Six Awesome Things to Do in Copan, Honduras

The primary reason people visit Copán in Honduras is to experience a part of one of the greatest Mayan civilizations that ever existed. The ruins at Copán contain some of the most beautiful pre-Columbian artifacts and once served as the civil, political, and religious center 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 travelers 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.

Mayan Statue at Copan

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 Copan 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

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 Preclassic and Middle Preclassic times. There is also evidence that a non-Maya population once inhabited this area as well.

Macaw Mountain

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 beautiful red, green, or blue macaws and learn about the efforts towards rehabilitation and conservation of Central American macaws.

Zip Line

Copán is home to an excellent 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 artifacts 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 Hot Spring

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.