Page 36 of Central America by Audley Travel

the lodge at pico bonito near la ceiba copán the copán ruins are set in the hills in the west of honduras near the border with guatemala and can be easily incorporated into a trip combining the two countries the ruins mark the southeastern limit of mayan dominance and are the most significant in honduras as with many of central america s archaeological sites they were buried in jungle when rediscovered in 1839 the site was cleared in the 1930s to reveal intricately carved stelae three metre columns of stone a hieroglyphic stairway and several ball courts the nearby town of copán ruinas is a quiet and charming settlement with cobbled streets a perfect place to while away some time before or after visiting the ruins hacienda san lucas copÁn hacienda san lucas is a beautiful 100-year-old family-owned hacienda with eight simple but comfortable rooms excellent food and a welcoming friendly atmosphere all the rooms are en-suite with hot water solar lighting and ceiling fans the hacienda is situated in a gorgeous location overlooking the whole of the surrounding valley and the ruins of copán are just ten minutes away by road pico bonito a few hours drive north-east of copán lies san pedro sula the commercial capital of honduras from here you can fly or take the coastal road through rolling hills and banana plantations to la ceiba the country s third largest city and jumping-off point for the bay islands the area is surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical forest and numerous waterfalls many of which are protected by the cuero y salado wildlife refuge and pico bonito national park diverse in both flora and fauna and easily accessible these parks provide great walking and wildlife spotting opportunities in particular monkeys and numerous species of water birds the more adventurous can raft the cangrejal river or take the bumpy boat ride to visit the nearby garifuna villages and cayos cochinos the nearest cayes off the honduran coast the lodge at pico bonito near la ceiba the lodge at pico bonito is located a ten minute drive from la ceiba airport on the edge of the pico bonito national park there are 22 luxury wooden cabins surrounded by lovely tropical gardens all with en-suite showers fans or airconditioning and a balcony with hammocks the lodge has numerous excellent walking trails leading from its grounds through the forest but there are also many optional excursions that will allow you to explore further afield the restaurant produces a good range of international dishes and there is a beautiful pool should you just wish to relax hacienda san lucas copán 36

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