Macaw Mountain Bird Park

This new unique attraction would by itself justify a visit to Copan. By this, I am clearly stating that a visit to the enchanting Copan Valley, its unique Archaeological Park and its quaint town would not be complete with at least a half day at the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve. It is conveniently located only 2 km from the soccer field at the entrance to town on the road to the hot springs. It is easy to get there from Copan. If you are driving your car just take the road that goes next to the soccer field, ask anyone around the field or at the regular bus stop if you have any questions. If you do not have a car, flag one of the many motorcycle taxis in town and have them take you there. It is a short 5 or 6 minute ride from town! This unique ecological park is nestled in a small canyon formed by the Sesesmil creek, that provides water to town. The crystal clear creek, towering century old trees, and the local flora and fauna provide a spectacular setting. In addition, a small coffee plantation that is actually in production allows you to immerse yourself in the Central American agricultural setting, where you will be able to see coffee being harvested, roasted and ground during the season. The park is set in an area where the ancient Maya actually lived, and has a unique view of what some modern archaeologists consider is the legendary “ Macaw Mountain. “
The park has a collection of Honduran and Central American macaws, toucans and parrots that have been recovered from captivity. All the birds are carefully maintained, and can fly freely in large, naturally planted aviaries. Carefully manicured trails, luscious landscaping and incredibly friendly and knowledgeable guides, as well as the extensive collection of birds make of this a unique experience.
In addition to the carefully planed stone trails and elevated wooden walkways, which by the way, easily allow wheelchair access for handicapped visitors, there is a very nice and easy nature trail that follows the canyon for the length of the property and turns upwards to a lovely relaxed area with a spectacular view of Macaw Mountain. The trail, with several lookouts spots along it, allows nature and bird watchers to sight some of the many birds that make this area their home. Toucans, motmots, kingfishers and orioles are among the native birds species seem on the property.
The birds at the park are definitely a colorful bunch. Macaws include the Scarlet and Buffons species, both native to Honduras, as well as the Blue and Gold and Green Wing species from South America. Several species of Toucans, all native to Honduras are also an integral part of the exhibit. A large variety of parrots with brilliant color patterns and engaging personalities will amuse you
There is also an exhibit that considers the relationship between the ancient Maya of Copan and the birds, particularly the magnificent Scarlet Macaw. Research has confirmed that the Copan Archaeological Park has the largest amount of bird imagery of the Mayan World. Some archaeologists consider that the real Mayan name of Copan was “Xukpi” which relates to birds. The Archaeological exhibit area adjoins an interactive space were visitors can have direct contact with some of the birds, including a chance to snap a picture or two with them.
Entrance to the park is $10.00 USA per person and includes a guided tour with a knowledgeable bilingual guide, free time to roam the trails and even take a refreshing swim in the mountain fed stream creek. Save your ticket, as the entrance fee allows you to come back and enjoy the park the again the next two days Operating hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The park also features a pleasant souvenir shop where you can buy bird related items, locally grown coffee and more. The Coffee Casita, with a spectacular deck overlooking the creek and shaded by towering trees provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some freshly brewed Miramundo Estate coffee and sweet pastries. The restaurant on premises offers the best burgers and hot dogs in town as well as a plate of the day that always includes fresh seafood imported from the Bay Islands. Whatever you do during your visit in Copan, make sure you do not miss the bird park!

