Is Copan worth visiting?

Yes, it is the most touristic site in the region but, unlike some other touristic attraction, Copán Ruinas really worth its reputation. Plan at least half a day to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s huge!

How do I get to Copan Honduras?

There are 2 routes, a maritime ferry that will reach the city of La Ceiba and then by bus to the city of San Pedro Sula and another direct air route to San Pedro Sula, from there you can move either by bus or vehicle to the city of Copan Ruinas.

Why is Copan important?

Outstanding Universal Value. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the Maya site of Copan is one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization. The site is functioned as the political, civil and religious centre of the Copan Valley.

What happened to the Copan ruins?

It was the capital city of a major Classic period kingdom from the 5th to 9th centuries AD. The city suffered a major political disaster in AD 738 when Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awiil, one of the greatest kings in Copán’s dynastic history, was captured and executed by his former vassal, the king of Quiriguá.

Is it safe to visit Copan?

Copan Ruinas is one of several safe destinations in Honduras that you can enjoy during your travels. The archaeological park, as well as town, and the trails from town to the park are all safe.

How old are the Copan ruins?

Even though Copán was occupied for more than two thousand years, the Copan Ruins complex we see today was mostly built between 400 and 800 AD, when it served as the capital city of a major Classic period kingdom.

How old are the Copan Ruins?

Where are the Mayan ruins in Honduras?

Video. Copán Ruins are located in western Honduras, in the department of Copán, just 14 kilometers from the El Florido border with Guatemala. For many years, Copán Ruins have been famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, declared by UNESCO as Archaeological World Heritage Site in 1980.

What is the most famous ruin in Copan?

The Hieroglyphic stairway
The Hieroglyphic stairway is the most famous of Copan’s monuments. The stairway is located on Temple 26, and it contains 63 steps entirely carved with hieroglyphs depicting the history of the royal house of Copan.

Is Honduras Aztec or Mayan?

Honduras has been inhabited by a number of indigenous peoples, the most powerful of which, until the ninth century CE, were the Maya. The western-central part of Honduras was inhabited by the Lenca while other indigenous peoples settled in the northeast and coastal regions.

Is Honduras Safe 2021?

Visiting Honduras right now is as safe as it ever was: not very. However, More than 2 million tourists visited in 2017. A large chunk of those arrived via cruise ships, however. That’s mainly to visit islands like Roatan.

Is Honduras Safe for vacation?

Reconsider travel to Honduras due to COVID-19 and crime. Some areas have increased risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Honduras due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country.

How much does it cost to see the Mayan ruins in Copan?

The main entry fee is $15, and it includes the entrance to Copan and Las Sepulturas. The Museum of Mayan Sculpture has a separate entrance fee of $7. Lastly]

How much does a tuk tuk cost in Copan Ruinas?

Or, you can also take a moto-taxi, tuk-tuk, that costs L$20-40 (approx. $0.80 to $1.60). If you are staying in Copan Ruinas (the town), I’ve written a short guide of Copan Ruinas with recommendations on other things to do, where to stay, and more.

What was the Western Court of Copan built for?

This area consists of both the western and eastern courts. The western court includes Temple 11, which was built during the reign of Yax-Pac, the last ruler of Copan, as his elaborate gateway to the underworld. Temple 16 was built on top of a previous temple (the Rosalila Temple or Temple of the Sun) without damaging the remains.

Where are the hieroglyphs in the Copan ruins?

The stairway is located on Temple 26 and it contains 63 steps completely carved with hieroglyphs that tell the history of the royal house of Copan. It is the longest known text of ancient Mayan civilization. Archaeologists are still studying and deciphering the whole meaning of the hieroglyphic text.