Copan holidays
Copan holidays at a glance
This is one of the most impressive Maya archaeological sites in Mesoamerica, and the easternmost major city the Maya Empire ever built. It isn’t as vast as Tikal or Chichén Itzá, but it’s widely regarded as home to some of the finest Maya artistry and craftsmanship anywhere – the Copán ruins earning their reputation stone by stone rather than through sheer scale.
The site’s greatest treasures are its beautifully preserved stelae: intricately carved stone monuments depicting rulers, religious symbolism and historical events, with 21 major examples distributed throughout the Copán archaeological site. Just as remarkable is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, some 1,250 carved glyph blocks that make up the longest known Maya inscription in the New World.
Wrapped in low green hills and creeping jungle, Copán pairs extraordinary archaeological significance with a peaceful setting, making it one of Central America’s most enjoyable sites to wander at leisure.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Copan
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Copán is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mesoamerica and lies at the eastern limit of the empire.
When to visit Copan
Copán enjoys a tropical climate year-round, though rainfall varies considerably by season.
Rainfall increases noticeably, particularly from June to September. July and August tend to be a little drier and bring the added bonus of fewer visitors.
September to November is when hurricanes are most likely to affect the wider region.
The driest months here start a little earlier than in coastal areas, beginning in November and continuing until around May. Temperatures during these months vary month to month: February hovers in the low twenties before reaching the high twenties by April, the warmest month of the year. Due to the altitude it can get a little chilly in the evenings.
The wet season starts with a bang in May before reaching its peak in June and September. July and August are generally slightly dryer so can be great months to visit with far fewer tourists.
Top Things to do in Copan
Copán is one of Central America’s most rewarding destinations for history, culture and archaeology, from wandering the ceremonial centre to venturing further afield into the surrounding hills.
Ride in the scenic surroundings of Copán Ruinas, passing archaeological sites to arrive at a rural hacienda.
Explore Latin America’s largest botanical gardens.
Visit an impressive Mayan archaeological site renowned for its intricate stelae.
Accommodation in Copan
Visitors typically stay in or around the town of Copán Ruinas, giving convenient access to the archaeological site and the wider area.
Friendly, comfortable and well-located hotel, following the design of a historic townhouse but with the addition of a free-form pool flowing through its leafy central courtyard.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Copan
Group Copan Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Alción: Central America Discovery
Places visited: Panama City · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Ometepe Island · Granada · Leon · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Suchitoto · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
22 days from £4,174
Tailor-Made Copan Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Guatemala, Honduras & El Salvador: Mayan ruins, colonial cities and Pacific beaches
Places visited: Lake Atitlan and villages · Antigua and the highlands · Copan · Suchitoto · Ruta de las Flores · Pacific Coast
15 days from £3,950
Signature Honduras: Jungle, islands and Mayan ruins
Places visited: Copan · Pico Bonito National Park · Bay Islands and beaches
11 days from £3,225
Treasures of Central America: Heritage of the Aztec and Mayan Empires
Places visited: Mexico City · Colonial and silver towns · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
19 days from £6,000
FAQs about visiting Copan
Copan is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The low rolling hills where Copán is set have a hot tropical climate all year round with temperatures ranging from 25-30oC. The rainiest months are Jun – Sep. Sep – Nov is the principal period when hurricanes are possible.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
Lempira. You are advised to acquire local currency (in small denominations if possible) in advance of a visit to Copán. Poor rates of exchange are offered at the frontier with Guatemala. You can change US dollar cash or travellers cheques in Honduran banks and may be able to obtain cash advances via the few ATMs in larger towns and cities. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be limited. However these ATMs do not always accept foreign cards, which are also not usable in many smaller hotels and commerce.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
The Mayan city of Tikal, Guatemala, easily accessed by land via the site at Quiriguá (2 hours: a further 3-4 hours to Flores for Tikal); a beach wind down at Tela (276 km), diving and snorkelling from the island of Roatán, 156 km.
- Getting There
It’s a 3 hour drive from San Pedro Sula. Copán Ruinas is 12 km (30mins) from the border with Guatemala.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.