Traveling to Honduras
Everything you need to know about getting to Copán Ruinas for our wedding celebration.
Getting There
Copán Ruinas is located in western Honduras, close to the Guatemala border. The nearest major airport is San Pedro Sula (SAP).
From Europe
Fly to San Pedro Sula (SAP) via Madrid or Amsterdam. Air Europa offers direct flights from Madrid (MAD) to San Pedro Sula on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. KLM connects through Amsterdam. United, American and Delta have flights to Honduras connecting in the US.
From US & Canada
Several airlines fly to San Pedro Sula (SAP) from major US hubs. United flies from Houston (IAH), American from Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW), and Spirit from Fort Lauderdale (FLL). If you’re stopping in Houston, let us know!
San Pedro Sula to Copán
From the airport, it's approximately a 3-4 hour drive to Copán Ruinas. More details about transportation coming soon!
Travel Agent
Our trusted travel agent, Maureen Alfaro from D'Mundo Travel, can help you with everything from transportation to accommodation.
Why Copán?
Copán Ruinas is a charming colonial town nestled in the mountains of western Honduras, famous for its ancient Maya ruins and laid-back atmosphere.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Copán Archaeological Site is one of the most important Maya cities ever discovered, known for its remarkable sculptural art and hieroglyphic texts.
Colonial Charm
The town itself is a beautiful colonial village with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed vibe.
Perfect Weather
At 700m elevation, Copán enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate. December temperatures average 20-28°C (68-82°F) - perfect for a celebration!
Things to Do in Copán
Beyond the wedding festivities, there's plenty to explore in and around Copán Ruinas.
Copán Ruins
Explore the ancient Maya city with its famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, Great Plaza, and intricate stelae. Don’t miss the sculpture museum!
Macaw Mountain
A bird park and nature reserve home to rescued scarlet macaws, toucans, and other tropical birds in a beautiful forest setting.
Luna Jaguar Hot Springs
Natural hot springs 22km from town with multiple thermal pools, guided tours, and Maya-themed spa. Reservation required!
Tea & Chocolate Place
Interactive cacao museum run by an archaeologist’s family. Learn Maya chocolate traditions, taste authentic beverages, and enjoy sunset views from the terrace.
Café San Rafael
A 100% Honduran family business in the heart of Copán Ruinas, offering specialty coffee, European-inspired artisan cheeses, and wines.
Mariposario
A butterfly sanctuary where you can walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies in an enclosed garden.
Sunflower Fields
Beautiful sunflower fields that bloom year-round! Enjoy the scenery, hammocks, a restaurant, local coffee, and ice cream.
Local Artesanías
Browse handcrafted Maya-inspired pottery, jade jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs in the town’s shops and markets.
Getting Around Copán
Copán Ruinas is a small, walkable town. Here's what you need to know about getting around.
Walking
The town center is compact and walkable. Most hotels are within a 10-15 minute walk to the church (Parroquia San José Obrero) - no transportation needed for the ceremony!
Tuk-tuks
Three-wheeled tuk-tuks are everywhere and super affordable (usually L20-40 / $1-2 per ride). Just flag one down or ask your hotel to call one. Perfect for getting to attractions outside the center.
Need help planning a trip? Contact our travel agent for assistance!
Explore Honduras
If you have extra time before or after the wedding, Honduras offers incredible adventures.
Roatán
The largest Bay Island (~59km long) with world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - the 2nd largest reef system in the world. Home to Garifuna culture in Punta Gorda (settled 1797), stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife sanctuaries.
Utila
The smallest Bay Island with a laid-back ‘boho’ vibe, world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and one of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks - December is peak season! Home to the endemic Swamper iguana found nowhere else on Earth.
La Ceiba
Honduras’s ‘Entertainment Capital’ and gateway to the Bay Islands, set dramatically at the foot of Pico Bonito (2,435m). Home to the country’s biggest festival - the Gran Carnaval Internacional every May - plus world-class rafting, a vibrant Garífuna community, and legendary nightlife.
Lago de Yojoa
Honduras’s largest lake, surrounded by cloud forests and home to over 400 bird species. Experience artisan chocolate tours, eco-archaeological parks, mountain lodges, and world-class birdwatching.
