Municipality of Piraera
Piraera is a municipality in the department of Lempira in Honduras.
Its first settlers came from the towns of San Antonio, Santa Lucía, and Magdalena de Intibucá. Some individuals are recorded in the 1702 registry book.
In the first population census of 1791, it appears as a town in the curate of Cerquin, and in the territorial political division of 1889, it was a municipality in the Candelaria district.
The indigenous chief Lempira resided in this town. He received power from Chief Etempic when the Spaniards arrived, and his seat was in the Province of Cerquín.
Geography
As mentioned earlier, it is located on the «Congolón» mountain. The predominant trees are pine, although broadleaf trees can also be seen. It has an elevation suitable for coffee cultivation. Its mountains and hills are steep and difficult to access, so building a road to the town was surely a challenge.
There are several water springs as you approach the town. Something very curious is a rocky monolith that is found along the way, which indicates the volcanic origin of the mountains in Piraera and the Lempira department in general.
Boundaries
The municipality of Piraera has the following boundaries: to the north with the municipalities of Gualcince and Erandique; to the south with the Intibucá department and El Salvador. To the east with the municipality of San Francisco and the Intibucá department; to the west with the municipalities of Candelaria and Virginia.
- Territorial extension: 179 km²
Resources
It could be said that coffee cultivation is the main product of this municipality, although livestock, dairy products, corn, beans, and commerce are also important. Forest resources are abundant and contribute to the local economy. The municipality is fortunate to have various natural water sources that are used for human and livestock consumption, as well as for irrigation of crops.
It also has electricity, and the municipality has internet services. There are many grocery stores, and mobile communication services are available. Fossil fuels are sold in private homes.
Population
In this town, mestizo individuals predominate, but the characteristics of the indigenous people are more pronounced.
- Population: In 2001, the population was 11,420 people, and the National Institute of Statistics (INE) expects it to reach 12,715 people by 2008.
- Villages: 10
- Hamlets: 105
Tourism
It is located 105 km from the city of Gracias. You have to pass through the municipalities of Santa Cruz, San Andrés, and Gualcince, crossing the entire Congolón mountain. The detour to Piraera is located 85 km from Gracias, and you must turn left. Alternatively, you can ask the locals for directions.
The road is maintained in good condition by the «Fondo Cafetero» and the «Fondo Vial,» but caution must be exercised during the rainy season as landslides can occur. The town center has few tourist attractions. It has the typical colonial distribution. The most interesting thing might be walking to some of the hills with panoramic views of the Republic of El Salvador and the Intibucá department.
