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Copan
San Jose de Copan, situated one kilometer from the
principal group of ruins in this archeological zone, is
a modern town which was founded during the last century
and at present is called "COPAN RUINS", or "RUINAS
DE COPAN". It has a population of about 3,000 inhabitants
and has a decidedly colonial aspect. The town has a good
electric service, good drinking water and hotels.
Nestled in the mountains of western Honduras, Santa Rosa
de Copan offers an agreeable change from tourist traps
and scorching cities. Its cool mountain climate, fine
colonial architecture with narrow cobbled streets, and
a reputation for friendliness combine to make Santa Rosa
de Copan one of the region's most pleasant places to visit.
Off the gringo trail, Santa Rosa isn't overrun with travelers.
And its strategic location makes Santa Rosa a good base
for day trips to the surrounding area.
 The
archaeological site at the ruins is open daily and includes
the Stelae of the Great Plaza, portraying the rulers of
Copán, dating from 613; the ball court and
hieroglyphic stairway; and the Acropolis, which has superb
carved reliefs of the 16 kings of Copán.
There are hot springs a one-hour drive from the village,
and the nearby picturesque mountain village of Santa Rita
de Copán has a beautiful plaza and a peaceful
colonial church.
Santa Rosa is noted for the excellent hand rolled cigars
produced by Flor deCopan, makers of the famous Zino line.
The factory, located two blocks west ofthe central plaza
(open 8am - 5pm Monday-Friday, 8 - 11 am Saturday) allows
visitors to enter and view the process.
Just as Santa Rosa is famous abroad for its cigars, it
is known among Hondurans as a center of cultural activity.
The Casa de la Cultura (1/2 block south of thecentral
plaza) offers frequent exhibitions, performances, readings,
and concerts. Be sure to ask about upcoming events.
Ten minutes outside of town on the road to Gracias is
La Montanita Park, administered by the Honduran forestry
service. This charming little park features a natural
mountain pond and pine forest perfect for picnicking.
The park is popular with the locals on weekends, but you
will have the place to yourself other days. Regular bus
service operates to La Montanita and beyond from SantaRosa.
Just a few steps beyond the park is Doricentro, a private
complex with swimming and wading pools, light snacks and
beverages, picnic areas, and music. Doricentro is open
weekends.
Many more day tour are available if you are using Santa
Rosa as a base point such as Gracias, one of Honduras's
most historic towns, Celaque National Park, Lenca village
of La Campa where much Lenca pottery, both traditional
and modern, is produced for sale in fashionable Tegucigalpa
and SanPedro Sula shops, and the lovely mountain village
of Belen Gualcho.
Traveling to Santa Rosa is easy. From San Pedro Sula it's
a 2-1/2 hour drive onthe Carretera Occidental. Copanecos,
Torito, and Congolon bus lines all offer hourly service.
From Tegucigalpa, you can travel with Sultana line via
San Pedroor enjoy one of Honduras's most scenic roads
through the beautiful Western Range(unpaved between La
Esperanza and Gracias; enquire locally in La Esperanza
beforecontinuing). There are also buses from the Guatemalan
border.
To reach the historic downtown district once at Santa
Rosa, stay on the highwayuntil cresting the ridge bisecting
the town, then take the second right -- or just ask a
taxi to take you to the central plaza.
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