Things to do in Copan Ruins

Located in Honduras, the Copan Ruins are one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization. The site is located in the department of Copan, surrounded by mountains and lush tropical vegetation. It is famous for its impressive stelae and carved stone sculptures, as well as for its unique architecture, including pyramids, plazas and ceremonial temples, dating back from more than 2000 years.

The Copan Ruins are an important tourist destination and a must for those travelers who like to learn about the history of the places they visit. Read on and discover with us everything you can’t miss in the Copan Ruins, plus some practical tips that will help you organize your trip easily.

What are the best places to visit in Copan Ruins?

1. Staircase of the Hieroglyphics

The Hieroglyphic Stairway is one of the most impressive attractions of the Copan Ruins. And it’s one of the must-see stops on your itinerary to Honduras. It is a structure carved in stone that contains the most extensive hieroglyphic writing in all of Mesoamerica. It’s located on one side of a temple-pyramid complex built between 706 and 756 AD, one of the oldest.

The stairway has several levels, a total of 63 steps, each carved with more than 2,000 Mayan glyphs. The images tell a different part of the story of Copan’s ruling dynasty. Although it has suffered damage over the centuries, major restoration work has been carried out to preserve the images and ensure their survival in the future.

2. Ball game

Another important points of interest of the Copan Ruins is its Ball Game field. It is one of the largest and best preserved ball courts of the Mayan civilization. It consists of a large rectangular space surrounded by two high walls.

The players, who had to throw a rubber ball with their hips and knees, stood at the narrow ends of the field. The object of the game was to get the ball through one of the stone hoops that lined the side walls of the field. The game is said to have had great religious and symbolic significance for the Maya. They considered it a form of communication between the earthly world and the world of the gods.

3. Step pyramid of Copan Ruins

Among the various structures of the Mayan complex, one can observe the emblematic Step Pyramid (Temple 16). It is located in the Patio del Sol of the Main Plaza. Used for stargazing and marking key astronomical events, this pyramid is a striking example of the astronomical sophistication of the Maya civilization. The Step Pyramid is one of the best testimonies of not only the artistic and cultural legacy of the Maya, but also of their scientific legacy.

In addition, the pyramid also had religious and ceremonial uses. Rituals and even sacrifices were celebrated to connect with the gods and to honor them there. It should also be noted that below the pyramid is located the Temple of Rosalila. This temple is one of the most important structures of the complex. This temple, used in ceremonies to honor the king was built in 571 AD. It is preserved in a perfect state because it is buried under the pyramid.

Staggered Pyramid or Temple 16 at Copan Ruins @shutterstock

4. Tunnels of the Copan Ruins

The Copan Ruins in Honduras have a system of subway tunnels that connect different points of the site, the Rosalila tunnel and the tunnel of Los Jaguares. The tunnels are not of Mayan origin, but are the result of archaeological researc. But they are worth visiting because it allows to observe many vestiges buried underground with the passage of the centuries.

The Rosalila tunnel is excavated under Temple 16. And, as you can imagine from its name, it offers the opportunity to observe some areas of the Temple of Rosalila. As for the tunnel of the Jaguars, it lets you observe the tomb of Galindo, the 10th Mayan ruler of Copan.

The price of the visit to the tunnels is 15€.

5.  Sculpture Museum of Copán

Another key sights on the grounds of the Copan Ruins is its impressive Sculpture Museum. With more than 4,000 square meters, this museum welcomes visitors with a replica of the Temple of Rosalila. It was the main religious sanctuary of the Mayan civilization in Copan. In addition, it consists of a collection of many sculptures and objects of the Mayan civilization. Among the one can find impressive stelae and other sculptures and objects in stone and ceramics.

This is a fascinating place where you can continue learning about the Mayan culture and the Copan Ruins, as well as the discovery and rehabilitation of the archaeological site and its unique artifacts.

Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Price: 7€

Sculptures in the ruins of Copan @shutterstock

6. The Tombs

The Tombs of the Copan Ruins is another essential stop on your trip to this wonderful Honduran destination. Located about 2 km from the Central Park of the ruins, the Tombs are another archaeological site that houses the vestiges of the Mayan civilization in Copan. It is a collection of ancient Maya upper-class houses, with one of them dating even to the Early Preclassic period, i.e. between 2000 BC to 1000 BC.

The area is known as Las Sepulturas (The Tombs in English), as it was tradition to bury the deceased in their own home. So many skeletal remains have been found in the area, in addition to the many carved stone structures that help to imagine what life was like there.

