This month's Making a Difference award winner is Hotel Guancascos, a charming inn situated in a lovely town in rural Honduras. Hotel Guancascos is perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway in a bucolic setting, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and farming communities. We spoke with owner Fronica Miederma to find out more about her sustainable hotel.

Q. In what region of Honduras is Hotel Guancascos?

Miederma: Hotel Guancascos is located in western Honduras, in a small historic colonial town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants called Gracias. The hotel sits at the foot of the Celaque mountain range, which is home to the country's highest mountain. The region is known for its beautiful peaks, nature, and history. The first colonial routes passed through here, leaving an outstanding architectural legacy.

Gracias is part of a consortium of six small towns called Colusca, where some of the Honduras's oldest churches -- built during the colonial era -- still stand. The area is rural and vibrant with the culture of traditional agriculture and coffee production.

Q.What can your guests learn about local culture and traditions during their stay at Hotel Guancascos?

M: We recommend taking the city tour, so visitors can see and enjoy the architectural heritage and daily life of the local people. You'll visit many city sites including three colonial churches, an interpretive museum with a botanical garden, and the Castillo San Cristóbal. Along the way, you'll also stop to visit local craft sellers and traditional food vendors.

You can also visit the picturesque indigenous village of La Campa and interact with the people of this community. The women there are famous for their Lenca pottery, which is 100 percent handmade in the traditional way and exhibits an interesting legacy of beliefs and mythology.

Q.What kind of ecotourism activities are available nearby?

M: Gracias is surrounded by a 102-square mile (26,393-hectare) mountain range that includes Celaque Mountain, the highest mountain in Honduras at 9,347 feet (2,849 meters) above sea level. Celaque National Park is home to the largest cloud forest of Central America, which is very rich in biodiversity and has 16 miles (26 km) of well-marked trails to discover and explore the area's lush nature. In addition to hiking the trails of Celaque, visitors can go camping in the mountains, biking and bird-watching in the forest, swimming in the hot springs, and on excursions to the pottery cooperatives and organic coffee farms.

On Sundays, they can visit the churches of the Colosuca circuit and even participate in at least one traditional mass.

Q.Why is sustainability so important for your hotel? Tell me about your most outstanding sustainablility initiatives.

M: Our hotel policy is focused on doing the right thing. As we are in a historic city surrounded by nature, we're very aware of the significance of our natural treasures. We want to take an active role in the conservation of the area's natural and historic legacies and to contribute to the region's economic development in a way that is inclusive. In our daily activities, we try to respect local architecture and culture, form alliances for the welfare of the community, and promote a better quality of life for the company's personnel -- helping them make improvements to their homes and supporting them with bilingual education for their children, for example.

In partnership with Fundacion Miramundo, we raise funds for scholarships and construction projects in the local community. We are also in the process of creating a Tourism Training Center where students can earn a bachelor's degree in tourism, as well as a high school degree.

Q.Of all the accommodations near Celaque National Park, what makes Hotel Guancascos special?

M: Our hotel is known for its comfort and simplicity, a lush garden and restaurant with the best view of the city, and a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel also aims to be a liaison between responsible travelers and the local community. We have a lot of experience in the region, and our passion is sharing this knowledge with our guests.

This entry was posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:35 PM and has received 736 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.