Luna Jaguar Hot Spring
Luna Jaguar Hot Spring
Luna Jaguar Hot Spring
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
381 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
89
Average
24
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Stephanie B
Fort Myers, FL27 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Do NOT take a Tuk Tuk to get there. You definitely need a car to make the journey. We booked through the spa but it was disappointing. Understand that you're in Honduras where anything can happen on the roads. In our case, the journey to the spa took 90 mins. We were NOT given more time at Luna Jaguar, which was a huge disappointment. The spa is missing out on making money. The spa opens at 2. They should shuttle people from Copan Ruinas at 1 p.m. and then allow people longer time - people will likely be more inclined to use the spa services and eat on site if they're not on such a time crunch. But what do I know. I'm just an American tourist.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CapistranoBeachCa Anna
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
First, getting here takes at least 45 minutes from town. That being said, you will see so much along the drive- many residential areas and small corn and coffee farms. Reallly enjoyed seeing these back roads. The hot springs is amazing. The natural setting takes away stress and the mineral baths were great. All types of folks here with families from seniors to little ones. My three teenage boys loved it. What a fantastic 1/2 day trip from Copán.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdubs2
Elkhart, IN53 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Such a unique getaway with friends. I was doing some work in Copan Ruinas and friends and I undecided a trip to the hot springs would be fun. It’s a drive to get there but the views are spectacular. As other reviews have noted, the pools are set in descending order with the coolest water near the bottom. As you work your way up, the water gets warmer. The top pool is pretty hot but very relaxing when gotten used to. One of the pools goes back into a grotto. So amazing!! Very quaint and relaxing. It wasn’t crowded and had a very relaxing vibe.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFlyingCamelpig
Bristol, UK43 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
An absolute must if you are in Copan! My boyfriend and I read about this place and saw that hotels were offering trips for 440-500L. Being backpackers we were on a budget and decided to take the local bus instead. We walked to the bus depot just before the bridge on the east side of town at about 9.30am and found a minibus going for for 40L each one way. I think these leave about every 30mins. It took 45mins to get there. Admission was then 240L each, including a tour of the springs.
The springs are absolute paradise, and even better we had the whole place to ourselves until the tourist buses arrived at 2pm. We waited outside on the road at 2.30pm and got the local bus back. We could have stayed all day here, the springs are idyllic, relaxing and clean. But we definitely recommend to go in the morning!
The springs are absolute paradise, and even better we had the whole place to ourselves until the tourist buses arrived at 2pm. We waited outside on the road at 2.30pm and got the local bus back. We could have stayed all day here, the springs are idyllic, relaxing and clean. But we definitely recommend to go in the morning!
Written March 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie W
Helensburgh, UK162 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
At the time of writing, a bridge has collapsed due to rain. The hot springs are not the easiest place to get to/from anyway, but this is an additional complicating factor. However, transport is doable (and worth doing)...
There are three options for transport: local collectivo bus, tourist shuttle bus and tuk tuk. It is probably useful to give more detail than less, so by way of comparison:
1. Local collectivo bus: we took this option and were glad we did (see below). It's the cheapest (40L per person one way, so for two people return it was 160 L total). If you're walking from the centre of town to Copan Ruins, you will see bus depots both immediately before and after the bridge you cross to get to the ruins. The bus to the hot springs leaves from the bus depot BEFORE you cross the bridge. Do NOT google "Copan Ruins bus depot" - you might end up walking to the Hedman Alas bus terminal (as we did) which is nowhere near this bridge. Our bus left just after 9:30am. There isn't an official schedule but we were told that buses leave approximately hourly from Copan in the morning. The last return bus was at 2:30pm. We had to ask around at the bus depot to find out about it - there is little to no signage. The journey is only 22km yet it took us 1hr 30 mins outbound and 1hr 10 min return. This is due to a terrible road, person pick ups/drop offs, parcel pick ups/drop offs, etc. It was a comfortable enough ride despite no AC. There were lots of cement bags both inside and on top of the bus - it seemed as much a shuttle for things as it was for people! That actually added to the experience.
2. Tuk tuk: most expensive option. We were quoted $35 return including waiting time and advised usual cost was $50. The advantage is no waiting around - you can come and go as you please. But it's expensive and it would be a bumpier journey than in a bus as the road condition is poor.
3. Tourist shuttle: these leave Copan 1pm daily and the return is at 5:30pm. Tickets are sold everywhere in town (hotels, restaurants etc) for about $10pp. That's quite expensive compared to the collectivo. I think the journey time is about 50mins to 1 hour each way since it won't be doing all the pick ups and drops offs like the collectivo.
