About Copan

THE COPAN REGION
A Place Called Copán

Copan Ruinas is one of the most charming and cosmopolitan villages in Honduras. Located in the western highlands of Honduras it lies 12 kilometers from the border of Guatemala. The Town itself has attracted archaeologists, students, epigraphers, architects, and fascinated travelers from around the world for decades. Copan welcomes over 160,000 guests from around the world annually yet manages to retain its cultural identity and genuine village charm. Over 30 hotels and guesthouses provide you with comfortable accommodations at a range of prices. An eclectic variety of comedors, restaurants and eateries line the cobblestone streets and offer a wide range of delicious cuisine .

The range of options offered for interaction with the culture make Copan a destination that should be explored over several days. After visiting the several ancient Maya sites in and around the Copan or the modern Chortí Maya villages visitors have several choices ranging from encounters with spectacularly coloured tropical birds in a world class bird sanctuary or exploring a hundred-year old hacienda for a sunset cocktail or one of a kind gourmet dinner. Whether the visitor wants a chance to learn about tropical butterflies and orchids from local experts; spend an afternoon riding horseback through cardamom plantations, relax in natural hot springs; tour high-altitude coffee estates and sample their local Arabica flavors; enjoy the valley’s excellent bird-watching, or swim in mountain streams, the Copan experience will leave you changed. Many visitors find themselves coming back again and again.

Whatever your particular interests, your time in Copan will enchant you. The Maya chose this valley to create the court of one of the greatest ancient centers 1,600 years ago. It remains an unforgettable destination for visitors today.
 

The Copan River winds through the narrow Copan Valley. Pine forested mountains rise on the sidewalls; ceiba, mahogany, cedar and masica trees rise from the valley floor.

Climate: Although located in the tropics, Copán´s climate is attractive. The village sits at 600 meters above sea level; afternoon breezes funnel through the valley and fog cloaks the valley at night.