Valle de Angeles
A charming colonial mountain town just 30 minutes from Tegucigalpa. Famous for handicrafts, cobblestone streets, pine forests, and weekend markets.
Cayos Cochinos
A pristine marine protected area with two small islands and 13 coral cays. Home to pink boas and Garifuna fishing villages - National Geographic calls it ‘a marine biologist’s dream.’
Tela
A Caribbean beach town with must-see attractions: Punta Sal National Park with pristine beaches, Lancetilla Botanical Garden (Latin America’s largest, just 5 min away), plus resorts and beach clubs.
Gracias & Hot Springs
A charming colonial town founded in 1536 with natural hot springs, historic churches, and access to Celaque National Park - Honduras’s highest peak.
Comayagua
Honduras’s former capital with stunning Spanish colonial architecture, the oldest clock in the Americas, and beautiful Holy Week celebrations.
San Pedro Sula
Honduras’s industrial capital and gateway to amazing day trips. Explore El Cusuco National Park, hike Angeli Gardens trails, shop at Guamilito artisan market, or visit the stunning hydrangea fields of El Merendón.
Cuevas de Taulabé
Impressive caves located ~100km from San Pedro Sula featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites. A cool underground adventure perfect for hot days.
Pulhapanzak Waterfalls
A stunning 43-meter waterfall that inspired Walt Disney for the waterfall scenes in The Jungle Book. One of Central America’s most beautiful cascades.
Need help planning a trip? Contact our travel agent for assistance!
Travel Tips
Essential info to make your trip smooth and safe.
No Visa Required
For most nationalities (up to 90 days) – bring a valid passport with at least 6 months left. Check your requirements.
Cash is King
You can withdraw at the airport, but check your card’s international fees. Carry US dollars or lempiras; ATMs can be unreliable outside major cities.
Bottled Water Only
Tap water is not potable; stick to bottled or purified water.
Strong Repellent
Use strong insect repellent (DEET) and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk.
Sunscreen + Layers
Pack sunscreen and a light layer for Copán’s cooler mountain evenings.
Keep Valuables Low-key
Leave flashy jewelry or expensive items at home to blend in.
Use Trusted Transport
Tuk-tuks are great in Copán. In big cities, avoid unknown taxis and public buses—book private transport.
Warm, Welcoming Locals
Hondurans are incredibly warm and friendly—be kind and you’ll be treated like family.
Where to Stay
Copán Ruinas has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Hotel Marina Copan
Wedding venue hotel with colonial charm right in town, pool, and lush courtyards.
Hotel Plaza Copan
Colonial style hotel next to the main plaza with pool, restaurant, and bar.
Hotel Plaza Magdalena
Convenient location near the center with easy access to restaurants and the ruins.
Hotel Yat B'alam
Boutique hotel with colonial charm, cozy café, and 10 rooms across two buildings.
Copán Ruins
Capital of a powerful multi-ethnic Maya kingdom from 426 to 822 CE, Copán has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Renowned for its exceptional stone sculpture, the site features the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway—the longest known Maya text—along with intricate stelae, altars, and 3D carvings. Nearly 4km of archaeological tunnels beneath the acropolis have revealed earlier temples, tombs, and stucco facades.
Tips
- 🎟️ Hire a guide at the entrance (~$50 split among group) - they share stories not in guidebooks.
- ⏰ Arrive at 8am opening to beat the heat and crowds.
- 🏛️ Visit Sculpture Museum last - you’ll appreciate it more after seeing the ruins.
- 💵 Entry: Park+Sepulturas $20, Tunnels $15, Sculpture Museum $10 (foreigners). Central Americans pay less. Official prices.
Macaw Mountain
A bird sanctuary and nature reserve dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Honduras’s native birds. Walk through the lush forest and meet scarlet macaws, toucans, motmots, and other tropical species up close.
Tips
- 🎫 Entry $10 (L250), 8am-4pm. You can ask your hotel receptionist for tickets.
- 🚗 Located just 10 minutes drive from the Central Square of Copán Ruinas.
- 🦜 The first group of macaws was released in 2011. Now, over 130 scarlet macaws fly free over the ruins and valley.
Luna Jaguar Hot Springs
Luna Jaguar offers a full spa experience with multiple thermal pools at different temperatures, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The Maya-themed setting adds to the magical atmosphere. Entry includes access to all facilities plus a guided tour.