ECO-Hacienda San Lucas / Los Sapos

Although already mentioned in the archaeological tips section, the Hacienda San Lucas offers a magnificent opportunity to explore a typical Honduran “finca”. Nestled in the mountainsides of the Copan Valley, with magnificent views of the valley, the town of Copan and the jungle surrounding the Archaeological Park, San Lucas has s series of trails that have been developed for the tourist to enjoy. A small entrance fee of Lps30.00 gives you access to these trails, which include a combination of archaeology (Los Sapos) agriculture, (coffee and banana plantations), and nature, (small creeks, waterfalls, and lovely pine, cedar and oak forests surround the finca) After the hike, you can stop at the hacienda and try some traditional Copan country fare in the restaurant of the restored 100 year old hacienda. You can savor steaming tamales, tortillas fresh from the griddle, fresh baked bread, wonderful San Lucas organically grown and home roasted coffee, and other cold drinks. Always ask for their daily special, which will treat you to a unique home cooked, meal flavored the old fashioned way. You can also experience making tortillas on their Maya stone and share in the cooking experience of the household. The flavors and uniqueness of a home cooked meal shared with other special guests and sitting on the front porch overlooking the archaeological site make this a memorable experience. BRAND NEW is their one of a kind bed and breakfast. Rooms rent for $50 a night including a delicious hacienda breakfast. Double occupancy $60, three persons for $70, and four for $80, prices include breakfast and taxes. You can have the luxury of spending the night in comfortable double beds, modern bathroom facilities including hot water and solar lighting. The view of Copan Ruins and the ambiance of the old farmhouse at night is a memorable and once in a lifetime experience. The service is completely personal and friendliness of the owners and personnel allows you to feel at home. In the morning you wake up and can share in the hacienda life, help milk the house cows and later help in the making of their savory home cheese. San Lucas is a short 25-minute walk from downtown Copan. Take good hiking shoes and keep an eye out for a variety of birds that like to hang out near the Copan River. To get there, you can follow the street that leads from the park towards the south, (the street that goes from the Banco de Occidente towards the Hotel Plaza Copan, when you leave town, you will find a fork on the road, take the right and continue to the bridge that crosses the Copan River. Immediately after take a left and follow the road along the riverbank. Eventually the road will climb and you will find another fork, take the right road once again. This will lead you straight to San Lucas. If you are unsure, ask the passerby’s, they are always friendly and will gladly help you out! For more information, visit their new tourist welcome center located two blocks north of the central park. Horse and vehicle transportation are available. For reservations or information call (504) 651-4106 or email at sanlucas@copanruinas.com

Aguas Termales

Agua Caliente literally means “hot water”, and this is exactly what this place is about! Located about 45 minutes from Copan via a dirt road with a very pleasant scenery, near the village of Agua Caliente, this is a favorite spot for the locals. Thermal waters sprout and flow into a cold water river forming natural pools and showers were bathers can relax and soothe their bodies.
Once in Agua Caliente, a very must is to cross the river and go up the trail on the other side to the thermal water spring. Don't expect to do any swimming or bathing there, as the water is extremely hot and you can suffer serious burns. Bathing must be done only in the river where the hot water has mixed with the cold.
In addition to the lovely natural setting, there are some installations and services set up in the park, such as changing facilities, latrines, hot and cold water pools, and an area for sports. There are also small roofed areas to be used as picnic stands. A new administration has taken over the park and now offers soft drinks and a limited variety of local foods and snacks. A nominal entrance fee of L.20.00 is charged per person. the park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 P.M.. The park is very crowded with locals on Sundays, and it is therefore better to visit it during the week. Recently, the park has changed hands and is now better than ever. It is a good fun adventure. For transportation to the hot springs, visit Yaragua Tours, who have a package put together with the new administrators. The Finca El cisne offers tours to the hot springs and their coffee finca from Copan Ruinas. They have an office which provides information and arranges for the tours just across the street to La Casa de Todo in downtown Copan Ruinas.

Peña Quemada

Just 20km from Copan, lies a private reserve that holds over 20 acres of undisturbed tropical forest, natural to this part of Honduras. Plenty of birds, an immense amount of vegetation, trees towering over 150 feet above the ground, the humid atmosphere of a tropical rainforest, with its small rivers and the exotic sounds of jungle have their home within this reserve.
Plenty of trails will give the nature lovers access to this lovely area. Local guides will tour you through the trails; point out the most significant species of trees and flowers, birds and seeds. There are 6 families of howling monkeys that inhabit the reserve. With luck, you will be able to hear them, or even better, you may even see them!
A good pair of hiking shoes, and long pants is recommended for this tour. You can bring a bathing suit to jump into one of the rivers at the end of the tour to refresh yourself after the long hike. A word of caution: the tour involves fairly strenuous hiking, for a good three hours; therefore, you must be in good health for this tour.

Tubing in the Copan River

An activity that has long been popular with the locals, tubing down the Copan River is a fun way of spending a refreshing afternoon, while seeing some of the local birds species, as well as the every day life of people that live next to the river. There are several different stretches of river that are fun and safe. These vary according to the season. Make sure that you get a good guide before you set out on this adventure!

Horse back riding

One of the best ways to get around the town, visit “Los Sapos”, “Las Sepulturas ”or even stelae 12 is by horseback. There are several outfits in town that will rent you horses, most of them are young boys looking to make a living and can take you to any of the previously mentioned places. Perhaps the most reputable and responsible operation is that of Hacienda San Lucas, located at the Hedman Alas bus terminal, 1 ½ blocks north of central park, they of course specialize in tours to Los Sapos and San Lucas. For tours to special places, such as the stelaes located around the valley, check with any of the three tour operators in town: Go Native Tours, MC Tours or Xukpi tours, another alternative is to speak with the people at the Hotel Yaragua, where they will offer horse tours around Copan. They all can arrange for guides and horses to make your trip worthwhile. For horse lovers, the Hacienda El Jaral, located only 12 km from town, just past Santa Rita has some excellent quality horses and some good tours into the forested areas surrounding the hotel.