We are glad we chose the collectivo not because it was by far the cheapest (thought that was a nice bonus!) but because we got to leave in the morning, unlike the tourist shuttle.
We arrived at the hot springs just after 11am (entry was 240L pp), had a 50 minute relaxing massage (800L pp, it was good) and then had all of the pools entirely to ourselves for 2 hours. For us, 2 hours was plenty of time in the pools.
As we left the site at 2pm, we saw the tourist shuttle arriving with 10-15 people onboard. Although there are lots of pools on site, many of them are quite small. It wouldn't have been much fun competing with that many people for pool space. I'm glad we got the collectivo and avoided that completely!
We have basic Spanish (Spanglish) but the staff did not speak English. We had a bit of a job trying to get our massages simultaneously but it all worked out fine in the end. Just don't rely on the staff speaking English.
I've only given 4 stars as we did enjoy it but it just felt like something was lacking. The pools were nice but not as nice as others I've been to. Also, we did not use the pool where you alternate between one side being hot and the other side being cold. This was because it was a particularly shallow pool and there were so many ants walking all over the side of the hot pool! Inevitable in the jungle, I guess, but we didn't have that issue to that extent with the other pools.
There are three options for transport: local collectivo bus, tourist shuttle bus and tuk tuk. It is probably useful to give more detail than less, so by way of comparison:
1. Local collectivo bus: we took this option and were glad we did (see below). It's the cheapest (40L per person one way, so for two people return it was 160 L total). If you're walking from the centre of town to Copan Ruins, you will see bus depots both immediately before and after the bridge you cross to get to the ruins. The bus to the hot springs leaves from the bus depot BEFORE you cross the bridge. Do NOT google "Copan Ruins bus depot" - you might end up walking to the Hedman Alas bus terminal (as we did) which is nowhere near this bridge. Our bus left just after 9:30am. There isn't an official schedule but we were told that buses leave approximately hourly from Copan in the morning. The last return bus was at 2:30pm. We had to ask around at the bus depot to find out about it - there is little to no signage. The journey is only 22km yet it took us 1hr 30 mins outbound and 1hr 10 min return. This is due to a terrible road, person pick ups/drop offs, parcel pick ups/drop offs, etc. It was a comfortable enough ride despite no AC. There were lots of cement bags both inside and on top of the bus - it seemed as much a shuttle for things as it was for people! That actually added to the experience.
2. Tuk tuk: most expensive option. We were quoted $35 return including waiting time and advised usual cost was $50. The advantage is no waiting around - you can come and go as you please. But it's expensive and it would be a bumpier journey than in a bus as the road condition is poor.
3. Tourist shuttle: these leave Copan 1pm daily and the return is at 5:30pm. Tickets are sold everywhere in town (hotels, restaurants etc) for about $10pp. That's quite expensive compared to the collectivo. I think the journey time is about 50mins to 1 hour each way since it won't be doing all the pick ups and drops offs like the collectivo.
We are glad we chose the collectivo not because it was by far the cheapest (thought that was a nice bonus!) but because we got to leave in the morning, unlike the tourist shuttle.
We arrived at the hot springs just after 11am (entry was 240L pp), had a 50 minute relaxing massage (800L pp, it was good) and then had all of the pools entirely to ourselves for 2 hours. For us, 2 hours was plenty of time in the pools.
As we left the site at 2pm, we saw the tourist shuttle arriving with 10-15 people onboard. Although there are lots of pools on site, many of them are quite small. It wouldn't have been much fun competing with that many people for pool space. I'm glad we got the collectivo and avoided that completely!
We have basic Spanish (Spanglish) but the staff did not speak English. We had a bit of a job trying to get our massages simultaneously but it all worked out fine in the end. Just don't rely on the staff speaking English.
I've only given 4 stars as we did enjoy it but it just felt like something was lacking. The pools were nice but not as nice as others I've been to. Also, we did not use the pool where you alternate between one side being hot and the other side being cold. This was because it was a particularly shallow pool and there were so many ants walking all over the side of the hot pool! Inevitable in the jungle, I guess, but we didn't have that issue to that extent with the other pools.
