Copán is a royal city in the jungle, located in the south-east of the Mesoamerican cultural region—a rare place where Mayan culture is still alive. Like many other cities, Copán fell victim to the crisis of the 9th century, the causes of which have not yet been established. Nowadays, the overgrown jungle has swallowed up many of the buildings and wiped out the outlines of survivors.
There are a number of interesting features in Copán which capture the imagination—well-preserved statues as well as various rock carvings. The carved slabs depict the rulers of Copán together with a description of their deeds. Traces of paint on the walls and sculptures indicate that all the main buildings in the squares and sculptures of Copán were once brightly painted.
Around the five main squares, stepped, pyramid-shaped palaces and temples rise. The main treasure of Copán is the so-called hieroglyphic ladder. These are 63 stairs leading to the top of the pyramid. This is the largest single text in stone in the whole of Mayan culture, which tells the political history of Copán.
Copán is often called a city of squares. The most stunning sites are the hieroglyphic stairway plaza, ceremonial plaza, and Easter plaza. Although formerly Copan was on the outskirts of the Mayan civilisation, it certainly can not be called a province. The best time to explore this historic city is during November–April in order to avoid the rainy season.
Practical info
When is a good time to go to Copán?
From November to April, Copán offers the best conditions for a visit. The rainy season, lasting from May to October, often makes it hard to explore the ruins and the nearby area, due to heavy rainfall. The dry season instead provides ideal weather conditions, with bright sunshine and no rain, making the exploration of the ruins and surroundings much more enjoyable and comfortable. Show more
What is the location of Copán in Honduras?
Copán is situated in southeast Honduras, in one of the few regions where the Mayan culture is still alive. The city is surrounded by high mountains and lush jungle, and it is close to the border with Guatemala. San Pedro Sula is the closest major city, approximately three hours away by car. Visitors may also take a scenic bus ride from either San Pedro Sula or Guatemala City to reach Copán. Show more
What can visitors look forward to seeing while visiting Copán?
Copán is home to an extraordinary variety of well-preserved artifacts, sculptures and ancient structures, which offer a unique glimpse into Mayan culture. The stepped palaces and temples with pyramid shapes are situated throughout the city, and the huge hieroglyphic ladder, consisting of 63 inscribed stairs that lead to the pyramid's top, is the most exceptional feature. Tourists can also enjoy inspecting statues, rock carvings, and remains of multi-colored buildings, as well as stelae and slabs that provide an insight into the life of Copán's ancient rulers. Show more
How does Copán rank compared to other Mayan cities?
Although Copán itself is smaller and less popular than some other Mayan cities, such as Chichén Itzá and Tikal, it is an interesting and exclusive destination for tourists interested in learning about ancient Mayan civilization. Due to lower numbers of visitors, it offers the opportunity for a more immersed experience and a greater appreciation of Mayan culture. The fact that Copán has well-preserved rock carvings and statues make it stand out from other Mayan landmarks, making it a great experience for everyone interested in history and culture. Show more
What is the hieroglyphic ladder, and why is it important for Copán's history?
The hieroglyphic ladder is a long staircase inscribed with a political and social history of Copán, making it one of the most critical ancient artifacts of the Mayan people. The hieroglyphic ladder features a story consisting of 63 steps that describe Copán's rulers and political events, such as the coronation of kings or their military victories. This artifact offers a deeper understanding of the way ancient Mayan civilization was structured, giving much insight into the history of Copán. Show more
