Excursions and Trips

Celaque National Park:
This park is accessible by two entrances. If you enter through the north of the park, you can combine your trip with a visit to Gracias and the hot springs. Through the south of the park, you can tie in a visit to Corquín and Belén Gualcho, which boasts a beautiful church and one of the best and most traditional Sunday markets in Honduras.

For more information about Celaque National Park, including a map of the park, visit the TravelsinParadise.com Celaque site!

The Lencan communities:
At the beginning of the Spanish Conquest in the 15th century, the most abundant and important ethnic group in Honduras was the Lencan community. The Lencan people were distributed among 500 communities throughout Honduras. Today the Lencans are still the largest ethnic community in the country, however, the Lencan people now live in small communities in Central and Western Honduras, in the departments of Valle,Comayague, La Paz, Lempira, Intibuca and Ocotopeque. The current population is estimated to be around 100,000.

La Campa, San Manuel de Colohete, San Sebastián, Corquin y Mohaga.
In these Lencan communities you can appreciate colonial architecture and daily activities of the local people. You can also enjoy of the fresh air via one of the many opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, or visits to the markets where you will find fresh local produce. Other Lencan communities can be found in the villages of El Rodeo and Oromilaca. Access to these villages is by dirt road, and there are only sparce, rustic options for lodging and dining.

La Comunidad de San Juan de Opoa:
San Juan de Opoa is another Lencan community with the added appeal of hillside views of the Jicatuyo River. You will also see some great examples of the vernacular architecture of the region. Close to San Juan de Opoa are two water parks, Doricentro and Las Tres Jotas.

Reserva de Vida Silvestre Puca:
This reserve is a cloud forest located on the outskirts of Lepaera, Lempira, about 45 minutes from Santa Rosa. In this forest, there are tourist facilities and guide services. Reserva de Vida Silvestre Puca is a protected area.

Montaña Quetzal:
Located around the Sierra de Gallinero, Montaña Quetzal is a national reserve and cloud forest. The reserve is a popular attraction because it is considered one of the best places to spot quetzales in Honduras. The park has some excellent trails for hiking as well as a trail for mules through which brushwood was once removed from the mine. Towards the middle of the mountain, you can appreciate the diverse selection of trees; cedars, oaks, fig trees, and more.

Dulce Nombre:
Horseback tours or walking tours are available for the 9 kilometer trip to Dulce Nombre, located to the northeast of Santa Rosa. The tour stops along the way in the village of Salitrillo where you can enjoy a cup of coffee before continuing on your journey. A little further on, you will pass through El Callejon and shortly after is the entrance to the municipality of Dulce Nombre de Copan. If you continue walking just past the city, there are some beautiful trails that will bring you to wetland areas where you can take a swim.

Quezailica:
Quezailica is approx. 24 kilometers from Santa Rosa. En route to Quezailica, you will pass through the city of Belén, continuing through El Rosario and Las Sandias to arrive at Quezailica. This village is famous in Honduras for traditions and a myth surrounding the Black Christ that is housed in the local church. The statue is known for granting miracles to the faithful and was made during the Spanish occupation. The festival of the Black Christ (Cristo Negro del Señor del Buen Fin) is January 15th. For those who like to walk, there are places to eat and camp along the trail or you can usually find an extra bed in one of the communities along the way.

Las Flores, Lempira:
Just past Santa Rosa towards Talgua you will find Las Flores. The cattleroad leading to Las Flores dates back to precolumbian times and was used before the colonization to carry messages between towns. Also along this route, you will find several archeological sites and parts of the old cobblestone road.

Oromilaca:
Oromilaca is a rural community of white houses with an architectural style typical of Western Honduras. In this village you can observe an abundance of agricultural activities surrounding the corn harvest, including a chance to sample the delicious corn-based food typical of the area. Stop at one of the houses along the way to eat.

Ermita del Rosario:
In the village of El Rosario, you will find the first Virgin of the Rosary, who blesses the tobacco crop. The church is a beautiful building with original roof still in tact.

Salitrillo:
The hike that joins Santa Rosa and El Salitrillo is just to the west of the downtown area. On this path you can hike, bike or horseback while enjoying the forest and the highest point of the city.

Carrizal:
The path joining Carrizal and Santa Rosa is to the south of the city center. Along the path is a beautiful panoramic view of the city. In addition, along the walkway is a passage between two boulders that marks the entrance to a cavern. This point is called El Portillo or “the gap” because of the strong winds that pass through.

Corquin:
Corquin is a beautiful and old city that is still enchantingly rural. There are also some incredible waterfalls nearby. At La Casa Grande Restaurant, you can enjoy great typical food in a colonial house and pick up some more information about the town.

Belen Gualcho:
Hidden on the outskirts of Celaque, the small indigenous population of Belén Gualcho guards its traditions and folklore. Located in the department of Ocotopeque, you can reach Belén Gualcho from Santa Rosa on one of three daily buses that leave the city at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.

When you enter the town, the first thing you will notice is the colonial church. It is beautifully constructed and maintained with a magnificent wooden alter and religious paintings. The church in Belén is unique from others in the area because of the dome ceiling. Another interesting point is that the church does not have the traditionally square architectural style of the Spaniards. The church is located just above the city center.

The market in Belén Gualcho is without doubt one of the most traditional in Honduras. It opens early on Sunday and is closed by noon. Even if you are not able to find artisan goods, the folklore of this market is unique and offers a sense of the local color. The residents, who are almost 100% of Lencan descent, have distinct features and are friendly though a little shy. Celaque National Park starts just 3 kilometers from the town.

La Reserva del Huisayote:
60 kilometers from Santa Rosa you will find the Huisayote Reserve. Huisayote is a cloud forest with an abundance of exotic birds and animals, including the quetzal.