Gracias Travel Guide
Beautiful upland Colonial town
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Not far from the colonial town of Santa Rosa de Copan, and just a short distance from the nearby ruins, Gracias is another pretty example of Spanish architecture, worthy of visiting in its own right, not just to be passed through. Set in stunning surroundings and home to cloud forests, Lenca natives, a friendly, small town atmosphere and the highest peak in Honduras, Gracias makes a wonderful stop.
Founded in 1536 after weeks of searching in the mountains for a place large enough and flat enough to build a city, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Chavez finally stumbled on the green valley of Gracias upon which he exclaimed, “Gracias a Dios”, or ‘Thank God’, and the name stuck.
The city grew to be one of the most important in the entire region, though eventually was overshadowed by the old capital of Comayagua and Antigua Guatamala. It's now a small town, stuck in time.
A surprising amount of colonial atmosphere survives here - if traditional, old-fashioned towns are your thing, you'll certainly be pleased with Gracias. Its colonial architecture, including many churches, still stands as it did hundreds of years ago. And while it may look colonial, San Cristobal Fort was actually built in the mid-19th Century. For a taste of traditional village life, La Campa is a beautiful, peaceful destination. While Celaque National Park is a delight for both hikers and bird-watchers, containing the country’s highest mountain (2,849m) and 11 rivers.
Attractions in Gracias
There are a number of nearby attractions worth visiting – click on the links below for details.
Activities in Gracias
Visit the central market on market day, and browse what the Lenca inhabitants of the city are offering up for sale.
Climb into the clouds of Celaque National Park and its temperate high altitude forests.
Travel to the town of La Campa to see the work of local artisans, or hike through the rough terrain and observe the real rural Honduras.
Relaxing
Sit in the clouds after you climb in Celaque National Park or spend an afternoon doing very little in a quiet mountain town.
Getting Around
Connections overland from Santa Rosa de Copan to Gracias are good (50km). Buses run regularly.
Cars can be arranged to take you to the Celaque national park if you want to arrive fresh for the main climb.
Buses run regularly to the town of La Campa along a dirt road which is in good condition.
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