Exploring The Ancient Beauty Of Copan Ruins, Honduras
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- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Honduras has been a second home to me since childhood. Every summer was spent visiting family, eating at our favorite spots, and heading to the beach. Now that my parents live there full-time, my husband and I visit multiple times a year whenever our schedules allow.
For years, my routine never changed… until I started traveling with my husband, who has a talent for shaking things up. In October, he suggested something totally new: a trip to the Copan Ruins, a place I had never visited despite all my years traveling through Honduras. One minute we were planning a visit to Tegucigalpa, and the next I was on the phone with my mom rearranging transportation to Copan. And honestly, I’m so glad we did.
This is our full itinerary, where we stayed, what we ate, and the sites worth prioritizing.
Quick Trip Overview
Location: Copan Ruins, Honduras
Dates: October 25–26, 2025
Who I Went With: My family
Purpose: Family fun, cultural experience
Weather: 80°F
Aesthetic / Vibe: Cozy, historic, small town
Budget Level: $ (very budget friendly)
Where We Stayed
Hotel Lauros
Rate: $30 USD per night (per room)
Pros
Extremely convenient - 5-minute walk to town center, restaurants, and vendors
Lovely hospitality from the family who owns the hotel
Street parking available upon request
Perfect for large groups and quick stays
Very budget friendly
Cons
Bedroom linens were worn and stained
Shower temperature very difficult to regulate
Overall cleanliness of bedding/towels could be improved
Would I stay again?
Yes, for a last-minute, 1-night, budget stay with a group.
No, for a longer or comfort-focused trip. I’d choose a more modern hotel next time.
Here’s how we spent our two day trip to Copan Ruins:
Day 1
Arrival (1:00 PM)
We drove 5 hours from Tela with my niece, nephew, husband, mom, cousin, and driver, so stepping out of the car felt like freedom. Check-in was quick and cash-only. The hotel was not able to accept card payment so the room payment was done upfront in cash and the owner did have to write down ID and passport information for each adult traveller.
The hotel is literally the family’s home, and the living room doubles as a guest space, which makes the entire environment feel warm and cozy.
The rooftop garden offers a breathtaking 360° view of the town, and the classic Honduran wooden doors, mirrors, plants, and vases evoke memories of my childhood visits. The rooms are equipped with TVs and ACs; however, you must specifically request a room with these amenities, as you receive an AC and TV remote along with your key at check-in.
Lunch: La Casa de Todo
Trevor searched restaurants in the area and he chose our lunch spot for the day called La Casa de Todo. After everyone brought their luggage into the room and freshened up after the long drive we set out to eat. The hotel was conveniently located just a 5 minute walk to the town center where there was a selection of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and street vendors.
We ordered traditional Honduran dishes. I got a Baleada Gigante, which was delicious. The space also has shops selling coffee, hot sauces, honey, and souvenirs.
Price: $88 USD for 6 adults + 2 kids
Copan Maya Archaeological Site (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
We arrived with only 1.5 hours before closing, so we skipped the tunnels and museum.The pricing was different for foreigners, locals and students. This is common for museum and historical sites. The upside? The ruins were almost empty, it felt like we had booked a private experience. Apart from my family group there was 1 group of students having a session on the grass and two other families and it was so convenient!
At the entrance of the ruins there were 3 macaws on the fence and they were comfortable on their resting spot. Along the pathway to the entrance, there were man made pods, high in the trees for the Macaws to hang out. It was really fun trying to scope them out.
We all climbed about three ruins. It was so steep! I was actually scared to look down. Each sculpture and site had an english and spanish description and was very informative. We were not rushed and even with such a close time to closing we were comfortable, able to walk, climb and read about the ruins. My mother was exhausted from the step climbing.
When we got back to the hotel, everyone was too tired from the activity of the day to think about the day. We each went to our rooms to get well rested for Day 2.
Minimal crowds
Macaws perched around the entrance
Clear English and Spanish plaques
Steep climbs (my mom felt it!)
Peaceful, serene, and easy to explore without rushing
Even with limited time, we saw several structures, learned a lot, and enjoyed the entire walk.
Day 2
Breakfast: Café Welchez
The next day we woke up bright and early, excited about breakfast and the day's activities. I on the other hand was not excited about making the 5-hour drive back to Tela. We didn't need to search far for breakfast because everyone remembered seeing Cafe Welchez on the corner end of our hotel street.
The 3-minute walk to the cafe from the hotel was equivalent to taking a hotel elevator down to the dining hall. The café was busy with tourists, but the food proved it wasn’t a tourist trap. Everything was delicious and beautifully prepared. The latte art had little animals, which made everyone smile.
Price: $51 USD for 8 people
Town Mural Photo Stop
At the entrance of Copan, there’s a large mural illustrating the town’s most iconic attractions. It’s right next to a soccer field and makes the perfect group photo moment. Copan deserves credit for how many Instagram-friendly spots they’ve created.
El Paseo de Los Girasoles (Sunflower Field)
The sunflower field is about a 15 minute drive from the entrance of Copan. This was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
The sunflower field is an absolute must see. Literally like a scene out of a movie (think Lord of The Rings scenery) I was taken aback by how beautiful nature is and I could only think how much I dream of a garden like this in my back yard. This garden was surrounded by beautiful scenery of mountains. In addition to the sunflower garden, the location also had a corn field, cafe, gift shop and very clean restrooms. Along the garden there were cabanas that provided a shaded area. They also offer horseback riding through the garden but we were satisfied with just admiring the horses.
Surrounded by mountain views
Sunflower fields + cornfield
Cabanas for shade
Café and gift shop
Horseback riding available
Extremely clean facilities
Price: $11 USD total for a group of 8 (!!)
This spot feels like a scene straight out of a movie. Serene, magical, and unbelievably beautiful.
What I’d Do Differently
Because this trip was short, here’s what I’d change next time:
✔ Stay 2 full days (leave on the 3rd afternoon)
We arrived late on Day 1 and left before noon on Day 2, so extra time would allow for more exploration
✔ Do the museum + tunnels at the Ruins
We missed these due to arriving late
✔ Explore more of the town on foot
The town is safe, walkable, and hilly with lots of charm. I wish we had more time to stroll, try new restaurants, and visit the shops.
✔ Choose a more modern hotel for a longer stay
Comfort and cleanliness matter for a multi-night trip.
Budget Breakdown
Hotel
Hotel Lauros – $88 USD (3 rooms for 1 night)
Food
La Casa de Todo: $88 USD (lunch for 8)
Café Welchez: $51 USD (breakfast for 8)
Activities
Ruins + Sunflower Field – $40 USD total for 8 people
Total Spent: Extremely budget friendly for a group trip.
Final Thoughts
Copan Ruins is peaceful, educational, and surprisingly affordable. The food was delicious, the scenery was breathtaking, and the sunflower field alone is worth the trip. October weather was mild and fresh thanks to the altitude.
I’d absolutely return next time for three full days, more walking, more food, and deeper exploration of the history. Whether you're traveling as a family or as a couple, Copan offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and small-town charm.
Catch all the highlights in motion, watch my full Honduras travel vlog right here!