In addition to the relaxed ambience, there’s one actual attraction in Santa Rosa: the Flor de Copán cigar factory.

Should you have a passion for coffee, you could also consider stopping by the Beneficio Maya (tel. 504/662-1665, www.cafecopan.com), a coffee brokerage where coffee from the surrounding countryside is graded and processed for export. Tours are informal and free. The building is one kilometer west of the bus terminal.

The simple, whitewashed catedral on the square was finished in 1803. Under the watch of Bishop Monsignor Ángel María Navarro, it was reconstructed in 1948 with a larger altar and other improvements.

In the middle of the square is a two-story kiosk that houses the tourist information booth (tel. 504/662-2234, turismosrc [at] yahoo [dot] com, 8 a.m.–noon and 1:30–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.). Limited English is spoken by the staff, but they are happy to supply information on the town, and maps are available for purchase. They also offer Internet access for US$0.75/hour and sell Copan Dry, a locally made fruit soft drink.

The office can arrange tours of the city center and of a local organic farm, including lunch, with one day’s notice (Spanish only). Information about Santa Rosa is also available on its website, www.visitesantarosadecopan.org, including pictures of many of the hotels.

A block south of the square is the Casa de la Cultura, which sells books and artwork and has some information on the city and surrounding region.

Several high points near Santa Rosa offer fine views over the town and surrounding countryside on a clear day. One close point is El Cerrito, reached by following Avenida Centenario west until the cobblestones end, then following the stairs up to the hilltop. Farther off is the Hondutel tower, about a 45-minute walk from town, starting south along 3 Avenida SO.