Copán Ruins is a fusion of ancient and natural culture on the west side of Honduras, 14 km from the border with Guatemala. Copán is worldwide famous for its Mayan Ruins, named as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. There are many activities to do in the area, both archaeological and eco-adventures.
Copan Ruins town
The town of Copan Ruins is only 1 km from The Archaeological Park of Copan, a picturesque village recreating old times with deep paving stone streets.
It is a very safe and secure place with a central park "Plaza Centroamérica"," San José Obrero" Church, the old barracks and the market with its annual fair in march 19/03. There are many hotels, restaurants and small souvenirs stores.
WHAT TO DO IN COPÁN:
1. The Archaeological Park of Copán Ruins
Located in the heart of the Valley of Copán, this magnificent park is probably one of the best source of information regarding the ancient Maya Civilization. This ruins are considered one of the most beautiful among the road of the Mayan World and its construction is artistically the most important of the Mayan Civilization.
The Acropolis and the Occidental Patio
The Ruins of Copan are distinguished by its artistic, mathematical, astronomical and scientific excellence. It’s the most advanced precolumbian scientific world, being Copán the place where the Mayan Calendar was created.
Altar Q
The Altar Q is one of the most important historical documents from Copán. Around the four sides of this ancient monument there are hieroglyphs of 16 governors of the Copán Dynasty.
Oriental Patio and The Tunnels
Tunnels under the acropolis have been dug by archaeologists to view earlier stages of Copán civilization. 2 tunnels are open to the public for an additional fee.
Rosalila Temple
The temples were usually buried under the following governor’s construction who built his own on top of them. Rosalila was so sacred that before it was buried, it was covered almost intact, keeping it’s roof and crest.
Hieroglyphic Stairway
The Hieroglyphic Stairway is the longest known text of ancient Mayan civilization and the most famous of Copan’s monuments. The Hieroglyphic Stairway has 63 steps with over 2000 hieroglyphics where it is registered the history of the dynasty of the Maya Civilization.
Court Ball
The site also has a large court for playing the Mesoamerican ball game. The two parallel buildings frame a carefully dimensioned rectangle.
Natural Trail and Court Ball b
Central Plaza and Grand Plaza
The artistic quality of the sculptures on the hieroglyphic staircase, the façade, walls, steles and the cultural pieces and architectonic structures of great value. Copán has been referred to as one of the most beautiful and well preserved of all Maya cities. Even today excavations and restorations are being carried out by archaeologists.
The most outstanding attractions in the area are:
- The Archaeological Park
- The Archaeological Zone of "The Graves" 2 km from the main park
- "The Frogs"
- The Steles located throughout the valley
Throughout the valley there are traces of the great civilization that flourished and reached it’s highest splendor in the VI y VII a.C.
2. The Museum of Sculpture
It’s a museum where you can see the Mayan World as it was, where you will find the real size replica of the Rosalila Temple, known as the Temple of the Sun. Original sculptures of the façade, walls, steles and the Altar Q are exhibited. The entrance is a tunnel with the shape of a snake mouth considered the Mayan God of the underworld.
3. Regional Museum of Mayan Archeology
Steles exhibition, altars, vessels, jade ornaments, and obsidian utensils that have been found in the ruins of Copán.
The Maya Calendar and the portraits of the 16 governors of the Mayan royal family can also be seen here. The museum is located on the Main square of Copán Ruins.
4. House of K’inich and Cabañas Fort
From the Maya language "k’inich" meaning "sun", House of K’inich is a museum and learning center for kids and adults about the Maya culture of Copán.
The understanding of the ancient Maya culture is carried out through interactive games, exhibitions and information about the Maya Calendar, the Ball Game, Ruins excavations, food and utensils used in the Mayan age in English, Spanish and Chorti (Maya dialect spoken in Copán).
The museum is located in the old military fortress "José Trinidad Cabañas", it offers a viewpoint with one of the best views of the town and the valley of Copán Ruins. The entrance is free.
5. Hot Springs and Spa
The hot springs are located 50 minutes north from Copán’s mountains. The park is ideal for relaxation on the pools, mud baths, and massages with view to the most beautiful scenery of the area.
6. Butterfly House
This tropical butterfly garden exhibits over 30 species of butterflies native to Honduras and over 200 species of orchids.
7. Macaw Mountain Bird Park
The park exhibits an impressive collection of Honduras, Central and South American birds with specialized guides.
8. La Pintada
A typical rural village on the hilltops of the Copán Valley with local crafts production of small dolls made of dried and brightly painted corn leaves. The indigenous women exhibit the colorful designed textiles in the workshops where visitors can experience the weaving technique. Nearby the village there are mysterious sculpture stones called "Los Sapos" (the frogs) related to the fertility and motherhood of the Mayan culture.
9. Excursions
- Horseback riding (Hacienda San Lucas, La Pintada)
- Hot Springs
- Finca el Cisne
- El Rubí Waterfall Hike
- El Boquerón Caves
- Coffee tours
- Canopy tour
- El Puente Archaeological Park
