IT’S an incredible lost world, and the main reason people
visit Copán in Honduras is to experience a part of one of the greatest Mayan
civilisations that ever existed.
The ruins at
Copán contain some of the most beautiful pre-Columbian artefacts ever, and once
served as the civil, political, and religious centre for the entire Copan
Valley.
While day trips
to the archaeological site of Copán are common from Guatemala City and Antigua,
the nearby city of Copán itself is also an option for travellers who want to
stay close to the Maya site.
Copán Ruinas
offers several hotels in town, and these provide easy access to other nearby
attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Honduras, here’s a look at what to
see and do in the Copán area.
Copán Ruins
The ruins at Copán
are obviously the number one draw to the area. Some of the most important
elements are the well-preserved hieroglyphics, including the 63-step
hieroglyphic stairway.
Don’t miss the carved
stelae depicting the important Maya rulers during Copán’s occupation.
One of the most
well-known rulers was Yax Kuk Mo, who arrived in Copán from Tikal. He started a
dynasty that lasted over 16 rulers, helping Copán evolve into one of the
greatest Mayan cities in existence.
Las
Sepulturas
The Sepulturas
Group is near the ruins and is often skipped due to time constraints on day
tours to Copán from Guatemala. If you’re staying in Copán, consider checking
out the complex that was once connected to the Great Plaza by a causeway.
Some of the
structures date back to the early pre-classic and middle pre-classic times.
There is also evidence that a non-Maya population once inhabited this area as
well.
Macaw
Mountain
Nearby is Macaw
Mountain, a bird sanctuary that offers English tours and a beautiful swimming
hole. The ecological park is home to centuries-old trees, a coffee farm, and
has the beautiful Cakaguatales Creek running through the property.
You can interact
with red, green, or blue macaws and learn about the efforts towards
rehabilitation and conservation of Central American macaws.
Zip
line
Copán is home to
a canopy tour, featuring 14 zip-lines that take visitors through the hilltops near
Macaw Mountain.
Casa
K’inich Children’s Museum
Opened in 2002,
the Casa K’inich Children’s Museum is near the ruins and offers information in
three languages — English, Spanish, and Maya Chorti. There are interactive
exhibits that help explain the artefacts found at Copán, offering information
to both children and adults on how to decipher the hieroglyphs, what happened
to the Maya, and how the ballgame became an integral part of the culture.
Luna
Jaguar Aguas Termales
Less than an
hour away from Copán is Luna Jaguar Aguas Termales, a natural hot springs area
featuring several man-made pools with varying temperatures.
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