Copan Ruinas

What an ordeal getting here !!! Left Gracias on the 0900 bus up to Santa Rosa, then had to get another bus to La Entrada (with a completely mad driver), then yet another bus (that was falling apart & kept overheating!) to Copan Ruinas !!!

Phew...we were glad to get here in one piece !

Booked into a small hostal up a hill & had a gander round the pretty town. First impressions......looked like a nice town, but very touristy. In fact here we have seen more "extranjeros" (foreigners) than anywhere alse....so that´s where they´ve all been hiding  !!!

We are staying a few days here, as we are waiting for a friend, Katherine, to join us...so we shall be "doing" the 2000 year old Maya Ruins together.....when she arrives !

Today though, we visited a bird park (Macaw Mountain !) which was a center for rescued birds (macaws, parrots, owls & hawks). A lovely peaceful place out in the countryside, but within walking distance  (4 km) from the town. Our guide, Alejandre, was lovely & we chatted loads....not just about the birds.....so, again it was great for our Spanish !

4th December

In the morning we chilled out, then spent the afternoon hiking out to a very pituresque Hacienda San Lucas, where there were great views along the river valley & across to the ruins. We also visited a very poor village called La Pintada, where the children make these pretty crepe paper dolls, angels & flowers to sell in the town of Copan. These kids are very young (4-9 yrs) & have to walk into the town (often alone) to sell their wares....it´s a hard life for them.

On the 7th, our friend Katharine arrived, accompanied by 2 really lovely women from Italy & Switzerland (Cinzia & Eloisa). We then visited the Mayan Ruins & spent the day in a very peaceful place. The carvings & temples were amazing ! To top the day off, we then spent a great evening laughing & telling stories around the dinner table........a great last day in Honduras !