Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Though the main attraction of the Copán region is the archaeological site, there are other
fine places to visit in the area.
Museo de Arqueología Maya
( 2651-4437; Parque Central; admission L285; 9am-5pm)
The Museo de Arqueología Maya is a
little dated but still worth a visit. The exhibits include excavated ceramics, fragments from
the altars and the supports of the Maya ruins, an insight into the Maya's sophisticated use
of calendars and a re-creation of a female shaman's tomb. Some descriptions have English
translations.
MUSEUM
Memorias Frágiles
GALLERY
( 2651-3900; Parque Central; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
This permanent photo exhibition was a
gift from Harvard University's Peabody Museum and features a worthwhile collection of
rare photos detailing the first archeological expeditions to Copán at the turn of the 20th
century. It's located inside the
Palacio Municipal
(City Hall)
. If the door's locked, ask someone
to open it.
Mirador El Cuartel
The atmospheric ruins of the old town jail have a fine view of the town and surrounding
countryside, making it worth the climb up here.
LOOKOUT
Macaw Mountain Bird Park
( 651-4245;
www.macawmountain.com
; admission L200; 9am-5pm)
Around 2.5km out of town
is an extensive private reserve aimed at saving Central American macaws. There's plenty
of them in evidence, along with toucans, motmots, parrots, kingfishers and orioles, all fly-
ing around in spacious, humanely constructed cages. A favorite for many is the 'En-
counter Center' where uncaged birds fly onto your shoulders or hands and you can pose
for photos with them.
If caged birds give you the willies, bear in mind that nearly all of these birds have been
donated to the park by owners who didn't want them anymore or were confiscated from
bird smugglers. Even if you're not a bird freak, it's a lovely place to wander around, with
plenty of walking trails weaving through the lush forest and over boardwalks to lookout
ZOO
