Municipality of San Marcos de Caiquin
San Marcos de Caiquín is a municipality in the Department of Lempira in Honduras.
It was created on November 4, 1994. The Lenca community of San Marcos de Caiquín has historically been a village within the municipality of La Campa. Its residents are descendants of Lenca-Chortis ethnic groups.
Due to their economic and cultural activities, they decided to create a municipality with its own ethnic characteristics.
Geography
It is located in a valley surrounded by many hills, which are filled with pine trees. One could say it is located at the foot of the mountain where San Manuel Colohete is situated.
During the journey to the municipal center, the volcanic origin of the rocks and soil in the area can be seen in the road cuts. The predominant vegetation is coniferous, resulting in a temperate climate, even in the summer.
Boundaries
San Marcos de Caiquín is bordered by the municipality of La Campa to the north, and by the municipalities of Santa Cruz and San Andrés to the south. To the east, it borders the municipality of Santa Cruz, and to the west, it borders the municipalities of San Manuel Colohete and San Sebastián.
- Land area: 94 km²
Resources
Its forest resources are well utilized, as the population has raised awareness about their importance. Coffee remains the main product in this municipality, followed by the cultivation of maize and beans.
San Marcos de Caiquín also has electricity and mobile communication services. There are several water sources in the surrounding areas that contribute to the local water supply.
The municipality regularly offers talks and discussions on topics aimed at improving the well-being of its residents. However, there is still much to be done in terms of education and awareness-raising among the population.
Population
For San Marcos de Caiquín, indigenous descendants make up 80% of the population, while the remaining portion consists of individuals with mixed heritage.
- Population: According to figures from 2001, this municipality had a population of 4,136 inhabitants, and it is expected to reach a total of 4,927 inhabitants by 2008.
- Villages: 7
- Hamlets: 54
Tourism
To reach the locality, one must travel 33 km, passing through the municipality of La Campa. At 5 km, there is a marked detour to the municipality of San Manuel Colohete.
While traveling along the road from La Campa, visitors will encounter attractive landscapes of pine-covered mountains.
- Patron Saint Festival: April 24th
The municipality offers impressive natural landscapes that leave a lasting impression on visitors. It is also home to beautiful waterfalls, some reaching up to 15 meters, and caves with their own legends that enrich the history of the municipality.