Tips
- 📅 Reservation required! Limited capacity. Book via WhatsApp or their website.
- ⏰ Open daily 1pm-9pm (last entry 7pm). Adults $15, kids 5-11 $5, under 5 free.
- 🚐 50min drive - use Copan Card transport: $40/person, departs 2pm, returns 8pm.
- 🍽️ Cafeteria has pre-packaged snacks only. Free: lockers, parking, showers, WiFi.
Tea & Chocolate Place
Run by archaeologist David Sedat and his daughter Carolina, this unique space is part museum, part tasting experience. Learn how the Maya revered cacao as ‘food of the gods’ - and that Honduras was where Europeans first encountered chocolate (Columbus’ 4th voyage at Guanaja). Enjoy a briefing on cacao history, sample traditional beverages, and relax on the wrap-around terrace at sunset.
Tips
- ⏰ Open Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm. Closed Sundays.
- 🍫 Try Maya-style chocolate (water + chile) or traditional (milk + sugar).
- 🌅 Visit late afternoon for sunset views from the wrap-around terrace.
- 🌿 Also sells organic teas, moringa, noni products, hot sauces, and Maya handicrafts.
Café San Rafael
San Rafael Family Estates combines coffee farming since 1985 at Finca Managuá and Finca San Rafael with artisan dairy production at Finca Santa Clara. Their main store in central Copán Ruinas offers specialty coffee drinks, a unique selection of natural artisan cheeses (inspired by European traditions), wines, and local products. All cheeses are made naturally without additives or preservatives.
Tips
- ☕ Famous for gourmet coffee and hand-made artisan cheeses found nowhere else in Honduras.
- 🧀 Try their European-inspired cheeses made from free-range Pardo Suizo cows.
- 🛍️ Stop to shop even if you don’t dine - great coffee and cheese to bring home.
- ⏰ Open Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-4pm. Groups of 10+ should reserve ahead.
Mariposario
Located at Hotel Mayan Hills Resort (5 min from the ruins), this enchanting butterfly house features species from the legendary blue morpho to the majestic monarch butterfly. Watch metamorphosis in action, interact with these delicate creatures, and capture unforgettable photos as butterflies land on you.
Tips
- 🦋 Best photos in morning when butterflies are most active.
- 📍 At Hotel Mayan Hills Resort - combine with lunch at their restaurant.
- ⏱️ Allow 30-45 minutes for the full visit.
- 📸 You can interact with and take photos with the butterflies.
Sunflower Fields
El Paseo de los Girasoles offers more than just photos - relax in hammocks, enjoy brunch or lunch at the restaurant, sip coffee from local Copán roasters, and treat yourself to ice cream surrounded by endless sunflowers.
Tips
- 🌻 Sunflowers bloom year-round, but check their Facebook page for the latest field status.
- ☕ Enjoy hammocks, restaurant, local coffee, and ice cream on site.
- 📸 Perfect for photos - arrive early morning for best light.
Links
Local Artesanías
The town center and market offer authentic Maya-inspired crafts, jade jewelry, hand-painted pottery, and local products. Don’t miss the famous Copán coffee, artisan chocolate, and cacao-based products - perfect gifts for home. A highlight is their amazing handmade candles in all shapes and scents - coffee-shaped candles that smell like coffee, lemon-shaped ones with lemon scent, and many more creative designs!
Tips
- 🎨 Look for Maya-inspired jade jewelry and hand-painted pottery.
- 🕯️ Check out the unique artisan candles - shaped and scented like coffee, lemons, and more!
- ☕ Don’t miss local coffee, chocolate, and cacao products - perfect gifts for home.
Links
Roatán
West Bay Beach consistently ranks among the Caribbean’s best beaches, with pristine sand and reef just offshore. West End is the main tourist hub with dive shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The reef is protected by the Roatan Marine Park, a nonprofit running coral restoration programs - you can visit their Coral Restoration Center or join a lionfish hunting workshop. Don’t miss the wildlife sanctuaries: Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout for up-close animal encounters, and Gumbalimba Park for ziplines and wildlife. The Roatan Chocolate Factory offers free tours showcasing bean-to-bar production. For adventure, explore mangrove tunnels on the quieter east end, or relax at Camp Bay’s secluded beaches.
