What to do while in Gracias?
Gracias is one of those places that never cease to amaze. the colonial architecture, Lenca culture and the breathtaking mountain Celaque are reasons enough for a visit. Did we mention the hot springs?
The city of Gracias
Gracias is a quaint little town surrounded by the highest mountains of the region. The squares with shady trees and trendy cafeterias, the churches and colonial buildings, the market, and its friendly people all together give it its mystical charm.
The historical center hosts three churches, a fortress, a museum, a botanical garden and the local market as interesting sites to visit and all in walking distance from the hotel.
Hot Springs (Aguas Termales)
Located about 7 km outside the town hidden on a hill submerged in pine forest you will find these very relaxing natural hot water pools (36 to 40 C). It is a popular side specially on the weekends but even when it is busy it is nice to visit. There are a few changing facilities and a restaurant. Entrance fee is $3. To get there you can negotiate a tuktuk. It is about an hours walk to get there, ask for the short cuts.
National Park Mountain Celaque with the highest peak of the mountain.
Mountain Celaque has more than 20.000 hectares of forest, with 26 km of trail to explore. The flora is very diverse and unique, 5 varieties of pine trees, liquidambar, oaks, orchids, bromeliads other epiphytes, ferns mosses and lichens etc. A lot of flora and fauna has not been described yet. On a typical half day tour you will see most of the flora mentioned and you will be able to see quite a variety of birds of this type of habitat.
La Campa
La Campa is a small village 16 km away from Gracias. Soon the road will be paved. A typical small town with its colonial church and adobe houses in a mountainous setting. What makes La Campa different is its ancient pottery tradition. The women make beautiful pottery without any tools but their hands and some seeds the same way their ancestors did since ancient times. The
clay and the colors are al natural and locally available. Doña Desideria lives about 300 mts outside of the village towards San Manuel. She gives
demonstrations for about $10 and sells her very well made pottery.
Her son Leonel has his workshop in front of the hotel in Gracias.
While in La Campa do not miss out on the marvelous, adrenaline boosting extreme 6 course zip-line over the canon. Highly recommended. You can buy your ticket in the office in front of the church and a car will take you to the starting point. You end behind the church.
