The Hieroglyphic Stairway
Carvings of the dynasty's history.
HJPD — CC BY 3.0 · Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium — CC BY 2.0 · HJPD — CC BY 3.0 · HJPD — CC BY 3.0 · HJPD — CC BY 3.0 · Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium — CC BY 2.0 · Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium — CC BY 2.0
The Maya Archaeological Park at Copán is one of the most important sites of Maya civilisation, in a fertile valley of western Honduras close to Guatemala. UNESCO listed it in 1980. It is famous for its finely carved stone sculpture and wide plazas, and it is the best-known sight in the whole country. Copán was the capital of a major kingdom from the fifth to ninth centuries, at 600 metres. Its dynasty was founded by K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo' in 426, and it counted 16 rulers. Its art peaked under King Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil, whose reign ended suddenly in 738 when the ruler of Quiriguá captured and executed him. The city was abandoned in the early tenth century. You enter the Great Plaza with its wide lawn and trees, set with carved stelae. A stone stairway covered in hieroglyphs records the dynasty's history, under a protective roof. Ahead are the ballcourt dedicated in 738, stepped temples and Altar Q, showing the sixteen rulers. Red macaws fly around the site, a sight visitors love. The site is 1.4 km in a straight line east of Copán Ruinas town. Bring a hat and water and start in the morning before the heat. A guide helps a lot with the carvings. Do not touch the sculpture or climb off the paths. Use arranged transport and keep valuables out of sight, as UK advice recommends. Macaw Mountain bird park lies about 1.5 km north of town, for about $10.
Carvings of the dynasty's history.
Lawn and carved stelae.
Colour above the ruins.
Near Copán Ruinas town, western Honduras
They are priced separately, about $15 on the reported 2026 tariff.
A half day for the site, and more with the museum and Sepulturas.