This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site
is one of the most distinguished cultural monuments in the world.

"The site of this unexpected monument put at rest at once and forever, in our minds, all uncertainty in regard to the character of American antiquities, and gave us the assurance...that the people who once occupied the Continent of America were not savages." -John Lloyd Stephens Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán, 1841

The Archeological Park of Copán is just a half-mile east of town, situated amidst a tranquil forest along the Copán River. To get there, enjoy a peaceful stroll along a tree-shaded trail, or rent a horse or taxi. The park is open every day from 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The entrance fee is US$15.00 for the Park only. The renowned Sculpture Museum charges US$7.00. If you wish to visit the mysterious Tunnels (strongly recommended), the fee is US$15.00. In front of Central Park, facing Southwest, one can visit the Archeological museum for a small charge of US$3.00.

To truly appreciate this sublime site, we strongly recommend you allow at least a couple of days. First, spend a morning at the Ruins with one of the many experienced guides in Copán. (Don't miss the Tunnels!) After lunch, wander the Nature Trail through an extraordinary tract of preserved forest.

The Hieroglyphic Staircase

The next day, visit our renowned Sculpture Museum to enhance your understanding of this mysterious culture. Then, return to the ruins (alone this time), and let your imagination roam as you immerse yourself in the lore and mystery of one of the five cultures in world history to develop a written language.

To prepare for your visit, there are numerous written sources of information about Copán, 'the Athens of the Maya world'. For example, National Geographic Magazine has published several fascinating articles (October 1989, September 1991, December 1997.) Most large bookstores in North America and Europe carry an decent selection of Maya books. In the town of Copán Ruinas, you could pick up a copy of "History Carved in Stone", a concise and informative guide written by William Fash and Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle.