Owned by the same family for generations, this pretty Spanish colonial hacienda lies in the tranquil hills of the Copán Valley, directly above the world-renowned Maya ruins of Copán.
Lying on 300 acres of pristine rainforest, the century-old Hacienda San Lucas is a charming base for discovering the Copán archaeological site. Guests are accommodated in just eight simple rooms, each with a private bathroom, veranda and handcrafted cedarwood bed wrapped in an indigenous-spun bed cover. The property itself was lovingly restored and converted into an eco-lodge by owner Flavia Cueva some 20 years ago. Passionate about sustainable tourism, she also planted thousands of native trees to prevent erosion and provide habitat for the area’s wildlife.
The tiny Los Sapos Maya site lies on the property itself, but the main draw remains the mighty ruins of Copán, described by UNESCO as ‘one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization’. The site is so close to Hacienda San Lucas, you can see the temple tops from the garden. When not exploring the ruins, there are many beautiful walking trails leading from the property that will take you past centuries-old trees and meandering creeks.
You can also ride horses to nearby villages, bathe in the hot springs of Lunar Jaguar, go birdwatching or find some quiet in the meditation pavilion. Local Maya dishes are prepared the traditional way over a log stove in the kitchen, with corn tortillas made daily and ingredients sourced fresh from the market.
Hacienda San Lucas, at a glance
- Century-old hillside hacienda just minutes from the magnificent Copán ruins
- Eight simple adobe bedrooms, including six above the main house and two separate cabins
- Comfortable interiors featuring handcrafted furniture, private bathrooms and verandas
- Lit only by candles in the evening, creating a romantic atmosphere
- Home-cooked, seasonal meals prepared the old-fashioned way using a traditional log stove
- Strong sustainability focus throughout
- Warm and friendly team of staff, many of whom are from the local area
For leisure and pleasure
- Excursions to the mighty Maya ruins of Copán
- Horseback tours in the hills and to local Maya villages
- Breathtaking walking trails through the surrounding rainforest
- Excellent birding with more than 400 different species to discover
- Yoga and meditation pavilion
- Coffee plantation visits
- Bathing in the hot springs of Lunar Jaguar
