Nestled in the western highlands of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala, Copán Ruinas is a charming cobblestone town with a rich Mayan history, friendly locals, and relaxed vibes. While often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts like Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza in Mexico, Copán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Central America. Beyond the ruins, the area offers hot springs, bird sanctuaries, chocolate tours, and more—all surrounded by lush mountains and colonial beauty.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure, Copán Ruinas has something special to offer. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before you go, how to get there, what to wear, where to eat, and the top things to do while you’re there.
Things to Know Before You Go
🌤 Climate
Copán enjoys a subtropical highland climate, meaning warm days and cooler evenings year-round. Daytime highs average around 77–85°F (25–29°C), while nights can dip to 55–65°F (13–18°C)—especially during the dry season.
- Dry Season (November to April): Best time to visit—clear skies and cooler temps.
- Rainy Season (May to October): Mornings are usually clear, but expect afternoon showers.
🗣 Language
Spanish is the official language, but many locals in Copán Ruinas speak a bit of English, especially in tourism-related businesses.
💵 Money
The official currency is the Honduran Lempira (HNL), though many hotels and tour agencies accept USD. ATMs are available in town, and it’s smart to carry small bills for local shops and tuk-tuks.
🛂 Visa
U.S., Canadian, EU, and most Latin American passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
📱 SIM Card & Apps
You can purchase a local SIM card from Tigo or Claro. They’re available at shops and convenience stores in town. Expect decent 3G/4G coverage in Copán Ruinas, although it may be weaker in rural areas.
How to Get There
Copán Ruinas is close to the Guatemalan border and well-connected by road to major cities in Honduras.
✈️ Airport: Fly into Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula. From there, it’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Copán Ruinas.
🚌 Bus: The easiest and most popular way to get to Copán is via shuttle or long-distance bus:
- From San Pedro Sula: Hedman Alas and Casasola Express offer daily service (approx. $10–$15 USD).
- From Antigua or Guatemala City: Several companies (like Atitrans or Fuentes del Norte) offer direct shuttles to Copán (approx. $20–$30 USD, 5–7 hours).
Safety Tips for Visiting Copán Ruinas
While some parts of Honduras have a reputation for crime, Copán Ruinas is widely considered one of the safest towns in the country. It thrives on tourism and has a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Police presence is visible, and locals are incredibly kind and helpful.
If you’re arriving from cities like San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, consider traveling during the day and booking with reputable shuttle or bus companies for added safety. Avoid wandering isolated areas after dark, and use tuk-tuks at night if needed.
Local Foods to Try
- Baleadas – A must-try! Flour tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese, avocado, or egg.
- Sopa de Frijoles – Traditional black bean soup often served with plantains.
- Pollo con Tajadas – Fried chicken served over green banana slices.
- Fresh juices – Tamarind, hibiscus, and mango are refreshing and popular.
5 Things to Do in Copán Ruinas
Explore the Copán Archaeological Site
Just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from town or a 20-minute walk, the main ruins of Copán are the star attraction.
- Cost: $15 USD entrance (plus $7 for the sculpture museum, highly recommended).
- Hours: 8am–4pm daily.
- Tip: Hire a local guide ($20) to get deeper insights into the hieroglyphs, ball courts, and temples.
This is one of the most elaborate Mayan cities, known for its intricate carvings and stelae. You’ll walk among ancient plazas, pyramids, and jungle-covered ruins teeming with macaws.
Visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park
This eco-reserve and rehab center is a sanctuary for rescued tropical birds, including scarlet macaws, toucans, and parrots.
- Cost: $10 USD
- Getting there: 10-minute tuk-tuk from town.
- What to expect: Shaded jungle trails, aviaries, and a café on-site. Great for families or bird lovers.
Soak in the Luna Jaguar Hot Springs
Tucked in the hills about 45 minutes from Copán, these hot springs are a dreamy escape into nature.
- Cost: $15 USD for entry and transport
- Tours available: Many agencies in town offer half-day trips from 2pm-7pm.
- Tip: Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sandals. You can store your belongings in lockers.
Tour a Coffee Farm or Cacao Workshop
Copán is part of Honduras’ coffee-growing region. You can visit Finca El Cisne or local cacao producers to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar.
- Coffee tours: $20 includes tasting
- Cacao experiences: Shorter (~$10–$15), often in town.
These hands-on tours are a great way to support local producers and learn about sustainable farming.
Whether you’re in it for the ruins, the wildlife, or just a quiet place to unwind in the mountains, Copán Ruinas is a destination that will surprise and inspire you. If you’re traveling through Central America, this corner of Honduras deserves a solid spot on your itinerary.
Planning to combine your trip with El Salvador or Guatemala? Check out my 5-day El Salvador itinerary here for more ideas on making the most of your time in the region.
