Though many simply refer to the ancient Mayan ruins located in Copan Ruinas as “Copan,” it’s important to note that Copan is also the name of its Honduran department. Needless to say, the main (and only) thing to do in Copan is visit the Maya ruins—the town of Copan Ruinas is as relaxed and restful as many other Central American backpacker mainstays. It’s best to visit the ruins, stay a night in town, and then continue to other great landmarks on this tourist trail, like Antigua, Guatemala, or the Bay Islands in Honduras.
The best time to visit Copan is in winter, the Honduran dry season. However, it’s also the most popular time, and you’ll rub elbows with plenty of travelers. Delaying your visit beyond February should thin the crowds without the need to pack an umbrella. If visiting from Antigua, consider a day trip on weekdays.
Getting around the Copan department via hired shuttle bus is pretty straightforward, but it’s not recommended to hang around the towns, with the exception of Copan Ruinas. In Copan Ruinas, you can enjoy walking around this backpacker hot spot, including the ruins. Even at night, a handful of after-dark spots like clubs offer the comfort of knowing that walking back to your hostel or hotel won’t include many deserted streets.
Before you plan a trip to Honduras, check your country’s travel advisories, which may caution against traveling here due to high levels of crime and kidnapping. While female travelers and solo travelers should find comfort in the hostels along this backpacker trail, members of the LGBTQ+ community may not feel welcomed by locals. You’ll feel slightly safer in Copan Ruinas than most other parts of the Honduran mainland; but you should still arrange private, direct transportation whenever possible and avoid public transportation at night.
