Explore Copan Ruinas, Honduras: A Guide to the Mayan Ruins

The ancient city of Copan was one of the most significant urban centers of the Maya civilization in Central America. Today, ‘Copan Ruinas’ is among the best Mayan archaeological sites you can explore in Honduras.

During your visit to Copan, you can admire the intricate carvings, magnificent temples, and ancient ruins enveloped by lush jungle. Vibrant parrots flit between the trees, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the site. This area was inhabited by the Mayans for over a millennium before being rediscovered in the 16th century.

Located adjacent to a charming yet modern town of the same name, Copan Ruinas is easily accessible via day trips from major hubs like San Pedro Sula and other regions in Central America, including Guatemala and El Salvador. This travel guide will help you navigate your journey to Copan Ruinas by bus or tour, outline what to expect during your visit to the Mayan ruins, and more!

Where Is Copan Located?

Copan Ruinas is located in western Honduras, near the Guatemalan border. The Mayan ruins are situated just outside the town itself.

Though the distance between San Pedro Sula and Copan Ruinas is approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles), expect a travel time of at least 4 hours due to winding and uneven roads.

How To Get To Copan Ruinas Honduras

The most convenient methods of accessing Copan Ruinas are by bus, car, or organized tour.

Currently, there is no operational airport in Copan Ruinas, which limits direct flight access. The closest airport is in San Pedro Sula (SAP). Alternatively, Copan Ruinas can be approached overland from Guatemala or El Salvador. You can search for flights within Central America on Skyscanner.

From Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula, you can opt for the Hedman Alas bus service, which is non-stop and air-conditioned. While reviews are mixed regarding the quality of service, it remains the most economical and relatively safe choice for travelers.

Copan Ruinas Honduras — Mayan ruins

Another option is renting a car or hiring a private driver. However, self-driving is not recommended unless you’re experienced with Central American traffic, as the roads to Copan Ruinas can be treacherous with potholes.

Trifinio Tours offers one-way transfers to Copan Ruinas from San Pedro Sula, as well as from areas in Guatemala and El Salvador, though this is practical mainly for longer stays.

Lastly, a day tour package can become one of the simplest ways to experience Copan Ruinas, as it encompasses all transport arrangements, enabling you to explore the ruins effortlessly. Below are some recommended tour options.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, consider hiring a local guide to enrich your exploration of the Mayan ruins with valuable insights.

Best Copan Ruinas Tours

Here are some excellent options if you’re interested in organized tours:

• From San Pedro Sula: Mayan Ruins of Copan Day Tour – Viator
• From San Pedro Sula: Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins of Copan – GetYourGuide
• Copan Ruins Day Tour From Guatemala City – GetYourGuide
• Copan Ruins Day Tour From Antigua Guatemala – GetYourGuide

We have consistently had positive experiences using Viator and GetYourGuide for various tours and activities globally, and they come highly recommended!

Copan Mayan Ruins: What To Expect

Spanning a considerable area, the Copan ruins are featured within an archeological park that showcases temples, statues, staircases, tunnels, and a ball court, among other structures including a cemetery and museum.

The key highlights can typically be observed in about two hours, although enthusiasts of Mayan history could certainly delve deeper, exploring the museum and tunnels for longer durations.

The entire area is walkable, primarily on grass or flat rock. Caution is advised when navigating stairs, some of which can be uneven and rough.

Unlike other notable Mayan sites such as Tikal and Chichen Itza that are recognized for impressive edifices, Copan shines for its fantastic carvings and ancient hieroglyphics!

