The Copán Archaeological Site is the primary reason visitors come here, and it warrants at least a full day — ideally two. The Principal Group of monuments, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, and the stelae in the Great Plaza are the core sights. The site tunnels into earlier temple phases are an extra ticket that is worth paying for. The Museum of Mayan Sculpture in the town of Copán Ruinas has a full-scale replica of the Rosalila Temple.
Las Sepulturas, a second archaeological zone a short walk from the main site, shows how Copán's elite neighbourhoods were arranged and has well-preserved residential compounds. The town of Copán Ruinas itself is small and pleasant, and an evening walk around the main square and surrounding streets is worthwhile.