Municipality of San Jose de La Paz
The municipality of San José belongs to the Department of La Paz.
In Antonio Vallejo’s 1889 statistical yearbook, it is mentioned that this town was established in the place called Suyaguare in the mountain range south of the city of La Paz. Its foundation dates back to 1849, and it was granted the status of municipality in 1864.
General Data of San José de La Paz
Origin of its name: in honor of its patron saint, San José.
- Ethnic population: Ladinos and peasants with Lenca tradition.
- Territorial area: 63.70 km2
- Population: 9,773 inhabitants (2012)
- Date of creation: 1864
- Patronal festival: March 19th, day of Saint Joseph.
- Villages and hamlets: 4 villages and 40 hamlets.
- Altitude: 1295 meters above sea level.
Main Economic Activity
Cultivation of basic grains, coffee, sugarcane, potatoes, blackberries, grapes, and vegetables; cattle, horse, sheep, and pig breeding; poultry farming.
Infrastructure
- Health: 1 CESAMO, 2 CESAR.
- Education: 57 primary education centers, 21 pre-primary education centers, and 1 secondary education center.
Location
It is situated on the right bank of the San Antonio River, near the Pacayal mountain.
Limits
- North: municipality of Santa María;
- South: municipality of Chinada;
- East: municipality of Santa María;
- West: municipalities of Marcala and Intibucá (Intibucá).
Hydrography: Cañas, Lepasale, del Mescalar, San Antonio, and El Zapotal rivers.
Relief: surrounded by hills and near the Pacayal mountain.