Lizard face in the Mayan ruins

The ball court at Copan

• Best Things To See At Copan Ruinas

• Monument Plaza. This open plaza is among the first sights upon entering the archaeological park, featuring impressive Mayan statues along with a climbable pyramid-shaped platform providing stunning views of Copan.
• Ball Court. Mesoamericans relished their ball games, evident by the presence of one of the largest ball courts constructed by the Mayans. Remember to gaze down upon the ball court from the acropolis, yielding one of Copan Ruinas’ most iconic photos!
• Hieroglyphic Stairway. Housing 63 steps adorned with 1,800 glyphs, this stairway is the longest known hieroglyphic text of the Mayan civilization, with its reconstruction efforts ongoing.
• Acropolis. The acropolis served as the very heart of Copan, separated into eastern and western courts, featuring numerous stone carvings, statues, and even disembodied heads sculpted from fallen statues. Take your time to search for these figures, as some may be less visible.

Statue of an ancient Maya ruler at Copan Ruinas

• Parrots At Copan Ruinas

You will encounter vibrant red parrots, specifically scarlet macaws, at Copan Ruinas. As the national bird of Honduras, they often reside in trees near the entrance of the archaeological park.

These wild birds should not be touched or fed, as they possess sharp beaks and require a natural diet to thrive. If left undisturbed, the parrots are quite relaxed, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities. The best viewing spots are generally near the entrance.

For those keen on seeing more parrots in Honduras, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park is conveniently located just north of Copan Ruinas town.

You can see lots of parrots at Copan Ruinas

Scarlet macaw in the treetops

• Entrance Fees

• Archaeological Site: $15 USD (370 Honduran lempira)
• Tunnels (Optional): $15 USD
• Museum (Optional): $7 USD
• Guide (Optional): $30 – $40 USD per group

Currently, payment for the Copan Ruinas entrance fee can be made using cash or credit card. A foreign Visa credit card is generally accepted without any issues.

• Opening Hours

• 8 AM – 5 PM

The Mayan ruins are open every day of the week throughout the year from 8 AM to 5 PM, which includes the museum and tunnels.

Jungle-covered ruins

Best Time To Visit Copan Ruinas Honduras

Morning is the optimal time to visit Copan Ruinas, as it facilitates avoiding excessive heat and crowds.

Daytime temperatures can soar to 32°C (90°F), making early visits more enjoyable. During my experience starting the tour around 9 AM, I encountered minimal tourist congestion, a stark contrast to busier afternoons.

In terms of seasonal conditions, any month is suitable for visiting Copan Ruinas. The wet season extends from May to October, presenting a higher likelihood of rain but enhancing the lush scenery of the ruins—ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Conversely, the dry season from November to April generally offers the most pleasant weather, with cooler temperatures frequently under 26°C (80°F) from November to January.

Wall detail near the ball court

History Of Copan Ruinas Honduras

Ancient Copán was occupied for over 2,000 years and stood as a significant capital city for the Mayans from the 5th to 9th centuries AD.

During this period, Copan experienced prosperity, making contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing. At its zenith, over 20,000 individuals resided in the Copan region, and their kingdom expanded across 250 square kilometers (100 sq mi).

For reasons still not fully understood, Copan’s population significantly diminished during the 8th and 9th centuries, leading to a gradual decline and eventual collapse, exacerbated by natural disasters.

By the time Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, Copan had already been forsaken. The ruins were rediscovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, yet excavations did not commence until the 19th century.

In 1980, Copan achieved recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable art, architecture, and historical relevance. Today it remains a premier destination for travelers exploring Honduras!

Is Copan Ruinas Safe?

Though Honduras faces safety challenges, the area surrounding Copan Ruinas is widely regarded as one of the safer parts of the mainland, encompassing both the town of Copan Ruinas and the ruins themselves.

Travelers to Copan commonly report feeling secure during their visits, a sentiment I can personally attest to as a solo traveler. While I carried my camera openly to capture the ruins, I made sure to keep it concealed in my bag while wandering through town or at the ruins.

Despite Honduras having one of the highest murder rates globally, much of the violence stems from gang conflict, primarily in major cities. Tourists generally do not fall under this risk category. Although caution is advisable in larger cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, many tourists safely visit Copan Ruinas without incident.

