Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
An outlying part of Copán even farther away is Los Sapos, in the hills opposite the main
site. A rock outcrop carved in the form of a frog gives it its name, though the years have
wornitdownconsiderably.Anevenmorebadlydegradedcarvingisthoughttodepictawo-
manwithherlegsspreadandpossiblygivingbirth.Thesiteisbelievedtohavebeenabirth-
ing center. The hillside setting overlooking the valley is more dramatic than the carvings,
which are set on the grounds of the fabulous
Hacienda San Lucas.
The property harbors
a fantastic upscale farmhouse lodge and the owner has built a network of trails through the
farm leading to the site. Admission is $2. If you're worn out from the walk, stop in for a
drink or lunch at the friendly hacienda or, better yet, spend the night.
Copán'son-site museum (8A.M.-3:45P.M.daily,$7)issurelythebestmuseum ofitskind
intheMayanworld.Othersiteswoulddowelltofollowitsleadforthesheervarietyofori-
ginalmonumentswellpresentedinaspaciousandairyenvironment.Dominating thelarge,
two-story building is a full-scale replica of the outrageously Technicolor Rosalila Temple,
decorated in hues of red, green, and yellow, and offering the visitor a rare opportunity to
admire the full grandeur of what the ancient Mayan temples may have looked like during
the fullness of the civilization's splendor.
Entrance to the museum is via the mouth of a serpent. Winding through a dark cavelike
tunnel, you are greeted at once as you emerge from the darkness by the arresting view of
the Rosalila Temple lit from above by a giant opaque skylight. On the first floor are vari-
ous sculptures of skulls, bats, and assorted images of death and violence. Also found here
is the splendidly carved
Altar Q,
showing Yax Pac receiving the ceremonial ruler's baton
from the highly revered first king of the Copán dynasty Yax K'uk'Mo'. The second floor
contains original building facades, stelae, and other carved monuments. A reconstruction
of Structure 22A, with its curious woven mat facade, should be open by the time you read
this.
Set amid the lush hills of the Río Copán Valley, this pleasant town of cobblestone streets
serves astheperfect gateway forexploring thenearbyarchaeological site andsomenatural
attractions, which include hot springs, a bird park, and coffee farms. The range of accom-
modations and places to eat here is excellent.
The Copán Valley is also the site of tobacco plantations, some of which supply the well-
knownFlordeCopánfactoryinSantaRosadeCopán,eastofhere.Thehillsidessurround-
