Tour Guides Now Available

The tourism program in La Campa is growing and the community is happy to announce that Alan Reyes is now available to lead hiking and horseback tours of the village and surrounding valleys. Ask at any of the hotels or call him direct at 98671389. Pamphlets will soon be available in Gracias.

A Learning Adventure in Honduras

A Learning Adventure in Honduras is a link to a story in Transitions Abroad Magazine.

Directions on Getting to La Campa

Purchase a bus ticket to Santa Rosa de Copan in San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa. Then transfer to a bus headed to Gracias. From Gracias, there is one bus daily to La Campa leaving at 12 noon. Cost is 15 lempiras ( or around one US dollar). Another option is to take a motortaxi for $10.00. The bus returns to Gracias at 6:30 am the following morning or you can return via motortaxi.

But La Campa is well worth an overnight stay - hotels are a bargain, the skies are clear and perfect for stargazing and the people will welcome you wherever you go.

Experience Authentic Village Traditions

The Lenca village of La Campa is located in a dramatic canyon setting in the mountainous highlands of western Honduras near the colonial city of Gracias. A new community-based eco-tourism project was recently launched and is intended to make it easy for visitors to spend time in the countryside, explore surrounding hillside commmunities and experience traditional Lenca culture. Contact visitlacampa@yahoo.com or dasalacampa2@yahoo.com.mx to find out more.

Excursion to Nueva Esperanza: Legends and Crafts

Local guides, such as Carlos David Perez (losdape1@yahoo.com) are available to lead hikes to neighbouring villages such as Nueva Esperanza.

Nicolas, a local pottery artisan is pleased to demonstrate Lenca techniques which use red clay and traditional handtools such as corn husks. Hands-on workshops are also available. Firing is done in an outdoor kiln.

This prehistoric cave is 15 metres high and was used as a shelter for villagers and soldiers during times of conflict. Local legends also tell of a duende or spirit who lives inside a deep interior cavern and emerges to roam the countryside from time to time.

Eco-Excursions in Cruz Alta

It's possible to hike or ride by horseback to Cruz Alta, a remote Lenca community located up a steep hill behind town. The hill itself is considered to be sacred as it was the site of several miracles and is surrounded by thick rainforest which serves as important watershed for supplying drinking water to the community below. Hiking and bird-watching alongside Montana de Camapara is an inspiring activity that offers a glimpse of rare wildlife and vegetation. It's also possible to visit an organic coffee plantation or any of the micro-enterprises such as paper-making or pottery. A tour of the finca de Don Maximo Odon is a good way to become introduced to a wide variety of agricumtural methods and local indigenous crops. Planning is currently underway to launch a volunteer vacation program in the community.

Eco-tourism Activities

Hikes along the Rio Grande River, up to Mirador San Guanera and to neighbouring hillside villages are available independently or with a guide.

Hotels - Stay a night or more

Several hotels offer an opportunity to overnight in this secluded canyon setting and participate in eco-tourism activities such as hiking or to take a pottery lesson. Hotel Vista Hermosa and Hostal JB are nearest to the centre of town. For reservations, contact dasalacampa2@yahoo.com.mx

Cabanas Daniela is located in a relaxing hillside setting and offers views of the canyon cliffs and village.

Religious Spirituality - San Matias Church

The Iglesias de San Matias, located in the centre of town, dates back to 1690 and is a lovely example of colonial Spanish architecture.

. An exchange of saints between neighbouring hillside villages is a memorable event.

During the week leading up to February 22nd, the church hosts one of Honduras' most important religious festivals. Over 30,000 pilgrims come to pay homage to the municipality's patron saint, San Matias and the village is the site of a bustling market, religious ceremonies and a traditional guanacascos dance

La Campa Lenca Pottery

The residents of La Campa and the surrounding hillside communities are of Lenca descent and the town is the heart of production for traditional Lenca pottery, made of red clay and hand-crafted according to ancient methods. Dona Desideria is a master craftsperson who offers pottery workshops. Call (504) 625-3393 one day in advance to make arrangements for a 1/2 day class.