Ruins of Copan

Visit Reproductions of the Honduras Copan Ruins

The city of Copan ranks with Tikal, Chichen Itza and Palenque in splendor, and is now one of the most closely investigated of all Maya cities. At Maya Key, life-size reproductions of some of the most recognized Copan ruins will visually transport visitors to ancient Copan! Discover some secrets of the Maya without ever leaving the island.

Mayan Ball Court

The first sport in the history of the Humanity was played in the Mayan ball courts, dating at least from 2500 BC. These distinguished ball courts are a commonality in all cities throughout the Mayan world. In 300 years time, the ball court in Copan was remodeled on four different occasions and the last remodel was during the reign of “Eighteen Rabbit.” Buried below the ball court in Copan are two complete ball courts, one beneath the other.

Circular Markers for the Ball Game

King “Eighteen Rabbit” is depicted on the circular markers playing the game with God Number 0, one of the gods from the infra-world.

Macaw Heads

Since the time of the first ruler and the very first ball court, sculptures of macaw heads were the iconic markers of the ball game. The Macaws were of great importance in Copan, as their feathers were of particular value to the Mayans.

Hieroglyphic Stairs

The stairway in Copan represents the largest text in the Maya world and the entire pre-Columbian America. It is the reason why the Copan Ruins were declared a Human Patrimony in 1980. The 15th governor of Copan, Humo Caracol, had the stairway made in the year 735 A.D. At Maya Key, a perfect reproduction can be seen complete will all the intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions, which is believed to narrate the historic accomplishments of Governor Humo Caracol’s predecessors.

At Maya Key, you will find three of the famous stelas of Copan! Copan was the only city in the Maya world to have such.

Gray Stela or Stela A

Stela A is the only stela in Copan with a stone gray color and it depicts “Eighteen Rabbit”, Copan’s 13th and most notable ruler. The stela is famous for the elegant shapes carved on its façade, which is complete with an intricate headpiece, earrings, bracelets, belts and sandals on its feet.

Streaked Stela or Stela B

Stela B was the sixth stela built in 731 A.D. and was also built in the image of “Eighteen Rabbit”. The original stela is recognized by steaks in the rock across the face.

Ballplayer Stela or Stela 2

Made in the image of the 12th Governor of Copan who was also known as “Humo (smoke) Jaguar”. It was the second stela made in the year 652 A.D. In Copan, it is located in the spectator’s area of the ball court. At Maya Key, a perfect replica can be seen in this same location of the ball court.

Popol Náh

Recreated here is Copan’s very own town hall, where Mayan lords met to discuss important political, social and economic problems of their time. The distinguishing characteristic of the Popol Náh are the basket-weaved signs above the entrance doors, which identified it as being a house of the community.