Municipality of San Pedro Zacapa
San Pedro Zacapa is a municipality in the department of Santa Bárbara in Honduras.
The origin of the name dates back to 1780 when the first indigenous people from Zacapa, Guatemala, arrived and named it Cacat Atl, which translates to «between rivers» in Spanish, as it was bathed by the Zacapa River and the streams of Zunzucuapa and Guajiniquil. It was named Zacapa in reference to these water sources. Another meaning is «In the water of the herbs.»
In the population count of 1801, it was part of the subdelegation of Tencoa, and in the Political Territorial Division of 1889, it appears as a municipality forming the Santa Bárbara District.
Location
It is located in the southern part of the Santa Barbara department. The municipality borders the municipalities of Santa Bárbara and Santa Cruz de Yojoa to the north, the municipalities of Intibucá and Jesús de Otoro to the south, the municipalities of San José de Comayagua and Santa Cruz de Yojoa to the east, and the municipalities of Concepción del Sur and San Francisco de Ojuera to the west.
Hydrography
San Pedro Zacapa is surrounded by several rivers and streams, such as the Ulua River, Jaitique River, Zacapa River, and Canjel River. It is also intersected by streams including Zunsucuapa, El Cacao, Caranola, El Limón, Zuntulin, Calan, El Platanito, Jimililares (Agua Tibia), and El Calichon.
The municipality of Zacapa also shares a portion of Lake Yojoa through the La Majada village.
It also has three lagoons in the El Zapote village.
Villages
- San Pedro Zacapa
- Agua Caliente
- Agua Zarca
- Azacualpa
- Canculuncos
- El Mogote
- El Ocote
- El Tablón
- El Zapote
- Horconcitos
- La Boquita
- La Majada
- La Venada
- Mojarras
- San Antonio de Chuchepeque
Tourism
San Pedro Zacapa has an inactive volcano called «Cerro Cargamón» near the jurisdiction of Azacualpa. Studies are being conducted for the possible utilization of natural gases in thermal energy generation due to the enormous amount of springs that emerge from its ground. It is a tourist attraction in the region due to its thermal waters.
Another tourist spot is the El Cacao waterfall located in the La Boquita village.
There is also the El Salto waterfall located in the Zunsucuapa Stream between the Agua Zarca village and El Milagro. It is said that a little mermaid with a guitar emerges from the pool of the waterfall to entertain those who fish there.
There is another waterfall in the Mojarras village called El Salto de Cangel, which has a height of about 66 meters, making it one of the tallest in Honduras.
There is also a cave called «El Calichon,» a beautiful cave where ancient pottery can be found. This cave is located in the El Zapote village.
The Zacapa River crosses the center of the municipality, which originates from the mountains bordering Lake Yojoa. It is considered that the clear waters of the river come from the only non-artificial lake in Honduras. Over 90% of its basin is surrounded by large and diverse trees, which contribute to its crystal-clear, pure, and refreshingly cool water. There are several natural pools known as «posas» where you can enjoy and refresh yourself throughout the year.
Infrastructure
La cabecera municipal (The municipal seat) has basic services such as telephone, potable water, sewerage, electricity, and educational centers. Its streets are paved with cobblestones, and it still retains a colonial atmosphere with friendly and educated people.
Culture and Education
There is a public primary school and a private primary school, as well as a secondary education center (CEB). One characteristic of the municipal seat is the eradication of illiteracy, which can be seen in the quality of life of its residents. Teachers, students, and residents work together to promote campaigns for the economic and sustainable development of the town while preserving its picturesque and clean environment.
Health
The municipality has a Health Center that serves the municipal population, attended by Dr. Ronaldo Norori.
Telecommunications
Starting from June 11, 2006, the national company Hondutel began offering fixed-line telephone services, and later on, the municipality is covered by the cellular signals of mobile phone companies TIGO and Claro, which operate in the country.
Energy
The municipal seat has its own hydroelectric power plant, known simply as «La Planta». This small dam is capable of supplying the entire municipality, harnessing the river force of the Zacapa River located in the Agua Zarca village.
A historical fact is that this power plant remained active during the operations of the El Mochito Mine, exploited by the Rosario Resources Corporation. Later, the shares were acquired by the American Pacific Honduras Inc. company, and when the municipality of Las Vegas was created, it ceased to function.