Tips
- 🏊 Best snorkeling at West Bay Beach - reef is a short swim from shore.
- 🐠 Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral reef.
- 🛳️ Avoid buying when cruise ships dock - prices double or triple.
- 🦟 Apply strong insect repellent (e.g. DEET) often - sand fleas bite without warning.
Utila
A backpacker paradise and diver’s haven, Utila offers some of the cheapest PADI certifications in the Caribbean. No cars are allowed - get around by tuk-tuk, ATV, or golf cart. Highlights include: Airport Caves for incredible shore snorkeling with caves and canyons (intermediate swimmers); Neptune’s at Coral Beach Village (boat access) for beach days and great snorkeling; Water Caye for a pristine uninhabited island day trip; Pumpkin Hill for a short hike to the island’s highest point; and the Utila Chocolate Company for artisan bean-to-bar tastings.
Tips
- 🦈 December is prime whale shark season - perfect timing for the wedding trip!
- 💰 One of the cheapest places in the world for PADI dive certification.
- ⛴️ Ferry from Roatan (1hr) or La Ceiba - utilaferry.com is one place to book.
- 🤿 Airport Caves has amazing shore snorkeling - intermediate skill required.
- 💵 Cash is king - bring lempiras or US dollars.
Links
La Ceiba
Named after a giant ceiba tree that once grew near the old docks, La Ceiba developed as a banana port in the late 1800s under the Vaccaro Brothers (now Dole). Today it’s the eco-tourism hub of Honduras. Key attractions include: Pico Bonito National Park with rainforest trails, waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity; the Cangrejal River for Class III-IV whitewater rafting just east of town; and Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge to the west, where you can spot wild manatees. The ferry port connects to Roatán and Utila daily. The Zona Viva on Calle 1 is the nightlife district. Barrio La Isla, across the river estuary, is home to a thriving Garífuna community.
Tips
- ⛴️ Gateway to Bay Islands - ferries leave twice daily to Roatán and Utila.
- 🎭 Carnaval (3rd Saturday of May) draws 500,000+ people - not during our December trip, but Honduras’s biggest party!
- 🌊 World-class Class III-IV whitewater rafting on the Cangrejal River.
- 🦭 Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge has wild manatees - boat tours available.
- 🦋 Museum of Butterflies and Insects has 12,000+ specimens from 68 countries.
- 🌿 Pico Bonito National Park has excellent rainforest hikes and waterfalls.
Links
Lago de Yojoa
Located 80km from San Pedro Sula, this stunning lake offers diverse attractions: artisan chocolate experiences at Yojoa Chocolate and Luna del Puente (bean-to-bar tours); Bioparque Paradise (78-hectare eco-park with trails, waterfalls, and Lenca archaeological ruins); PANACAM Lodge in Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park (mountain lodge with nature trails, birdwatching towers, and panoramic views); D&D Brewery (Honduras’s first microbrewery with guided birding tours); Parque Los Naranjos eco-trails; Hotel Finca Las Glorias for local cuisine; Honduyate boat tours; Lagolandia water park; and Los Domos de Agualpa glamping domes with spectacular lake views.
Tips
- 🍺 Visit D&D Brewery - Honduras’s first microbrewery.
- 🍫 Take a chocolate tour - learn bean-to-bar production from local cacao farms.
- 🐟 Try fried tilapia ‘Lake Yojoa Style’ at roadside restaurants.
- 🐦 Over 400 bird species - bring binoculars!
Valle de Angeles
A charming colonial mountain town just 30 minutes from Tegucigalpa. Famous for handicrafts, cobblestone streets, pine forests, and weekend markets.
Tips
- 🛍️ Best handicrafts near Tegucigalpa - weekend markets are liveliest.
- ☕ Perfect day trip from the capital - ~30-45 mins (traffic dependent).
- 🌲 Cooler mountain climate - bring a light jacket.
Links
Cayos Cochinos
This protected marine sanctuary is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, offering some of the most pristine snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Managed by the Fundación Cayos Cochinos, the islands host critical coral restoration and sea turtle conservation programs. Visitors can explore the main islands (Cayo Mayor and Cayo Menor), hike nature trails to spot the endemic pink boa constrictor, and experience local culture at the Garífuna fishing village of Chachahuate. Whether visiting on a day trip or staying overnight at an eco-resort, the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life are unforgettable.
