The Lenca Trail

Between Copan and Comayagua, western Honduras is a jumble of emerald mountains and fertile valleys.

This is the heartland of the Lenca people–the largest indigenous population in Honduras.

Recognized internationally for their hand-woven textiles and fine black-and-white pottery, the Lenca have inhabited this region for over 1,500 years.

Santa Rosa de Copan

The Lenca Trail (or Ruta Lenca) connects a string of traditional Lencan towns and can be traversed by car or bicycle.

The trail’s western limit is Santa Rosa de Copan, a charming town 65 miles east of Copan.

Santa Rosa’s historic center–cobblestone streets, whitewashed churches, and restored colonial buildings–is a Honduran national monument.

The surrounding farms produce world-class tobacco; cigars are hand-rolled in town and factory tours are available.

Gracias & El Cerro de las Minas

Gracias, a highland town, 30 miles southeast of Santa Rosa de Copan, was founded in 1526.

An important administrative center during the 16th century, life in Gracias now moves at a relaxed pace.

Highlights include the San Cristobal fortress, several historic churches, nearby hot springs and coffee plantations.

Montaña de Celaque

Gracias serves as the gateway to Montaña Celaque National Park, located four miles to the west.

The park’s 66,700 acres of cloud forest houses jaguars, pumas, ocelots, spider monkeys, quetzals, and more than 250 other avian species.