Day 4: Exploring Copan with a Toddler in Honduras
Today was our highly anticipated visit to the Copan Ruins, one of the largest centers of Mayan civilization over 1000 years ago. Renowned for its intricate sculptures, the site boasts more carvings than any other pre-Colombian city, featuring impressive depictions of ancient rulers, old residences, bathhouses, and an awe-inspiring hieroglyphic stairway. Although the entry fee of $15 per person seemed steep initially, we quickly agreed it was worth every penny.
As one of the most significant Mayan ruins, we were pleasantly surprised to find only a handful of other tourists, mostly Hondurans. This allowed us to explore the ruins with a sense of tranquility and personal connection. We wandered through partially intact residences, peered inside tombs, admired the detailed sculptures, and marveled at the grandeur of this ancient city.
The sheer scale of Copan is breathtaking. Just when you think you've seen the most remarkable part of the site, you climb another ancient staircase to discover an even more impressive area. After more than three hours of exploring, we still had an entire section left to see, nearly doubling what we had already covered. Unfortunately, the heat and exhaustion caught up with us, and we decided to save the rest for another visit.
Our toddler, Leila, was a trooper throughout most of the adventure. She did slow us down occasionally, captivated by the hundreds of vibrant macaws and her desire to climb each of the many stairs. A friendly Honduran family even asked to take pictures with Leila and their baby, which she enjoyed immensely. They were charmed by her blonde hair and blue eyes, though little did they know her sweet demeanor can sometimes be a facade.
Overall, Copan is one of the best historic sites we've ever visited and unquestionably one of the most extensive. We recommend dedicating a full two days to fully appreciate its beauty, especially given the heat. It's a 10/10 experience you don't want to miss!
