The small, laid-back town of Copan Ruinas is where most travelers stay when they come to see the magnificent ruined Maya city of Copán. Traditionally simply a place to find a decent hostel for a night, the little town is reinventing itself as an eco-tourism destination in its own right, adding activities such as horseback riding, birdwatching and trips to the nearby hot springs.

Although tourism may be booming, the town is still small and relaxed, and the locals are hospitable and helpful. The numerous activities in Copan Ruinas are designed to lure visitors into staying on a few days longer, after they’ve seen the ruins. The area around the town is quite beautiful and if you have some extra time, you may want to consider doing some exploring.