Travel Guide Santa Rosa De Copán

Capital of the department of Copán and the largest city in the western part of the country (approximately 28 000 inhabitants), Santa Rosa de Copán enjoys a pleasant climate and is a good base for visiting the surrounding indigenous villages. The centre retains a beautiful colonial heritage. The number one tourist attraction, however, is the cigar factory whose quality is recognised internationally.We do not know exactly the Spanish settlement date of the Santa Rosa site, that the indigenous natives named Quezailica. Records show that land was purchased around 1725. In 1791, Fray Fernando de Cafidianos established a census and the hamlet was called "Los Llanos". In 1801, the name transforms into "Santa Rosa de Los Llanos"; the village is subject to the jurisdiction of Gracias.At that time, tobacco was in vogue in Europe and the region began to attract many settlers. Santa Rosa's site was more favourable than that of Gracias, and many of them were strategically moving in search of better living conditions. The tobacco plantations developed rapidly and the "Real Factoria del Tabaco" was founded in 1765. Santa Rosa was granted the status of city on April 12, 1843 and continued to prosper, to the detriment of the many villages in the vicinity.Today, the city retains a certain colonial charm and the cigar factory is an interesting but not an unavoidable visit. The surrounding area (national parks of La Montañita, Celaque and Huisayote and the seaside resort Las Tres Jotas, 24 km from the road to Gracias - can camp, bathe or go on a boat trip). There is nothing extraordinary to see, but the atmosphere is pleasant. It is mostly a step (for sleeping) between Copán Ruinas and Gracias.Santa Rosa de Copán is an ideal base for visiting the lencas villages on the flanks of the Celaque mountain. It is possible to make a fascinating excursion to Gracias through authentic colonial villages: the adventure as you love in a particularly welcoming region. Organized tours are interesting and will allow you to discover beautiful, unknown hamlets. Those who do not have a sufficient budget to offer an excursion can visit the different sites we have independently identified (all details are given in the guide).The patron saint of the city (Santa Rosa de Lima) is celebrated every year from 15 to 30 August.