Day Trips

A lovely 40 minute bus ride will take you to Gracias, one of Honduras's most historic towns. Founded in 1539, many colonial era buildings remain standing today. First stop is to get your bearings at the fort of San Cristobal overlooking the town with fine views of the valley and the surrounding Celaque range.

A visit to Celaque National Park, one of the nation's finest, is a must for anyone who enjoys nature. One of my favorite memories is watching a meteor shower from the park on a family camping trip. A nine kilometer dirt road leads from Gracias to the park's entrance and visitor's center. There is an entrance fee of US$0.75 payable at the entrance. There is no public transport to the park, but a car can be hired at Guancascos Restaurant in Gracias, where camping gear and box lunches for the trail are also available.

Hikers will enjoy ascending the principal trail through one of the largest existing stands of cloud forest in Central America to Celaque's 2,849 meter summit, Honduras's highest. Travels in Paradise offers a good trail map and hike description. The cloud forest is a great place for wildlife observation, including the beautiful and elusive quetzal. Others, content to enjoy a walk in the forest, can return to Gracias and relax in the nearby hot springs southeast of town. Transportation to the hot springs can be arranged at Guancascos.

Another worthwhile side trip is to the Lenca village of La Campa, sixteen kilometers beyond Gracias. La Campa is where much Lenca pottery, both traditional and modern, is produced for sale in fashionable Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula shops. The artisans are happy to display their skills to visitors. Public transportation is available from Gracias.

Still another interesting day trip can be made from Santa Rosa de Copán south to the mountain village of Belén Gualcho. Perched on the back side of the Celaque range, Belén Gualcho is an enchanted place with steep, twisting little streets occasionally opening up to give lovely views. Be sure to try the locally made fruit wines. On the way, you'll pass through Corquín, where little explored limestone caves tempt the adventuresome. Buses depart Santa Rosa thrice daily for Belén Gualcho, or you can drive (four wheel drive recommended) south, leaving the highway at Cucuyagua.