Written October 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WFKtravels
323 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Our trip to the hot springs was the final part of the really wonderful all day Finca El Cisne tour. The reason for only four stars is that the change rooms/toilets are pretty basic (flush toilets though!) and there are no facilities to lock your belongings away so you need to carry them with you....a day pack or beach bag is ideal. We were provided with towels by the Hacienda San Lucas so I am uncertain as to whether or not you can hire a towel. After changing, walk around the blue swimming pools with the water features for children and cross the river via a suspension bridge (the path is paved but light footwear similar to thongs or flip flops is a good idea). The entrance to the hot springs is modelled on Mayan ruins entrances to the underworld....you exit into the most gorgeous set of pools. The hot river flows as a waterfall where you can steam or sauna amongst lush plants, sculptures and pools of varying temperature and depth. There are cold water spouts, smaller water chutes to stand under and an area where you can apply a mud pack. The water is constantly flowing down through all the pools. We visited in the afternoon and were amply shaded by the surrounding jungle. Remember to slip some water to drink into your bag. It is superbly serene and utterly unique. There are plenty of dry stone ledges and seats where you can safely put your belongings while you indulge in what has to be one of the loveliest hot springs in the world (and my local hot springs -Peninsula Hot Springs- regularly wins major tourism awards)....this is not a place with fluffy bathrobes, essential oils, a massage and hot rocks menu - it is just natural and sublime and utterly unique.....we were very reluctant to leave.
Written February 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafiki_11
Poughkeepsie, NY87 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
I got so excited when I had seen this attraction. I always wanted to do a hor spring.I wanted a traditional feel in nature.It was heavenly!!! In Costa Rica I was disappointed to see they were glorified pools.We opted not to go too Arenal.Very happy with our choice.This is what I had pictured.Different pools at different temperature set in the trees along the river.the water converts to 190 degrees Fahrenheit! They mix in cold streams for bathing.The shoulder and neck waterfall is a must.Take in the sounds of the water moving and the birds singing .If you take transport over it is 12 USD entrance fee to enter the springs.Way your options if your better taking the deals in town with food included or hiring transport and buying your own food back in town.No lockers btw enjoy
Written April 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriela M
Ottawa, Canada31 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
This place is just beautiful, relaxing, the staff are carefully of the visitor; they explain how to use each part of the hot spring aim to pursue the best exprience inside.
I recommend use the bathroom inside of the hot spring and not those who are located in the pool area.
I recommend use the bathroom inside of the hot spring and not those who are located in the pool area.
Written April 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SasspianMerritt
7 contributions
After a wonderful morning at the Ruins in Copan, my friend and I decided to treat ourselves to soaking in the hot springs. We made arrangements for the 45 minute private shuttle. The drive actually took 1.5 hours. No problem...the roads were a bit wet and I could understand that. The drive was mostly downhill, so asked the driver about the return trip and he said he was going to put chains in to ensure we had a safe ride out.
The entrance is unsightly...laundry hanging everywhere and two pools that looked quite uninviting.
A staff guide brought us over the bridge to give us a tour of the springs and the different pools to soak in. These were absolutely beautiful. Different pools with varying degrees of temperature. I soaked in the pools and my friend had a massage ($25 for 30 min)...a bit pricey but what the heck...
After her massage and my soaking time, we went back down to the front to have a drink and wait for our ride back. It was there I noticed a very thin dog, running around the property who clearly had a broken leg or displaced hip. Saddened but not surprised, my friend and I finished our drinks and went to the reception desk to meet the driver. Here I saw the most emaciated, skin and bones dog I have ever seen. She obviously had recently had puppies and could barely stand. I looked at the 5 people behind the counter and mentioned how horrible this was. They just looked at me and the dog and laughed. I tried to find something in the snack bar to feed the dog...but there were only candy bars. They just continued laughing.
Now I'm no stranger to seeing starving street dogs. I've traveled India extensively where the stray dog problem is horrible. While disturbing, it's understandable as the people can't feed the dogs if they can't even feed themselves. The folks at this place were not starving...not even close. My friend and I spent $60 US dollars there in 3 hours. They just watched and laughed. This was the first time I saw ugliness in my Central American travels. That dog haunts me still.
By the way, the driver did not put on chains. We spent the first 30 minutes (of another 1.5 hot ride) spinning uphill in mud with giants cliffs to the left of the car. We also found out that the 'private shuttle' we paid $12 dollars each for, was actually the local bus the German guy next to us paid $1 to ride.
I would encourage people my to support this business.
The entrance is unsightly...laundry hanging everywhere and two pools that looked quite uninviting.
A staff guide brought us over the bridge to give us a tour of the springs and the different pools to soak in. These were absolutely beautiful. Different pools with varying degrees of temperature. I soaked in the pools and my friend had a massage ($25 for 30 min)...a bit pricey but what the heck...
