Belén, Honduras

Belén is a municipality in the Honduran department of Lempira. The latitude is 15.75 north, the longitude is 87.93 west, and the altitude is 313 meters. [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/HO/6/Belen.html]

Belén is one of the municipalities of the Lempira department. It is located south east from the colonial city of Gracias, following the paved road heading to the Intibuca department. The first big town in Intibuca is called San Juan (del Caite). In order to make it to the center of the town, it is necessary to take a turn off at approximately 24 km from Gracias and then 3 km to the town. The paved road ends at the boundary of the Lempira and Intibuca departments. Currently, the government is still working on a road that was supposed to be finished 5 years ago.

History

It was established as a municipality in 1871, according to old documents that are now kept in the mayor's office. The origin of its first settlers is uncertain, but it is believed that they were descendants of "Chorti" Indians, natives of the western part of the country. First known as "Curincunque", it appeared in the census of 1791, as part of the "Curato" of Gracias a Dios and in the national division of 1889 as part of Gracias district.

Geography

Due to many Pine Forests all around this town and villages, the locals enjoy a very temperate weather throughout the year, except for the summer (dry) season, that is February through June. These forests also contain oak trees but in a smaller scale. Either way, the whole set of forests, irregular hills and mountains provide many inspiring landscapes for both locals and tourists.

Boundaries

Its boundaries are:
* North : La Iguala and Gracias
* South : Intibuca department
* East : Intibuca department
* West : La Campa

*Surface Extents: 198 km²

Resources

The main economic crops are corn, bean and coffee plantations. The government provides resources in order to improve the wellbeing of the people. Also there is an important contribution from organizations such as "Vision Mundial", to improve the quality of life for the poorest. The main town and the majority of the villages have electricity. In 2007 the mayor's office started the installation of sewer systems in the main town. Since it is near the city of Gracias, it does not have any hotels or hostels.

Population

*Population: The figure was 4,444 in 2001. This was used to elaborate an estimate by the INE Honduras (NSI National Statistics Institute), so in 2008 the population might be 5,728.
*Villages: 5
*Settlement: 51

Tourism

As seen in the photos on this article, this town has the typical colonial distribution. Some old buildings made of adobe can be seen, but they are not preserved, with the exception of the old colonial church. There are no hostals or a place to stay, but that is not a problem because Gracias and its many hotels are available.

* Local Holidays: "Virgen del Rosario" day on October 8th.