Within a few hours of Copán are several beautiful colonial towns that make great day trips from Copán.

Santa Rosa, with a population of over 25,000, is the commercial and political hub of western Honduras. In the 1700´s Santa Rosa gained renown for its tobacco, which spurred growth in the region, as well as some very attractive architecture.

Near Santa Rosa are the lovely indigenous colonial towns of Corquín and Belen Gualcho.

Less than an hour from Santa Rosa, the colonial city of Gracias, founded in 1536, is one of most appealing towns in Honduras. Gracias is also the gateway to Celaque National Park, home to the highest mountain in Honduras (soaring to 9,500 feet), as well as one of the largest remaining tracts of cloud forest in Central America.

The Hotel Marina Copan is pleased to arrange excursions to immerse visitors in Honduras´ colonial heritage.

cultural > archaeology · parks/museums · indigenous people · colonial towns