After her massage and my soaking time, we went back down to the front to have a drink and wait for our ride back. It was there I noticed a very thin dog, running around the property who clearly had a broken leg or displaced hip. Saddened but not surprised, my friend and I finished our drinks and went to the reception desk to meet the driver. Here I saw the most emaciated, skin and bones dog I have ever seen. She obviously had recently had puppies and could barely stand. I looked at the 5 people behind the counter and mentioned how horrible this was. They just looked at me and the dog and laughed. I tried to find something in the snack bar to feed the dog...but there were only candy bars. They just continued laughing.
Now I'm no stranger to seeing starving street dogs. I've traveled India extensively where the stray dog problem is horrible. While disturbing, it's understandable as the people can't feed the dogs if they can't even feed themselves. The folks at this place were not starving...not even close. My friend and I spent $60 US dollars there in 3 hours. They just watched and laughed. This was the first time I saw ugliness in my Central American travels. That dog haunts me still.
By the way, the driver did not put on chains. We spent the first 30 minutes (of another 1.5 hot ride) spinning uphill in mud with giants cliffs to the left of the car. We also found out that the 'private shuttle' we paid $12 dollars each for, was actually the local bus the German guy next to us paid $1 to ride.
I would encourage people my to support this business.
Written January 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rickee_Ricardo
Palo Alto, CA194 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
The "official" name for this fabulous place is "Luna Jaguar Spa Resort" and is about an hour drive on mostly a dirt road (careful when it rains, even 4x4's had a hard time going up some of the road inclined sections, lots of mud). But it is worth the drive, once there you can park on ample parking space, there is a restaurant right at the entrance (not too many food choices but enough to pass the day), there's also the ticket counter to buy passes to the very nice part of the park. You can go for free to three swimming pools with hot water from the springs too, but if you made it all the way here you have to go inside. You will cross a cable suspension bridge, go through a tunnel and then there will be a nice winding path that will take you through several pools, rivers and up the hill to a two story structure right on top of a cascade. If possible visit the place during the week to avoid the crowds and have the place to yourself, it's a magical experience to see the steam rise from the springs into the jungle tree's. The site is well maintained with lots of Maya sculptures to give it the authentic look.
Written January 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clauaguilarp
Honduras
Ya está reparada la carretera desde el pueblo de Copan Ruinas hasta ahí? Cuanto tiempo toma llegar ? Otra pregunta: Hay más restaurantes cerca?
Written March 17, 2019
What should you bring with you? Also, how much extra money should one bring, or in other words, what are some of the added costs? Are there lockers or anything to store handbags?
Written December 23, 2017
We didn’t need any extra money because we had a meal included in the price of our visit in the evening. There are some lockers but we didn’t actually use them as it was only our group that was there so we left our stuff beside us. Changing areas were only really the toilet areas. There weren’t a great deal of facilities really.
Written December 24, 2017
Como esta la carretera para llegar al lugar, en cuanto tiempo se tarda para llegar desde Copan Ruinas?
Written April 13, 2017
Desde Copan ruinas estás a 3 min aprox
Para llegar a Copan Ruinas desde Tegucigalpa son 6 hrs más o menos haciendo escalas, gran parte del camino está en mal estado. Recomiendo viajar de día si vas manejando
Written April 14, 2017
Ou se trouve exactement ce site depuis Zacapa? Nous sommes en voiture. Merci.
Written February 26, 2017
Bonjour, il faut rejoindre Copàn Ruinas, et de la demander, c'est au nord 15/20 km de petite route. Y aller le matin, car l'après-midi il y a souvent des groupes et la magie ne s'opère alors plus. Profitez bien sur pour visiter le site Maya de copàn. Bon voyage, catherine
Written February 26, 2017
I believe that they are open from 9 am to as late as 9pm, however, transportation back to Copán is much earlier. The last local bus is at 2pm or 3pm, and the tourist shuttle arranged from Hotel Patty in Copán, leaves from Copán at 1pm and returns from Luna Jaguar at 5pm.
Written March 30, 2016
marioncassier
Paris, France
Bonjour,
Pouvez-vous me dire à quel hôtel vous étiez pour accéder en 1h au SPA ? Comment avez-vous organiser votre transport de l'hôtel au SPA ?
Merci d'avance pour votre réponse!
Marion
Written February 25, 2016
Hi. You mention a shuttle, where can can be picked up? Or find it?
Written August 10, 2015
Tanya at Twisted bar in the square in Copan does an organised trip including the hot springs with a fresh fruit buffet followed by a visit to a typical hill village open air restaurant for a fabulous home cooked experience of Honduran cooking
Written August 10, 2015
The shuttle from Via Via took sooooooo long to get there...over an hour. Be prepared for that. Then, when we had finished exploring the hot springs our driver was asleep in a hammock and we were all waiting around over half an hour for him to drive us back. It was annoying.
Written May 15, 2015
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