The tourist office is run from the shop Docucentro Israel by owner Gladys Nolasco (tel. 504/754-7150 or 504/9885-9635, glaisra7 [at] yahoo [dot] com), who has a folder of information (also available at Guancascos in Gracias) about trips to the nearby “enchanted” canyon, the waterfall “of the guitar playing elves,” and the Reserva Biológica Opalaca, among other places, as well as information on the nearby village of Erandique.

Well-run day trips, with food and all, run US$25 for one person, US$16 per person for two, and $14 per person for three or more, but they are very happy to tell you how to get to places on your own. Tours by horseback can also be arranged for just a few dollars more.

Also nearby are some natural pools (not hot really, more like lukewarm, but still nice, US$1), coffee plantations, and a clay tile–making place (you can make your own tile, but you won’t have time to fire it unless you stick around for a few days).

Guides can take you pretty much anywhere you fancy, including to the top of Congolón or Piedra Parada of Lempira fame. These tours are best arranged at least a day in advance. Gladys can help arrange horseback rides and even bicycle rentals.

If you just have an hour or two to spend in San Juan, Gladys can arrange for you to watch a toasting and have a tasting of locally grown coffee, or see a demonstration of clay pottery being made, each for US$1.50.