Hours: every day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Copan Ruins

1. Town of Copan Ruins

And of course, if you travel to the Copan Ruins you can not miss a walk through the beautiful town of Copan Ruins. In addition to being the closest town to the ruins, where most of the hotel services are located, it is a pleasant town with plenty of places to visit.

Among them highlights the main square, dominated by its imposing white Catholic Church and decorated with sculptures honoring the Mayan civilization. The museums are quite important as well, such as the Museum of Archaeology. There you can continue learning about the ruins and the Mayan culture and its presence in the area. Also in the village you will find many souvenir and craft stores to buy the ideal souvenir of your trip to Copan Ruins.

2. Luna Jaguar Thermal Baths

The Luna Jaguar Hot springs is a tourist complex located just 3 kilometers from the Copan Ruins. This resort offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience thanks to its natural hot springs. It will be the cherry on the cake of your trip to Honduras.

The hot springs of Luna Jaguar are rich in minerals, which makes them beneficial to health, besides being totally relaxing. In addition to the thermal pools, the resort has a spa, restaurant and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and bird watching. This is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by the natural beauty of Honduras.

Price: children from 5 to 11 > 5€. Adults > 15€.

3. El Cisne Farm

Another activity that can be carried out near the Copan Ruins is to visit the wonderful Finca El Cisne. It is one of the oldest coffee and cardamom farms in Honduras, as well as a space of lush vegetation that invites you to enjoy nature and relax.

The visits to Finca el Cisne are a real adventure as you will have the opportunity not only to discover how they produce coffee and taste it. But you’ll also be able to travel the land on horseback, taste the local cuisine and even bathe in hot springs. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the local culture while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Copan region and enjoying the hospitality of the locals.

4. Copan Ruins Bird Park

Also known as Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve, the Copan Ruins Bird Park is a captivating stop on your trip near the famous Copan Ruins, especially if you like animals. It is a reserve with a mission to preserve native avian flora and fauna, as well as to educate the public on the importance of natural and cultural conservation. The birds found in the park have been rescued from illegal trade and are in the process of rehabilitation for future release into the wild. Among others, you will be able to observe and photograph scarlet macaws, toucans, yellow-naped parrots…

Opening Hours: daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Price: adults 9€. Children from 4 to 10 years old 4,5€.

What and where to eat at Copan Ruins

On your trip to Tegucigalpa you can not miss the opportunity to taste the delicious Honduran cuisine and its mixture of indigenous, African, Spanish and Caribbean influences. Among its typical dishes are the baleadas, wheat flour tortillas filled with refried beans, grated cheese and cream, the sopa de caracol, and the yuca con chicharrón, among others.

• El Lugar del Té & Chocolate: Not only one of the best places to have a nice cup of coffee in front of a beautiful garden, but also one of the most popular places in Copan Ruins. Here, in addition to tasting delicious local and 100% handmade and organic products, you can enjoy the best views and learn about natural remedies and medicinal plants. Range: 4-10€

• Comedor y Pupusería Mary: One of the best restaurants to try the local cuisine and pupusas, the national dish of El Salvador, but also very popular in Honduras. The place is nice and cozy, the service attentive and the food tasty and plentiful. Price range: 5-9€

Where to stay in Copan Ruins

In the center of Copan Ruins you can find different accommodations according to your budget and preference. Below we suggest some of the best rated:

• Hostel Iguana Azul: If backpacking is your thing, you’ll love this accommodation. For a very affordable price, Hostel Iguana Azul offers comfortable beds and shared but very clean bathrooms where you can rest after long days of travel. It also offers a spa area with massages where you can recover your strength. Price: 24€ double bed in single room, 12€ bunk bed in shared room. Very good breakfast for 7€ more.
• Terramaya Boutique Hotel: fantastic 4 star hotel with terrace and mountain views. A very cozy place with comfortable, clean and pleasant rooms, plus a beautiful garden and spa area. Double room for 105 euros per night.

What should I know before a trip to Copan Ruins

• The official currency of Honduras is the Lempira.
• Spanish citizens do not require a visa for a stay in Honduras of up to 90 days.
• Always carry cash on you, not all stores accept credit cards.
• Always have mosquito repellent on hand, this area is considered a risk area for the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever.
• The official language in Honduras is Spanish.
• The plugs have 110V voltage and A and B plugs, you will need an adapter.
• Climate and terrain: The Copan Ruins are in a tropical zone and the weather can be very humid and hot, so be prepared with cool, light clothing and bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
• The terrain can be uneven and slippery in some areas, so it is recommended that you wear proper walking shoes and stay alert at all times.
• Always keep an eye on your belongings and use caution if traveling alone.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to organize what to see at Copan Ruins

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers the things to do in Copan Ruins, Honduras

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Copan Ruins