Municipality of Lepaera
Lepaera is a municipality in the department of Lempira in Honduras.
Considered an indigenous town since 1538, with inhabitants including Lenca, Toltec, or Chortí indigenous people, who are believed to have arrived in this town from the kingdom of Cuscatlán, fleeing from Spanish conquerors; at the foot of the Puca Mountain.
Between the years 1536 and 1538, when the Spaniards founded the city of Gracias, Lepaera already existed, as did other municipalities, which, according to references, were visited by Chief Lempira.
The first municipal government was elected by popular vote in 1877. The title of city was conferred by decree No. 81 on October 8, 1956, by the National Congress, and came into effect on May 16, 1957.
Geography
It is located at the foot of Puca Mountain. The town has many steep slopes. It is surrounded by many forests, some of which are coffee plantations. It is situated at an elevation above sea level suitable for coffee cultivation.
In general, the rest of the municipality is very mountainous. It features subtropical and pine forests in the higher areas, but the climate in the town is hot due to deforestation.
Boundaries
Lepaera has the following boundaries: to the North with the Santa Bárbara department; to the South with the municipalities of Gracias and Las Flores. To the East with the municipality of La Iguala and the Santa Bárbara department; to the West with the Copán department.
- Territorial extension: 312 km²
Resources
The cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee represent the main activity in Lepaera, followed by commerce. Coffee has contributed to the city’s prosperity and expansion.
It has several hardware stores, grocery stores, a fossil fuel service station at the entrance of the city. It also has electricity and mobile communication services. Water is obtained from well drilling and some springs in the surroundings.
Population
Mestizos have displaced the descendants of the indigenous natives. The few remaining indigenous people are located in the surrounding villages.
- Population: In 2001, the population was estimated to be 3,866. It is expected to reach 4,276 inhabitants by the year 2008.
- Villages: 57
- Hamlets: 100
Tourism
The detour to the town center is located 15 km from Gracias on the road to Santa Rosa de Copán. It is a very attractive, picturesque, and pleasant place for visitors. The streets are narrow and highly decorative, giving the town its distinctiveness. It has a very old church, with the following date inscribed on it: JVLYO 28 1640.
The people are very friendly and attentive. There is a comfortable and well-known hotel in the area. Ground coffee, commonly known as Café de Palo, can be found in various establishments. It is very aromatic and has a good taste. Cable TV services are available.
- Patron Saint Festival: On July 25, the day of Santiago, and on January 25, the day of the Señor de Esquipulas.
