Sights in Copán Ruinas
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Hacienda El Jaral
The large, rather cheesy Hacienda El Jaral resort-hotel-waterpark-museum-foodcourt-minimall-movie theater (did we miss anything?)is a budget version of Disneyland. The water park has several high tubular slides that wind down to a somewhat dated pool, while the movie theater has one screen showing Hollywood flicks. Both are the only ones of their kind near Copán Ruínas, and the best reason to make the trip (and then only if you are really jonesing for some soft-serve diversion).
The much-hyped Museo de la Vaca, Museum of the Cow, is a glorified gift shop, while the hotel is way overpriced.
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Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Nature Park
Set on 4 hectares of tropical forest, Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Nature Park has large enclosures with birds ranging from brilliant Buffon’s macaws to manic keel-billed toucans. The ticket price (a bit steep, but good for three days) includes a one-hour guided tour (English and French spoken). There’s also a 20-minute nature loop through an adjacent coffee plantation, a small swimming hole and a cafe. It’s 2.5km north of Copan Ruinas, mostly uphill; a taxi is L$20 per person.
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Los Sapos
From Hacienda San Lucas in Copán Ruínas, a pleasant 10-minute walk brings you to Los Sapos, a Maya site purportedly dedicated to women and fertility. Some archaeologists believe it was a place for royal women to conduct fertility ceremonies, or even to give birth. Others say it was simply a place for stone carvers to practice their trade.
In any case, the actual pieces - roughly hewn rocks, one in the shape of a sapo (frog), hence the site's name - are significantly eroded but the hike there, with great views over the valley, is half the fun. The trails to this site are maintained by Hacienda San Lucas, and nonguests are charged for their use.
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La Pintada
Located 10 minutes' walk south of Los Sapos Maya site, La Pintada is a picturesque Chortí Maya village known for the production of corn-husk dolls. (You may be swarmed by kids trying to sell them to you.) The town has beautiful views, including of the acropolis at the Copán archaeological site. The name of the town comes from a little-known painted stele nearby. The folks at Hacienda San Lucas can provide a guide to point it out (free, but a tip is expected).
The trails to this site are maintained by Hacienda San Lucas, and nonguests are charged for their use.
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A
Museo Regional de Arqueología Maya
Although in need of some updating, the 1970s-era Museo Regional de Arqueología Maya gives a good overview of the Maya and their presence in the Valle de Copán. The exhibit contains some excellent pieces: painted pottery, carved jade, Maya glyphs and the original Stela B, portraying King 18 Rabbit. Don’t miss the Tumba de la Bruja, the round tomb of a shamana who was buried with several spectacular offerings, including two human heads (neither of which were hers).
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B
Copán Archaeological Site
Honduras has only one major Mayan ruin, but it's a true gem. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1980, Copán archaeological site is known for its remarkable stone sculptures, especially the enormous and intricately carved stelae depicting former leaders. The site is not as lofty or grandiose as, say, Tikal or Chichén Itzá, but the artisanship is impressive. The museum is also top-notch.
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Enchanted Wings
Enchanted Wings has a terrific mariposario (butterfly enclosure), bursting with tropical plants and dozens of moths and butterflies flitting about. Come before 11am and you may see new butterflies breaking out of their cocoons (the adults are more active then, too). An attached orquidiario has 150 different species of orchids, all native to Honduras.
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C
Casa K’inich
The Casa K’inich was closed when we passed through. If it reopens, it’s a fine children’s museum that explores everything Maya.
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D
Mirador El Cuartel
For a fine view over the fertile Copanecan valley, head to the Mirador El Cuartel, an abandoned jail five blocks north of the Parque Central.
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Aguas Termales
A set of hot springs, aguas termales, are 24km north of Copán Ruinas, an hour’s drive through fertile mountains and coffee plantations. There are a couple of artificial pools or you can sit in the river, where the boiling hot-spring water mixes with the cool river water. Plans are in place to re-develop the area, but nothing was happening when we visited. Bring warm clothes if you come in the evening.
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