Hot Springs.

6 1/2 Km south of Gracias lie some hot springs that are popular with the locals. There is always running water, and the pools are set pleasantly into the surrounding environment. There is an entrance fee of 12 lempiras per person (the prices are subject to change at any time). Services include a small comedor where you can buy soft drinks and beers well as prepared food; changing facilities and toilets. The springs are open 7 days a week, and although they officially close at dusk, you may visit them and enjoy them even at night. Many of the locals actually prefer visiting them after dark, although they seldom do so. There is a small restaurant or comedor operating in the site that offers food from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Also there are towels, hammocks and inner tubes for rent. Water temperature oscillates between 92 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the pools.

The Fort of San Cristobal

Located in a small mountain overlooking the city, offering the best views of the valley and city. The walk up is well worth it! The fort is not as old as it might seem, however it has a couple of old Spanish cannons that were donated by the Spanish government. Also the tomb of Honduran governor Juan Lindo rests in this place. From the fort you can see all three churches in Gracias, the picturesque cementery, and the impressive mountain of Celaque located behind the fort.

Celaque National Park.

So close to downtown Gracias (9km), and yet so far away (it is a long, long uphill walk to the visitors center). If you are only planing on a brief visit to the park, it is best to negotiate a car to take you up to the Visitors Center, as you will need your energy to do the hiking from here up to the 2,500m level where the cloud forest vegetation actually begins. This means a good 4 to 5 hour hike! However, a shorter trip into the forest is also worth while, as you have the possiblity of seeing many orchids and abundant bird life. Another interesting site to visit is the organic coffe farm, located ½ hour hike up into the park. This is also a fantastic site to enjoy the colorful tropical birds that inhabit the park. There are also several knowledgeable and very responsible guides that can lead you into the mountain for several days of hiking - camping in the park. Of particular beauty are the hikes from Villa Verde to Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa to Belen Gualcho and Villa Verde up to the cloud forest. These hikes will take between 2 and 4 days. For more information, contact the hotel and restaurant Guancascos, located at the foot of the small hill where the fort is located. Plan on being at the center by 7:00 a.m. at the latest to have a better chance of seeing the wildlife. There is a good chance to see the elusive quetzal. I have personally seen several at Celaque! There is an entrance fee of L.40.00 per person, plus another L.50.00 for those spending the night at the visitors center ( Again these prices are subject to change). If you plan on camping, a Lps. 30 additional fee will be charged on top of the entrance fee. All prices are per person. There are three different areas with facilities for campers on the park: the first is at the visitors center, which also has running water and toilets; the second area is a campground located at about 2,000 m altitude and is called Campamento Don Tomas. This is a good three and a half hours hike from the visitors center. The last spot is a good 1 ½ hour hike above Don Tomas and is called El Naranjo. The last two spots only hace water and latrines. You will need to bring your own tent here!

La Campa.

Only 16 km. away from Gracias, on a very good dirt road, lies the town of La Campa. Located in a very rough, mountainous area, it is a very scenic little town. Its church, which dates from colonial times has some very pretty artwork in its altar. Additionally, La Campa is known for the ceramic products produced here. Although more that artistic handicrafts, these are every day use items, they are very interesting, as you can find ceramic skillets, pots and pans all manufactured here. There are minivans and pickups going from Gracias to La Campa. San Manuel Colohete is located another 16 km. beyond La Campa. The road leading to this remote town is now in very good shape and there is bus service from Gracias once a day. This town has one of the most beautiful and best preserved colonial churches in all of Honduras. It is well worth visiting the town and meeting its friendly people. Local people are very happy to arrange a room for you at very reasonable prices. The best source of information in Gracias is at the Guancascos Restaurant with Froni. There are many interesting trails in the area that connect with other towns, such as Belen Gualcho on the other side of Celaque mountain. The hike to Belen Gualcho is a long one and will take two full days of hiking. Again, Froni at the Guancascos can help you find a local guide that can lead you through these trails. You will see a very interesting facet of life in rural Honduras. There are several interesting towns in the area of which the most interesting is Erandique. The city has three important colonial churches. The hotel infrastructure in Gracias has improved considerably in the last two or three years and there are proyects to build even more hotels. The Hotel Guancascos, La Posada de Don Juan, and the Aparthotel Patricia and the Hotel Erick are your best options. If you wish to spend more time in the area, hiking and trekking from town to town, I recommend you speak with one of the tour operators that offer tours in the region. Lenca Land Tours from Santa Rosa de Copan or Celaque Aventura Tours in Gracias and Eurohonduras Tours from La Ceiba offer packages within the region. Information on both is available in the Tour operators section of the directory featured in Honduras tips.