Bird watching

Within the Municipality of Copan Ruinas there are many varied habitats, such as pine forests, cloud forests, tropical rain forests and secondary growth forests. Jorge Barraza, a local guide who has been bird watching for the last 8 years has said that many of these are migratory birds, who start arriving in the area as early as September and leave as late as April, making the time between these months as the most exciting for bird watching. Xukpi Tours (Jorge Barraza) and Go Native tour offer tours in the area and have guides that are familiar with the different species of birds to be seen in the area. The lagoon at the Hacienda El Jaral Resort is home during the months of October to May to as many as three thousand cattle egrets, who fly in flocks to the lagoon every afternoon between 5 and 6 PM. It is a spectacle worth watching! Last, but not least, naturalist and ex Peace Corps Volunteer, Robert Gallardo, has been inventorying birds for 8 years throughout Honduras and has made considerable additions to the Copan area, which now totals 270 species. A detailed informative checklist / guide is available for the area. For tour options and checklist, he can be reached at the Enchanted Wings Butterfly House and Nature Center, Tel. (504) 651 4133.

El Jaral Shopping Center.

El Jaral Shopping center offers a unique alternative that will surprise the whole family. The cinema offers only the latest English speaking movies and is one of the most modern cinemas in the country. In addition, there is now a pool where you can take a refreshing dip and have a playful afternoon with other locals and tourists. The pool is kept impeccably clean and is without question safe to swim in. There is also a large playground for children that will keep them busy while parents can enjoy some shopping or a bite at one of the restaurants in the mall. The mall is located at the El Jaral Tourist Center, just 8 miles from Copan. Additionally, very good horseback riding tours and bird watching is available here. There is a strict gun control at the entrance to the mall, to insure that you and your family are safe while enjoying your stay at El Jaral.

El Jaral Aqua Park

The first aqua park in Honduras has just been inaugurated at El Jaral. This modern park offers two different water slides in its first stage, one of over 30 ft tall! A very nice kids pool with several interactive games as well as a nice pool also complements the park. Without doubt this is the most refreshing attraction in Copan. The park is open daily. Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday till 8:00 p.m. Entrance fee is Lps 60.00 per person. Special prices apply for groups. Plans include a future wave pool as well as an Aqua Scan theater with Maya themes. The park is located at the Hacienda El Jaral tourist complex, 11 km from Copan Ruinas at Santa Rita de Copan. Truly a great way to spend a day in the sun.

Enchanted Wings Butterfly House and Nature Exhibit

A butterfly house, that is home to over 30 species of butterflies native to Honduras has just opened its doors and will surely become a mayor attraction to Copan. It is located just outside of Copan, on the road leading to Guatemala. The house, to be managed by the owners of the Tropical Butterfly Farm from La Ceiba will not produce butterflies; these will be imported from La Ceiba on a regular basis. The pleasant five-terrace greenhouse has a waterfall and a variety of tropical plants that are food to the butterflies. Entrance fees are 100.00 lempiras per adult. Resident,national and student rates with ID. Price includes pamphlet for selfguided tours. Guided Tours available for a Lps. 50.00 fee per group. The attraction is open from 8 a.m till 5 p.m. daily. A nice souvenir and gift shop with hand made articles including butterfly exhibits is also on premises to make sure you can purchase some items that will remind you for years to come of your visit to Copan’s newest attraction. The exhibit now has a place to tie up horses across a creek with an access bridge. It is a good idea to include the butterfly house as part of your horse back ride.
An orchid exhibit with over 2000 sq.ft. area has a fantastic 2 level setting, housing cloud forest specimens in the subterranean level, the above ground level is for other warm climate orchids. Each orchid is tagged, and there are almost 200 species in the collection. Definetely a must for orchid lovers.

La Pintada

One of the local indigenous communities located within the boundaries of the municipality of Copan Ruinas has recently become an attraction due to the handicrafts being produced here. Within walking distance, but better yet, as part of a horseback riding tour, you can visit this small community and interact with the locals, buy some of their handicrafts and enjoy the view of the Copan R