Las Sepulturas
An ancient home for rich and elite Maya people, this archeological site was once joined to the Grand Plaza of Copan via a raised causeway. Remnants of luxurious living quarters in the exclusive compound include intricate reliefs, tombs built into family homes, and a main structure adorned with life-sized figures in feathered headdresses.
The basics
Tickets to the Mayan Ruins of Copan include admission to Las Sepulturas, but the smaller site sees far fewer visitors than the main attraction. While the ruins of the residential architecture here lack the imposing presence of Copan’s ball court and pyramids, they’re still a fascinating glimpse of daily life—one that’s rare among Mesoamerica’s many Maya sites. Signage is scarce, so exploring Las Sepulturas with a guide is especially rewarding.
Things to know before you go
*Bring plenty of sunscreen and water. There’s little shade on the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walk from the main site to Las Sepulturas. *Archaeology buffs will love this site, as it’s sometimes possible to see scientists at work in ongoing excavations here. *Due to uneven surfaces, Las Sepulturas is not wheelchair-accessible.
How to get there
Las Sepulturas is located 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) down the main road from the Mayan Ruins of Copan. To arrive on foot from the main site, return to the entrance, turn right, and follow the road to another right-hand turn marked with a sign for Las Sepulturas. It’s also possible to hire a taxi at the main site.
When to get there
The site is open daily. For the best photography, plan to come in the morning before mid-day light washes out the stones. Afternoon is good, too, though mosquitos make an appearance towards the end of the day. While avid fans of Maya archaeology could linger all day here, most visitors spend roughly an hour at Las Sepulturas.
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