San Pedro- Copan bus or car?

We're arriving in San Pedro late on Sat night then going to Copan the next day. We plan on staying in Copan - well just outside in Hacienda San Lucas. We're spending 3 nights there before coming back to SPS to fly to la Ceiba, I think we'll take the 16.30 flight.
We're not sure whether to go by bus or rent a car. Any advice? I guess the car would give us more freedom, but is there stuff to see around Copan Ruinas? We'll only really have 2 full days there, so maybe just seeing the ruins and the town is enough? The price seems pretty similar -$13 each on bus each way or $59 for a car for 3 days. Also what are the roads like? And how's the driving?

Thanks for advice

Edited by: choti

I'd stay in San Pedro Sula the first night and head out on the bus early the next morning. With just 2 days there's plenty to see just in and around Copán Ruinas. My photos and with a travelogue in one of the collections linked below. Keep us posted!

Once outside of SPS the roads and driving are fine but you don't need a car in Ruinas. Parking is also a problem. So you would basically be using the car for the three hour drive there and the three hour drive back. And although the drive is beautiful, there are few places worth stopping at.

If you decide to rent a car I would love to know how you felt about if after the fact.

Friends and I are considering Copan (from Roatan) the last weekend of April. I would like to see the country between LaCebia and Copan by car instead of bus but am unsure just how much hassle it might be.

It would be so easy to fly from here (Roatan) to San Pedro and catch the bus from there... Hard choice.

Do let me know what you decide and why.

In Copan you can take "tuk-tuks" (bicycle driven carts), anywhere you want to go. You could park safely at Hacienda San Lucas but as noted above, you might find that you are parking it most of the time. I would not call CA driving fine- I saw many times on the road between Copan and La Entrada people passing on curves etc. It may not be quite as bad as Quat but it is not great- plus you often share the road with horses, livestock etc. And, unfortunately, you do have to drive through San Pedro Sula to get to Copan. If you do decide to dive, let us know how it is- my perspective has been from being inside a bus.

I wouldn't want to drive in Honduras... not necessarily because of the roads, but because of the rules of the road (or lack thereof). I'd take a Hedman Alas bus-- they're very nice and comfortable. As was mentioned above, you really don't need a car in Copan.

Thanks for your answers. Looks like a car is not really necessary in Copan so we'll probably end up taking the bus I guess - after a transatlantic flight the day before we may be a bit jet lagged & not really feel like driving. She_travels - that's the same w/e we're going - the last w/e in April. we could've shared a car, but I guess you'll be going on Saturday!

Hey Choti,

Had to say what day we are going..we have not as yet figured it all out. I am on the different part of the island from the friend I am going with.

Heck, we have been trying for weeks to have an afternoon of conversation while watching the Dolphin Show at AKR from another friends deck. Can't seem to sort four people out with time on the same afternoon.

Please do not wait on us to make a choice on what to do. If in fact we get out stuff together and do make a choice I will PM ya.

How many are in your party?

by the by ~ I have been driving on the island for years...it takes some getting used to but it is do~able.