August 9, 2010 |
| Road trip to Copan |
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Mountain framed by Plaza
stone work.
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We went on a four day road trip to see the Mayan Ruins up in Copan, Honduras. We traveled six hours via bus back up into the mountains of western Honduras. Our route took us up the Pan American Highway which, as mentioned previously, really has to be experienced to be believed. It is a narrow two lane road with major truck, bus and car traffic. It winds and twist down and up the mountains with mere inches between opposing traffic. Passing in these tight quarters is a harrowing experience. Truly a white knuckle experience. Alas…we did, indeed, survive!
The town of Copan is of “pueblo” style and is very colorful. There are many tourists here with the main attraction being the Mayan Ruins from the 5th through 9th centuries AD. The tourist trade brings the mountain pueblo and western cultures together producing a delightful little town with numerous eateries and cafes scattered about the cobblestone streets. Colorful, vibrant and yet “sleepy” at the same time. One can get lost in the relaxed atmosphere found here. We took a room at the Plaza Copan Hotel which is right on the common plaza (the center of the town’s activities). Air conditioning, swimming pool and the local espresso shops make for a pleasant diversion from our normal onboard lifestyle.
The main form of local travel is the Tuc Tue (three wheeled taxi). You can get anywhere around town for a couple of Lempira ( Honduran currency (19 per US Dollar)). As you’ll see in the photos the town is comprised of narrow cobblestone streets leading up and down the mountain. Three passengers per Tuc Tue and it’s a fun ride!
There will be two post to follow (one for the ruins themselves as well as one for Macaw Mountain (bird sanctuary) both in Copan).
We spent three nights before parting company with Larry and Angie. They both headed back to Roatan via stops in Tekal and LaCeiba. They took a fast ferry from LaCeiba back to Jonesville, Roatan. We will anxiously await our next meeting later in the year (in Roatan).
Now for the finale’….We arranged for an air conditioned four hour bus ride back to the Rio Dulce. First leg was to be to Rio Hondo where we would change buses to make the final leg home. Well; we got to Rio Hondo where they dropped us off on the side of the road at what, at best, could be called a dirty, hot, crowded and noisy way station along the Pan American Highway. So here we are with buses, trucks and cars flying by in 90+ degree sun blaring horns and whipping up mini dust storms. Two hours later they (the local agent for our bus company) “arranged” for our transport on a “chicken bus”. That is a non air conditioned bus (typically an old US school bus) which is packed to the limit with people, pets, bags, groceries …you name it. We were told we would have to stand for, maybe thirty minutes, before a seat would become available. Two and a half hours later (now in the dark) we were able to sit. In total the ride home was eight hours. Needless to say Homeward Bound never looked so good. In the end, however, it makes for another wonderful entry into the log and memory pool! Only in these third world countries can you create these “opportunities” for adventure! Gotta love it!
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2010
September (1)
Hurricane Mon...