Posted on 10 October 2009
One of the best kept secrets in Honduras is the colonial city of Gracias. Capital of the department of Lempira, in Western Honduras, Gracias is accessible from Copan via the Western Highway towards Santa Rosa de Copan. Just before getting to Santa Rosa there is a highway leading south, that will take you directly to Gracias in less than an hour, if you are traveling by car. This City was founded in 1536, by Capt. Juan de Chavez and the original name was Gracias a Dios. Apparently the Spanish conquistador had spent several days in this very mountainous area looking for a place to establish a city, and when he finally found an area flat enough to build such city, his first words where “gracias a Dios que hemos hallado tierra llana” (thank God that we have finally found flat land). Gracias still retains much of its original atmosphere. The Real Audiencia de Los Confines then the governing council for the protection of indigenous human rights of Central America and capital of Honduras, was established here the 16th of April, 1544. The city had some years of booming growth before being overshadowed by the cities of Antigua Guatemala and Comayagua.
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Posted on 06 October 2009
Without a doubt, travel to foreign countries especially in volatile Central America has its risks and rewards. Indeed, even in a small town like Gracias in the Lempira department of western Honduras, visitors are well advised to take precautions to guard themselves against the risks of travel so as to fully enjoy the rewards of visiting Gracias.
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Posted on 06 October 2009
When you are in Gracias, you will find an abundance of food ranging from the local fare to the international cuisine in places like in-house restaurants and roadside eateries. As can be expected from a colonial city of the Spanish Empire in the olden days, you will find a strong Spanish influence with a healthy dose of African and indigenous touches thrown in. And as befits its slowly growing reputation amongst international tourists, the restaurants also offer international cuisine with a North American and European bent.
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Posted on 06 October 2009
Gracias is one of those small Honduran towns that beckon local and foreign tourists to come take a rest in one of the good hotels, savor the small town atmosphere and see the goings-on around town. And you will be thankful that you did just that for indeed there are many things to be thankful about staying in Gracias. After all, gracias does not mean “thank you” in Spanish for nothing. Also, one of the best things about Gracias is that you can easily get there, get around and get away from it. It’s definitely something to be thankful about.
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Posted on 06 October 2009
Amongst all the small town places in Honduras, the town of Gracias in western Honduras of the Lempira department makes travelers want to thank the heavens above for showing how small town life can be heavenly for the right reasons. In fact, gracias means “thank you” in Spanish. As such, it is no surprise when you do say your thanks more often than you normally would while you are in Gracias.
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