We have been visiting several maya sites this one was on our list and did not disappoint. The site is well maintained having both the beautiful nature around with his protected scarlet macaws and restauration of the ancient constructions. At the entrance guides offer their expertise for about 30$ however they are not pushing their service. It took us about 1h30 minutes to get around.

Interesting Mayan ruins. You will be distracted on the way in by the birds. It is good to get the photos out of the way so you can concentrate on the ruins. The ruins are not as impressive (in my eyes) when compared to Tikal and Chichinista, but are substantial none the less. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the site. I was with a group, and we had engaged a tour guide. Personally, I prefer to explore independently, not being massively interested in all the dates and names given, but the rest of the group seemed happy with his service and I was able to wander off and explore when I inevitably lost interest in the detail.

This is a World Heritage Site in a small city with no airport but it’s a must-see and I rarely say that. I recommend getting a good local guide since the signage is sparse and you need to understand the history. Some of the discoveries were found on multiple levels below what you see (accessed by tunnels) but there’s plenty above ground including an amazing hieroglyphic staircase and a pyramid you’re permitted to climb. It’s also a bird sanctuary and beautiful macaws are all over. Definitely worth a visit (and so is the nearby museum) if you’re interested in the Mayas.

Plenty to see on this site which educates on the Mayan way of life. Its a reasonable size without being too large so you can walk around it all. Do use a local guide as you will miss so much and if you have a chance then read a bit up on it before your visit. (We were a tour group with a private guide so can't advise on who to use). Easily accessable from Copan via tuk tuk or taxi - a 10 minute ride. There is also a museum on site and a further site situated a short taxi drive away, should you feel the inclination to explore further. It does get hot in the middle of the day and there is little shade also the loos are back at the reception area - but that isn't too far a walk if you need a break. Well preserved you get a good understanding of the lives of Mayans in the past. There are many intricate carvings on the site also. There is a model in the reception area and a map as you commence your tour which show how the original buildings would have stood. Added bonus are the macaw parrots you walk by enroute to the site.

We visited Copan Ruinas for two days/nights from Guatemala. Border was relatively easy, but we had to do Guatemala and Honduras twice. We stayed at hotel Maria Magdalena, probably the best available at that time. The hotel is in the center of town and has reasonable accommodations and very helpful staff. Two good restaurants were in easy walking distance and we used one. The town center is charming with a church, fountain and plenty of scarlet macaws. The reason to visit Copan Ruinas was obviously to visit the Mayan archeological site, which was very impressive and definitely worth the detour. We spent about 4 hours there with a local guide.