Page 173 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

Tourists admire Copan despite the
rain. A seafood lunch in Punta Gorda.
Dirt trails lead to partially excavated
structures in Copan.

form, appreciating the gray and brown stones covered with coffee plantation with hiking trails and a Mayan archeological
moss and vines. But the original Mayan cities were vibrant, site called Los Sapos (the Frogs). The staff prepares a bounti-
colorful places with rulers and warriors in immense feathered ful multi-course dinner of Honduran specialties served on a
headdresses and capes negotiating treaties and entertaining candlelit terrace; those lucky enough to spend the night in one
visiting royalty in regal style. The museum, with its underworld of the eight simply elegant rooms can also partake in break-
and aboveground levels and impressive collection of sculp- fast. I know where I’m staying on my next visit to Copan, which
tures and artifacts, was nearly as riveting as the outdoor site. will include time to explore other nearby Mayan sites, colonial
towns, hot springs, cloud forests and mountain villages. I’ll add
I dined that night at Hacienda San Lucas, a tranquil refuge a few days on Roatan to delve into underwater wonders. Most
on a bluff overlooking the town. The hacienda is set amid a of all, I’ll make sure I return in the dry season. u

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