Maya Site of Copan
Location: Western Honduras
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Copán is an ancient Maya city that dates back to the 5th century AD. The site is known for its impressive sculptures, including the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, which contains over 1,200 glyph blocks and is considered the longest known Maya inscription. Copán also has a well-preserved ballcourt and numerous other structures, including temples and plazas.
Prominent Features: Copán is characterized by its impressive architecture and sculptures. Some of the most notable features include:
The Hieroglyphic Stairway: A monumental staircase with over 1,200 glyph blocks that detail the history and genealogy of the Copán dynasty. The Acropolis: A complex of temples and palaces that was the political and religious center of the city.
The Ballcourt: A well-preserved ballcourt where the Maya played a game similar to basketball.
History: Copán was an important center of Maya culture that flourished between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. The city was known for its advanced art, architecture, and astronomical knowledge. The site was abandoned around the 10th century AD, and was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: The site of Copán offers many activities for families, including guided tours, a small museum, and a beautiful botanical garden with many varieties of local flora.
Fun Fact: The Maya of Copán were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and created a highly accurate solar calendar. They also had a sophisticated writing system, which was one of the few fully developed writing systems of the ancient world.
Entry Fees: The entry fee to Copán is $15 USD for foreign visitors and 80 HNL for Honduran nationals.
How to Reach it: There are regular buses that run from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and other major cities in Honduras to Copan Ruinas. The travel time from San Pedro Sula is approximately 3-4 hours, and from Tegucigalpa it's about 7-8 hours.
From San Salvador, El Salvador, you can take a direct bus or shuttle service from San Salvador to Copan. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and border crossing.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in the nearby town of Copán Ruinas, which is walking distance from the archaeological site. Some of the options include Hotel Marina Copán, Hotel Posada de Belssy, and Hotel Clarion Copán Ruinas.
Next Stop: Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Copán is an ancient Maya city that dates back to the 5th century AD. The site is known for its impressive sculptures, including the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, which contains over 1,200 glyph blocks and is considered the longest known Maya inscription. Copán also has a well-preserved ballcourt and numerous other structures, including temples and plazas.
Prominent Features: Copán is characterized by its impressive architecture and sculptures. Some of the most notable features include:
The Hieroglyphic Stairway: A monumental staircase with over 1,200 glyph blocks that detail the history and genealogy of the Copán dynasty. The Acropolis: A complex of temples and palaces that was the political and religious center of the city.
The Ballcourt: A well-preserved ballcourt where the Maya played a game similar to basketball.
History: Copán was an important center of Maya culture that flourished between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. The city was known for its advanced art, architecture, and astronomical knowledge. The site was abandoned around the 10th century AD, and was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: The site of Copán offers many activities for families, including guided tours, a small museum, and a beautiful botanical garden with many varieties of local flora.
Fun Fact: The Maya of Copán were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and created a highly accurate solar calendar. They also had a sophisticated writing system, which was one of the few fully developed writing systems of the ancient world.
Entry Fees: The entry fee to Copán is $15 USD for foreign visitors and 80 HNL for Honduran nationals.
How to Reach it: There are regular buses that run from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and other major cities in Honduras to Copan Ruinas. The travel time from San Pedro Sula is approximately 3-4 hours, and from Tegucigalpa it's about 7-8 hours.
From San Salvador, El Salvador, you can take a direct bus or shuttle service from San Salvador to Copan. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and border crossing.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in the nearby town of Copán Ruinas, which is walking distance from the archaeological site. Some of the options include Hotel Marina Copán, Hotel Posada de Belssy, and Hotel Clarion Copán Ruinas.
Next Stop: Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve