Copán and the Guatemalan Caribbean

Copán was a powerful city that supported a large population for 2,000 years, finally collapsing in the 8th century. In the main group of buildings at the heart of Copán, you’ll see royal pyramids and an ancient ball court.

After staying the night in Copán, you’ll navigate the Río Dulce, one of the most popular spots for enjoying the natural beauty of Guatemala. On the way to the river, you'll have the option to stop by the Quiriguá ruins. At Quiriguá, stone steps frame a grassy plaza in the middle of a lush, tropical park. Visitors come to see the sculptural monoliths, carved with the open-mouthed faces of powerful figures.

Dense greenery covers the slopes on either side of the easy-going river. From here you’ll take a boat to Livingston, an Afro-Caribbean beach town with a white sand beach. There is plenty of time built into the tour for relaxing on the beach.

The final day of your tour begins with another boat trip, this time to Puerto Barrios. From Puerto Barrios, you have several options. You can return to Antigua, or continue your trip to the archeological site Tikal, or head to Cobán to see the natural pools and waterfalls in the area.

Set just across the border in Honduras, the Mayan site of Copán features some of the best ruins in the Mayan world. The hieroglyphic carvings here are magnificent, as are the well-restored pyramids, palaces, and stelae. The artistry at Copán is exquisite and without parallel.