Ancient Copan Extension

Transfer by private car with your guide from Guatemala City to Copán Ruinas, a charming town of cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs (drive time is about 5.5 hours, with lunch on the way). 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. The late afternoon is free to explore the town of Copán. Overnight at Hotel Marina Copán...BL

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 a full-day tour 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. Time permitting, you may also visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park. Overnight at the Hotel Marina Copán...BL

Today you can return to the site of Copán on your own, explore the city and local museums, visit the Tea and Chocolate Place visitors' center or do other optional touring. Overnight at Hotel Marina Copán...B

Return by private car with your driver to Guatemala City to begin the rest of your tour (if you are doing this pre-trip) or to return home. Transfer to the airport for evening flights from Guatemala City...B