Siguatepeque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Siguatepeque
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Municipality
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 Siguatepeque
Location in Honduras
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| Country | Honduras |
| Department | Comayagua |
| Founded | 1689 |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 151.4 sq mi (392.2 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,580 ft (1,090 m) |
| Population
(2023 projection)
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| • Municipality | 127,468 |
| • Density | 841.77/sq mi (325.01/km2) |
| • Urban | 94,480 |
| Climate | Cwa |
Siguatepeque is a lively city and a municipality (a local government area) in the Comayagua region of Honduras. It is often called the "City of Pines" because of the many pine trees around it. In 2023, the city had an estimated population of about 94,480 people.
Contents
History of Siguatepeque
Siguatepeque was started by the Spanish in 1689. It was first used as a quiet place for religious groups to meet and train. Over time, the town grew as Spanish settlers, local Lencas, and Mexican Nahuatl immigrants married and lived there.
The name Siguatepeque comes from two words in the Nahuatl language: Cihuatl, meaning "woman," and Tepec, meaning "mount." So, the name means "the mount of women." The city is located about 1,066 meters (3,500 feet) above sea level. In 1861, Siguatepeque became its own municipality, and in 1926, it was officially recognized as a city.
Geography and Nature
Siguatepeque is located high in the central mountains of Honduras, about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and is often called a "garden town" because of its lush greenery.
Economy and Education
The areas around Siguatepeque are mostly used for farming and forestry. Because of its natural beauty, the region has become a popular spot for eco-tourism. Siguatepeque serves as a starting point for visitors exploring central Honduras.
The National University of Forestry Science (UNACIFOR) is located here. It trains students from all over Latin America in forestry. This helps protect the forests and teaches people how to use them wisely.
Travel and Location
Siguatepeque is in a great location, almost exactly halfway between Honduras' two biggest cities: San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. It takes about two hours to travel from either city to Siguatepeque. This makes it a popular stop for travelers to rest and get food or gas.
Many buses travel to and from Siguatepeque. You can find direct bus services to major cities like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. These are offered by companies like Empresa Saenz, Empresa El Rey, and Hedman Alas. For other towns, local bus services are available.
Climate and Seasons
Siguatepeque has a mild humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters. There are three main seasons:
- Wet and Cool Season (May to November): During these months, there is plenty of rain, which helps the plants grow beautifully. It's not as hot or humid as the lower areas of Honduras.
- Cooler Interlude (November to February): Temperatures can sometimes drop to about 8°C (40°F) when cold air comes from the north.
- Dry Season (February to May): This is the warmest time of year, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C (95°F). Even then, cool winds from the nearby Calanterique forest and the large Cordillera Montecillos mountain range help keep the air fresh. You usually don't need air conditioning, and a fan is often enough.
| Climate data for Siguatepeque, Honduras | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 30.2 (86.4) |
34.5 (94.1) |
35.5 (95.9) |
35.6 (96.1) |
35.9 (96.6) |
34.5 (94.1) |
34.9 (94.8) |
34.9 (94.8) |
33.2 (91.8) |
33.8 (92.8) |
31.9 (89.4) |
29.8 (85.6) |
35.9 (96.6) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.0 (73.4) |
26.0 (78.8) |
28.0 (82.4) |
29.0 (84.2) |
29.0 (84.2) |
27.0 (80.6) |
27.0 (80.6) |
27.0 (80.6) |
27.0 (80.6) |
25.0 (77.0) |
24.0 (75.2) |
22.0 (71.6) |
26.1 (79.0) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.8 (64.0) |
18.4 (65.1) |
20.4 (68.7) |
22.5 (72.5) |
23.0 (73.4) |
22.5 (72.5) |
21.0 (69.8) |
21.2 (70.2) |
21.0 (69.8) |
19.9 (67.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
17.9 (64.2) |
20.5 (68.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 13.3 (55.9) |
12.9 (55.2) |
13.8 (56.8) |
15.0 (59.0) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.4 (63.3) |
17.0 (62.6) |
17.1 (62.8) |
17.2 (63.0) |
16.4 (61.5) |
15.0 (59.0) |
13.9 (57.0) |
15.4 (59.7) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 19.9 (0.78) |
29.2 (1.15) |
24.1 (0.95) |
43.6 (1.72) |
153.5 (6.04) |
218.4 (8.60) |
210.7 (8.30) |
215.8 (8.50) |
205.6 (8.09) |
145.1 (5.71) |
76.3 (3.00) |
39.4 (1.55) |
1,580.6 (62.23) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 118 |
| Source: WeatherSpark(https://es.weatherspark.com/y/13702/Clima-promedio-en-Siguatepeque-Honduras-durante-todo-el-a%C3%B1o) | |||||||||||||
Local Life and Services
Siguatepeque is a hub for growing vegetables and fruits, so fresh produce is always available. The town has good shopping options with local, Central American, and imported goods.
The city offers many services and fun things to do:
- A large swimming pool
- Two cinemas
- Many restaurants
- Several bilingual schools, including a new Catholic University
Health and Wellness
Siguatepeque has good medical facilities. The Evangelical Hospital serves people from all over Honduras. There are also many private clinics for general health and specialists, such as El Carmen Medical Center and Hospital Las Mercedes. Dental clinics are also available. For those interested in other types of care, the Hospital de Acupuntura offers acupuncture and herbal medicines.
Images for kids
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Central park in Siguatepeque
See also
In Spanish: Siguatepeque para niños
