The Athens of the New World
Ancient Copan Extension
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.
Arrive: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Depart: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Highlights
- Explore the spectacular Mayan city-state of Copan, a World Heritage Site
- View the famed Hieroglyphic Stairway
Itinerary
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
Note: It is possible to add a visit to the site of Quirigua by adding an overnight in Livingston and visiting Livingston and Rio Dulce. Please call for details.
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visting Guatemala or Honduras.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.