Copan Ruins Travel Guide
Ancient Central American Mayan City and UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Set among the cloud forests of the highlands of Honduras, the Mayan ruins of Copan sit only a short distance away from pretty colonial towns seemingly stuck in time. The Mayan ruins of Copan are arguably the best preserved and studied of any in Central America and offer visitors an authentic look at Mayan construction and culture.
While these ruins are rightly on most visitors’ to-do list, few take the time to explore the other delights that the area offers: it is simply dripping in history, Mayan, Colonial and post-Colonial; and the landscapes, wildlife and friendly atmosphere merit a longer stay.
On the south-easternmost part of the Mayan Empire, the kingdom of Xukpi ruled supreme from the 5th Century to 9th Century AD, after which there was an unexplained decline. The ruins of their capital, just a short distance outside the town of Copan, are some of the best preserved in the country, and thought to have had a population of 24,000 at the height of its existence.
The Spanish began their conquest of the region from 1530 onwards, finally consolidated in 1539 after a bloody two-year revolt by the indigenous population. The area soon faded from sight and was an impoverished backwater of the Spanish America Empire, based on cattle-farming and tobacco production, until independence in 1811.
Attractions in Copan Ruins
Obviously, the main focus here is on the archaeological, with not only the world-famous Copan Ruins, but also the nearby, lesser-known sites of El Puente and Las Sepulturas. These are accompanied by the Copan Museum and Copan Sculptural Museum.
The area also boasts evidence of a Spanish Colonial and post-Colonial past, in the town of Santa Rosa de Copan and the Haciendas of San Lucas and El Cisne. All this within the fabulous natural setting of mountains and valleys, jungle and cloud forest, flora and fauna – on vivid display at the Pena Quemada nature reserve.
Activities in Copan Ruins
Hike the jungle trails of the Pena Quemada park.
Visit the remains of the Maya Empire.
Take a trip to nearby colonial towns, or just Santa Rosa.
Experience life in traditional Honduran “fincas”.
Relaxing
Wander Santa Rosa's cobblestone streets, or take a nature walk in the cloud forests.
Getting Around
With excellent connections to neighbouring countries, and cities, the main town of Santa Rosa is a regional transport hub. Local transport is easily found in this highly touristed area. Buses can be found to nearby cities and towns.
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