Tips
- 🛥️ Accessible by boat from La Ceiba (1.5hr), Roatán (40min), or Sambo Creek.
- 🐍 Home to endemic pink boas - take a guided hike on Cayo Mayor to see them.
- 🤿 Marine protected area with pristine reefs - perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- 🏘️ Visit Chachahuate cay for authentic Garífuna food and culture.
Tela
Tela offers beautiful Caribbean beaches and diverse experiences. Punta Sal (Jeannette Kawas National Park) features pristine beaches and wildlife. Playa Miami has calm waters perfect for families. Lancetilla Botanical Garden, founded in 1926, spans 1,600 hectares with over 1,500 plant species - just 5 minutes from town. Indura Resort offers luxury and golf, while La Ensenada Beach Club and Hotel Telamar provide beachfront relaxation.
Tips
- 🏖️ Punta Sal has pristine beaches and wildlife - book a boat tour.
- 🌿 Lancetilla Botanical Garden is Latin America’s largest - just 5 min away.
- 🥥 Try fresh coconut from beach vendors and Garifuna coconut bread.
Gracias & Hot Springs
A charming colonial town founded in 1536 with natural hot springs, historic churches, and access to Celaque National Park - Honduras’s highest peak.
Tips
- ♨️ Natural hot springs perfect for relaxing after hiking.
- ⛰️ Base for climbing Celaque - Honduras’s highest peak.
- 🏛️ Beautiful colonial architecture dating to 1536.
Links
Comayagua
Honduras’s former capital with stunning Spanish colonial architecture, the oldest clock in the Americas, and beautiful Holy Week celebrations.
Tips
- ⏰ See the oldest clock in the Americas - over 500 years old.
- ✝️ Famous for elaborate Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations.
- 🏛️ Former capital with stunning Spanish colonial architecture.
Links
San Pedro Sula
The second largest city offers excellent day trip options within 100km. El Cusuco National Park is a cloud forest biological reserve with incredible biodiversity. Angeli Gardens offers hiking trails and canopy ziplines. Guamilito Market is the place for authentic Honduran crafts. El Merendón features beautiful hydrangea fields and La Coca Cola hiking trail.
Tips
- 🌺 Visit the hydrangea fields of El Merendón in bloom season.
- 🛍️ Guamilito Market for authentic Honduran handicrafts.
- 🌿 El Cusuco National Park has cloud forest with incredible biodiversity.
Cuevas de Taulabé
These limestone caves extend for kilometers underground, though only a portion is open to visitors. The illuminated walkways reveal spectacular geological formations millions of years in the making.
Tips
- 🌡️ Perfect hot day escape - caves stay cool underground.
- 👟 Bring good walking shoes for the illuminated walkways.
- 📍 Easy stop between San Pedro Sula and Copán (~100km from SPS).
Links
Pulhapanzak Waterfalls
These magnificent falls plunge into a natural pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Adventure options include rappelling behind the falls, swimming in natural pools, and exploring nearby trails. The Disney connection makes this a magical destination.
Tips
- 🎬 Local legend says it inspired scenes in Disney’s The Jungle Book.
- 🧗 Adventure option: rappel behind the 43m falls (extra fee).
- 🦜 Great spot for macaw sightings.
Hotel Marina Copan
Wedding venue hotel with colonial charm right in town, pool, and lush courtyards.
Room Block
Prices include 19% tax (15% ISV + 4% tourism). Per night.
- Free WiFi
- Breakfast at Restaurante Glifos included
Hotel Plaza Copan
Colonial style hotel next to the main plaza with pool, restaurant, and bar.
Room Block
Prices include 19% tax (15% ISV + 4% tourism). Per night.
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Pool
- Air conditioning
Hotel Plaza Magdalena
Convenient location near the center with easy access to restaurants and the ruins.
Room Block
Prices include 19% tax (15% ISV + 4% tourism). Per night.
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Air conditioning
Hotel Yat B'alam
Boutique hotel with colonial charm, cozy café, and 10 rooms across two buildings.
Room Block
Prices include 19% tax (15% ISV + 4% tourism). Per night.
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Air conditioning
- Café with breakfast