Overview
Set on the banks of the Río Amarillo in Honduras, the World Heritage Site of Copán is the most artistically advanced of all Mayan cities, surpassing other Mayan sites in its wealth of sculptures, hieroglyphics, and beautifully carved stone stelae. This can be booked as a pre- or post-trip extension.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Guatemala City or Flores / Copán, Honduras
From Guatemala City, or Flores if you are coming from Tikal, transfer by private car to Copán Ruinas, a charming town of cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs. En route, visit Quiriguá, a unique archaeological site surrounded by the largest banana plantation in Central America. Along with Copán, Quiriguá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the tallest stone-carved stelae in the Maya world. Copán Ruinas' main plaza is dominated by a whitewashed Baroque cathedral. On the west side of the plaza is the impressive regional archaeological museum, with an excellent display of carved stelae from Copán. Overnight at Hotel Marina Copán...BL
Guatemala City or Flores / Copán, Honduras - Day 1
Hotel Marina Copán
Copán Ruins, Honduras
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
This simple but comfortable hotel is the most convenient base for exploring the magical ruins of Copán—right in the heart of the cobblestone-street town (the ruins are a 10-minute walk away). The hotel features 51 guest rooms, designed in classical colonial style with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, and phone. Courtyards with well tended gardens filled with flowers and tropical plants contribute to the hotel’s old world charm, while a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and small sauna and gym offer modern conveniences. A history note: the hotel is built on the site of an old family home that welcomed early investigators and visitors to Copán—the first “hotel” in Copán.
Days 2-3
Explore Copán
A World Heritage Site, Copán was the most important city-state in the southern Maya world. In 426 AD, the warrior-shaman founder of Copán, Great Sun First Quetzal Macaw, established the city and began a 400-year dynasty. Copán’s golden era began around 550 AD and the highly artistic period reached its pinnacle under the reign of Eighteen Rabbit (695-738 AD). The famed Hieroglyphic Stairway, one of the finest pieces of architecture in the Maya world, was completed under the ruler Smoke Shell (749-763 AD). Enjoy full-day tours of Copán, including the Great Plaza, strewn with magnificent carved stelae, Ball Court, Acropolis, and the astonishing Hieroglyphic Stairway as well as the excellent Museum of Mayan Sculpture near the visitor center. Overnights at the Hotel Marina Copán...BL
Explore Copán - Days 2-3
Hotel Marina Copán
Copán Ruins, Honduras
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
This simple but comfortable hotel is the most convenient base for exploring the magical ruins of Copán—right in the heart of the cobblestone-street town (the ruins are a 10-minute walk away). The hotel features 51 guest rooms, designed in classical colonial style with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, and phone. Courtyards with well tended gardens filled with flowers and tropical plants contribute to the hotel’s old world charm, while a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and small sauna and gym offer modern conveniences. A history note: the hotel is built on the site of an old family home that welcomed early investigators and visitors to Copán—the first “hotel” in Copán.
Day 4
Guatemala City or San Pedro Sula / Depart
Transfer by private car to Guatemala City or San Pedro Sula for departure...B