If you seek additional peace of mind, consider using a hidden travel belt (like this one on Amazon) to safeguard valuables, a measure I found effective during my initial trip to Honduras.

A friendly macaw walking the grounds at Copan

Other Tips For Copan Ruinas Honduras

• Where To Stay: Numerous safe and comfortable hotels in Copan Ruinas town. I found Hotel La Escalinata particularly pleasant, with a welcoming owner, complimentary breakfast, and outstanding jungle views from the terrace. Hostel Iguana Azul and Terramaya Boutique Hotel are also great choices.
• Where To Eat: Copan has many excellent dining options, including my favorite, Los Asados, known for its generous portions and delicious food. I enjoyed their mixed meat plate featuring chicken, beef, and sausages, along with plantains and refried beans. Other good eateries include Sol de Copán, Cafe Via Via, and Mayan Harvest cafe.
• What To Wear: Dress appropriately for the tropics! The weather can be hot and humid, so lightweight summer clothing is essential. Personally, I opted for shorts and flip flops. Remember to dress modestly, given Copan’s cultural significance to locals.
• Currency: While credit cards are accepted in some locations, including the Mayan ruins for entrance fees, many businesses are cash-only. Be prepared with cash in either Honduran lempira or US dollars.
• ATMs: For cash withdrawals, banks equipped with ATMs are available in Copan Ruinas.

More carvings in the Copan acropolis

• Tour Guides: Local guides are available for hire at the entrance to the Copan archaeological park, with group rates around $30 – $40 USD; prices may vary based on group size.
• Bathrooms: While public restrooms are available at the park entrance, facilities are scarce at the ruins, so it’s advisable to use the restroom before your visit.
• Snacks & Drinks: Small shops at the park’s entrance provide snacks and drinks; I found bottled water handy after a long day exploring the ruins.
• Cell Service: Cellular coverage is good at the Copan park, useful for making calls or texting; particularly if you expect transportation after your visit.
• Drones: Drones are prohibited in the Mayan ruins, and enforcement on this rule is strict, so it’s best not to attempt to bring one.
• Bug Spray: Although bugs were minimal during my dry season visit, using bug spray is advisable, especially in the wet season when insect activity increases. Malaria is generally not a concern at Copan, so anti-malarials are unnecessary.
• Wildlife: In addition to the scarlet macaws, observe the treetops for vibrant birds and possibly monkeys or other wildlife lurking in the vicinity.

Hieroglyphic stairway

Is Copan Ruinas Worth It?

My experience at Copan Ruinas was quite enjoyable, despite the lengthy drive. While I wouldn’t rank these ruins alongside monumental sites like Tikal Guatemala, I appreciated the opportunity to explore something new.

One of the benefits of Copan’s somewhat remote location is that it maintains an authentic charm absent from heavily touristed areas. Although various comfortable accommodations and restaurants abound, the locale remains quaint, offering a sense of exploring an under-discovered gem.

If your interests lie in archaeological sites, cultural experiences, history, and wildlife, Copan Ruinas undoubtedly merits your visit!

Monument plaza

More Things To Do In Copan Ruinas

If you’re seeking additional activities in the Copan Ruinas area, consider these options:

• Macaw Mountain Bird Park. A lovely conservation area allowing you to connect with colorful birds like parrots and toucans.
• Lunar Jaguar Hot Spring. Soothing hot springs designed with a fun Mayan theme, set in a picturesque jungle backdrop.
• The Tea & Chocolate Place. A shop on the outskirts of town where you can sample and purchase local tea, chocolate, and hot sauce.
• Museo de Arqueología Maya. An archaeological museum located in the town center, featuring a collection of Mayan artifacts including statues, skeletons, and pottery.

More Central America Travel Tips

Thank you for exploring this guide! I’m glad to share insights on the Mayan ruins of Copan Ruinas in Honduras.

Be sure to check out additional posts about travel tips for Central America and South America for even more inspiration!