Is Copan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Copan can be a very interesting place to visit, rich in Mayan history and culture. While the locals are friendly and helpful, it's wise to take usual travel precautions. For instance, avoid traveling alone at night and keep valuable belongings hidden. The site of the Copan Ruins is relatively safe as this is a key tourist area. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded places or on public transportation. Overall, attentive and smart behavior will make your visit enjoyable.

Safety rating

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Copan?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Copan is generally considered to have a moderate level of safety risks, especially for solo female travelers. Walking alone at night is strongly discouraged due to incidents of petty crime and occasional serious crimes. It is advisable to take taxis or travel in groups when venturing out after dark, and always be aware of your surroundings. A wide range of accommodations offer shuttle services, which can mitigate risks during nighttime travel. However, during the day, the central areas and main attractions tend to be safer, particularly if they are crowded.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Copan, ranges from local buses to taxi services. Local buses are inexpensive and can get crowded, posing a risk of pickpocketing, so vigilance is always required. Taxi services are generally safe but make sure to use only licensed taxis which use a meter or agree on a fare before beginning the journey. Many tourists opt for privately hired transportation for a more secure journey.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

While traveling in Copan, the incidence of street harassment is relatively low. The locals are generally friendly and respectful toward visitors. However, as with any location, it is advisable to take standard safety measures, such as avoiding isolated areas and not venturing out alone late at night. Though prevalent Spanish knowledge can increase your experiences, English is also spoken by a small number of locals. Remember, confidence and clear boundaries can impact your experience. Despite these precautions, creating positive relationships with locals can truly enrich your travel experience in Copan.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Copan is generally safe for visitors, with locals being very friendly and welcoming. However, like many other locations, there is a risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas. As always, it is recommended to stay vigilant and take regular safety precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding showing expensive items in public.
Tap water:

Tap water:Unsafe

While no serious health threat is associated with Copan' tap water, it is not generally recommended for consumption by travelers. Due to different standards of water treatment, it can often contain local microbes your body hasn't developed immunity to. This can lead to stomach or digestive problems. It is advisable to drink filtered or bottled water during your visit.

Is Copan safe to travel?

Is Copan safe right now?

Before your visit to Copan, it's essential to check travel advisories for Honduras, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States Government advises to reconsider traveling to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. Certain areas may pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 17, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Honduras due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Honduras overall, due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 23, 2024

Safety in Honduras