Maya Site of Copán – Great Plaza
Parque Arqueológico Copán
The core plaza of the World Heritage Copán ruins, lined with 8th-century stelae and altars carved in high relief with the likenesses of the ruler 18-Rabbit.
The Great Plaza is the heart of the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park. Over ten stelae dating from the 7th to 8th centuries CE stand on the grass, most commissioned by the 13th ruler, 18-Rabbit (Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil). Their figures are carved almost fully in the round with intricate detail, widely regarded as the peak of Maya sculpture. Scarlet macaws can often be spotted near the entrance. Entry costs about US$15 (covering the Great Plaza, Acropolis and Ball Court), and the site is open roughly 08:00–16:00. It is worth hiring a licensed guide at the gate (about 2 hours) to explain the calendar inscriptions on the stelae and the dynasty's history.
Opening hours
08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Copán Ball Court
- Hieroglyphic Stairway
- Acropolis & Rosalila Tunnels
- Copán Sculpture Museum
- Las Sepulturas
- Parque Central, Copán Ruinas
- Museo Regional de Arqueología Maya
- Macaw Mountain Bird Park