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Honduras: Copan

Copán is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mesoamerica and lies at the eastern limit of the empire. It is not as immense as the sites of Tikal (Guatemala) or Chichén Itzá (Mexico) but here, beneath the tentacles of greedy jungle vegetation, the craftsmanship has survived the vagaries of time - most impressively the intricate carvings of 21 stone columns, or stelae. distributed among the temples and ball courts. The renowned hieroglyphic stairway has 1,250 blocks carved with glyphs - the longest inscribed text in the New World. Copán fell into decline soon after its apogée in the 8^th century.

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Visit the Mayan ruins of Copan

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Our insider tips for Copan

Chris Rendell-Dunn

Avoiding the crowds with an early morning (8am) visit to the rainforest-stifled Mayan ruins. You can then wander in peace to admire the grand plaza and the hieroglyphic stairway climbing the side of a pyramid.

Jim Ashworth

Visiting the excellent Museum of Mayan Sculpture at the site, arguably the best collection in the Mayan world. Some of the original stelae are protected in here, with copies at the site itself.

Sophie Barber

Enjoying a few hours discovering the little town of Copán Ruinas, just over 1km from the ruins (15mins on foot via a raised walkway). Visit the baroque church in the restful, somewhat bucolic, Parque Central.

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Copan | Rating: Excellent

Copan Ruins - It is truly magnificent and a revelation about the Mayan civilization – its high level of artistic achievements.

PT, Clevedon | May 2014

Copan | Rating: Excellent

The ruins of Copán and our excellent guide were incredible.

AK, Wantage | June 2013

Copan | Rating: Excellent

The Copan Valley in Honduras, where the ruins are situated, has wild scarlet macaws flying around, which are magnificent. Nearby, Macaw Mountain park is an excellent attraction for bird watchers, with experts providing information about the breeding programme that is repopulating the valley with macaws. We saw toucans in the wild here, in addition to those in cages, and there is also home grown coffee available; we'd have liked longer here.

MT, AUE | January 0001

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97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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Honduras: Copan

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