They would invite each other by saying, «Let’s ‘camp’!» which means to rest or wait out the rain.
Geography
It is situated on the slope of a hill and is protected by a line of rocky outcrops covered with pine trees. This makes the climate of La Campa very cool.
Limits
La Campa has the following boundaries: to the north with the municipalities of Gracias and Belén, to the south with San Andrés and Santa Cruz, to the east with the municipality of Belén and the Intibucá department, and to the west with the municipalities of San Manuel Colohete and San Sebastián.
- Territorial extension: 109 km²
La Campa is located 16 km from the city of Gracias. As you advance, you can appreciate the southeast side of Celaque National Park.
Economy
Due to its altitude above sea level, it is not conducive to the cultivation and production of coffee. However, the nearby geography has plains that allow for agriculture. An important advantage is the presence of numerous water sources originating from Celaque National Park. Cattle production is scarce.
Services
The municipal center has electricity, and neighboring villages are gradually being electrified. It also has mobile telecommunication services, and there is a small hotel for visitors and tourists.
Population
It can be said that half of the population in La Campa has mestizo characteristics, and the other half are descendants of indigenous people from the area.
- Population: In 2001, the population was 4,238. According to projections by the INE, it is estimated to reach approximately 5,048 in 2008.
- Villages: 5
- Hamlets: 49
Tourism
Due to its proximity to the colonial city of Gracias, many guided visits are organized to the colonial villages along the «Colosuca» route.
The colonial church is one of the major attractions.
La Campa is one of the municipalities in the Lempira department with great tourism potential. The beautiful and original clay carvings are a center of special attraction for tourists. In this municipality, you can find the highest and longest canopy in Central America, with a height of approximately 350 m.
- Patronal fair: From February 15 to 28, celebrating the day of San Matías.
