Lepaera

Lepaera is a municipality in the Honduran department of It's a very nice city and tropical all year round Lempira.

Lepaera,is one of the oldest municipalities of the Lempira department and also its departamental capital of the municipality. The deviation to Lepaera is 15 km from Gracias on the road that leads to Santa Rosa de Copán and the whole section of road up to the city of Lepaera is paved, but it is necessary to be careful when taking this turn of, since it's in the middle of 2 narrow curves. And some other curves are very dangerous on the way up to the city.

History

It is considered a "autochthonous" settlement since 1538 with inhabitants such as Lencas, Toltecas or Chorties Indians, it is believed that these people came from the reig of "Cuscatlán" in El Salvador. Between 1536 and 1538, when the Spanish colonist founded the city of Gracias, there was Lepaera already, as well as other municipalities. The title of City was granted under decree No 81 in 8 October 1956.

Geography

It was established at the toe of "Puca" mountain, and it is surrounded by several other hills. Downtown of the departamental capital has steep streets. The elevation from sea level is proper for coffee plantations. It has sub tropical and pine forests on the highet parts, but the weather in the departamental capital is warn due to deforesting.

Boundaries

Its boundaries are:
*North : Santa Barbara department.
*South : Gracias and Las Flores municipalities.
*East : La Iguala municipality and "Santa Barbara" department.
*West : Copán department.

*Surface Extents: 312 km²

Resources

Plantation, gathering and processing of coffee grains represents the most important commercial activity of this municipality. The 2nd most important activity is commerce. The coffee production makes the city grow faster each year. It has several hardware stores, groceries stores, a gas station at the entrace of the city. Also it has electricity, mobile communications services. The water is obtain from wells and some streams coming from "Puca" mountain.

Population

The native Indians descentants have been displaced along time by the cross-breed of Spanish and Indians.
*Population: The figure was 3,866 people in 2001. Based on this, an estimate was elaborated for 2008, resulting in 4,276.
*Villages: 45
*Settlements: 135

Tourism

The city of Lepaera is a welcoming, picturesque and nice place to visit. The streets are narrow and distinctive. The old catholic church in downtown of the city has the following inscription: JVLYO 28 1640 (28 July 1640), and it is perhaps of the oldest in Lempira department. People are warm and friendly. There is a very nice and comfortable hotel. Also there are several locations where the tourist can buy home made grinded coffee, known as "Café de Palo", which is very aromatic and with great taste.
*Local Holidays: "Santiago" day in 25 July and also "Señor de Esquipulas" day on 25 January.

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