Copan Journals

Copán Ruinas - The Town

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A May 2007 trip to Copan by Jose Kevo

Sunrise over Copán Ruinas Photo - Copan, Honduras

Quote: Don't let the name fool you! There's nothing ruined about this extraordinary pueblo, which entertains visitors as the nearest homebase for exploring Copán Archaeological Park.

19 Photos

Copán Ruinas - The Town

Overview

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Putting best foot forward on the mainland, Copán Ruinas is second only to the Bay Islands for luring Honduras travelers. Even then, people come to see the spectacular Copán Archaeological Park; not this unassuming town which doubles as facilitated outpost.After landing in shifty San Pedro Sula, Copán Ruinas was a welcomed refuge; even arriving after dark. Street lamps radiated an amber-colored glow as I made my way through the deserted cobblestone streets. New country, new town; no street signs, and no one around to ask. I permitted the I'm actually finally here-sigh, and tramped up th...Read More

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Hotel Los Gemelos

Hotel

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Here's one that budget bangers can actually get excited about! Hotel Los Gemelos is an economical oasis amidst the tourist-geared swank that dominates Copán Ruinas. Local owner Doña Mafalda Hernández, quite the no-nonsense dowager, doesn't miss a beat or much of anything else! You'll never meet a more cordial sentinel, nor think twice about things left lying around while away from the room. In addition to everything else, she's also the hotel's "safe" and security system.The one-level, posada-styled structure has 14 rooms; most facing either side of a burgeoning garden extending through the courtyard. Narrow benches line the walk-ways for admiring florals, while having a place ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 28, 2007

Hotel Los Gemelos

Copan, Honduras

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La Llama del Bosque

Restaurant

Quote:

Whether as top-billing or luck of the draw, La Llama del Bosque heads Lonely Planet's dining list. Perhaps it's out of respect for seniority; they've been in business since 1975. By famished fate, this local favorite was my introduction to Honduran cooking.Between tight flight connections and San Pedro Sula culture shock, I hadn't eaten anything since leaving my house 17-hours earlier. Brain refused to compute the 6-page menu, so I simply asked to be surprised with the largest serving. Shortly later, the mesera returned with a Churassco platter as the hungry-man special.At first, I thought toughness of the meat was because there were no steak kni...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 28, 2007

La Llama del Bosque
Block And A Half West Of Parque Central
Copan Ruinas, Honduras 1
(504) 651-4431

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La Roca Restaurante

Restaurant

Quote:

Unlisted and inconspicuous, La Roca Restaurante is easily passed without realizing any reason to stop. From outside, it looks a little rough around the edges. Just inside the always-open front door, surly-looking locals congregated around the bar hinted this was one of those places that a foreigner should never infringe on.Stopping later to browse a menu, I was surprised by unseen extent magnified in cantina ambience. Brightly-colored stuccos were loaded with vibrant woven fabrics, sombreros, piñatas; idiosyncratic decor popularized into Hispanic kitsch found in knock-off joints around the world. Truth be told, I almost didn't know how to grasp the real thing! I also was...Read More

Unlisted and inconspicuous, La Roca Restaurante is easily passed without realizing any reason to stop. From outside, it looks a little rough around the edges. Just inside the always-open front door, surly-looking locals congregated around the bar hinted this was one of those places that a foreigner should never infringe on.

Stopping later to browse a menu, I was surprised by unseen extent magnified in cantina ambience. Brightly-colored stuccos were loaded with vibrant woven fabrics, sombreros, piñatas; idiosyncratic decor popularized into Hispanic kitsch found in knock-off joints around the world. Truth be told, I almost didn't know how to grasp the real thing! I also wasn't expecting the indepth chance to at least try.

A private tour guide recognized me from earlier in the day and offered invitation to sit. Brief pleasantries turned into more than either of us probably expected, and that's exactly why I'm recommending this place. Whether solo or with others, La Roca is perfect for soakin' up the surroundings and suds!

Liquor options are limited; the cerveza supply too unlimited. Salva Vida, the popular Honduran brew, translates as 'lifeguard' -- perhaps because there's potential for drowning at only $1/20Lps for an ice-cold longneck.

My host further baited the table with a plate of loaded nachos for 30Lps. I hadn't planned on staying, eating, or drinking beyond "a" beer. However, I'll indulge anything that's complimentary -- as in free like the conversation, good time, and impending mouthfuls that almost foiled dinner.

Once recovering with a shower and accidental snooze, hunger pangs had me back for a late dinner. Hoping for a quick fix, a quartet of college coeds had walked-in just before me to occupy the only out-front employee. Limited staff not only handle customers, they're also in-and-out to the nearest market for whatever menu items aren't on hand, including bottled water. I didn't need anymore recessitating from the lifeguard; just food!

The grilled steak sandwich was stacked for only 75Lps; the cuts of meat more tender than steak from night before. And the mountain of tostados, the Honduran version of fried plantain chips usually called tostones, rekindled my love for the luscious Central American ketchup, first savored in Panamá.

I'd flown out of the room on such a mission, it deprived reading the menu without my glasses. La Roca did have a page of breakfast offerings, and what you'd expect with local fare for lunch/dinner, including vegetarian items. However even the blurred eyes of a skinflint can zero-in on prices. Other than steak/seafood entrees, nothing was priced over $5. Between the ambience and prices like that, this authentic place is not to be missed!

-- La Roca is located off the southeast corner of Parque Central heading south, and located on the left towards end of the block. I overhead a staff member trying to communicate in English. Bring your Spanish or your patience.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 28, 2007

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Parque Central

Attraction

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Typical of Spanish influence, Copán Ruinas is concentrated around Parque Central as the axis of existence. In a town where streets have no names, Parque Central becomes the reference point when asking/receiving directions, or trying to pin-point locations on maps.Consider it the Alpha and Omega; the potential beginning and end for all that transpires. And, don't hesitate to indulge the in-betweens! These gathering spots define a pueblo's character; this one certainly unique for a population descended from the Mayans.A majestic arbor hems the north and east sectors into a centralized gathering area. Columns have viewing-level display cases that contain intricately-designed r...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 28, 2007

Parque Central

Copan, Honduras

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Crossing the Honduran/Guatemalan Border

Story/Tip

Transportation Lot Photo - Copan, Honduras

Quote:

With such close proximity to La Frontera, the town of Copán Ruinas and further afield Copán Archaeological Site, have became one of Guatemala's most popular daytrips; especially to anyone searching for Mayan Ruins. Guatemala guidebooks all include special sections for making this border run that's became even easier than outdated information suggests.The greatest improvement is that all connecting roads on either side of borders are now paved at all three crossings, minimizing listed travel times. Checkpoints at El Florido (outside of Copán Ruinas) and Agua Caliente are also now open 24-hours; the Caribbean coastal crossing at Corinto closes at 6:00pm.These days, great...Read More